If you're one of the 1000s of students heading to college for the first time, you're no doubt feeling a mix of emotions right now. You're excited to be a freshman - to take that first step to adulthood, to figure things out for yourself, ready to take on the world. You are also nervous to some degree (yes, I'll bet that you are, even if you were to try telling me otherwise). You're anxious about leaving the nest, all the comforts of home, and worried about the unknown ahead of you. What this all boils down to, inevitably, is stress.
So, how does one deal with this stress? By being as prepared as possible:
Know where your classes are, learn your schedule and try to develop a routine, familiarize yourself with campus and the town, and get to know your roommate and the others on your floor - you never know, they may become great friends and be the same crew that you'll be walking with come graduation day.
But first things first - take a deep breath. Relax. Look around you. The other freshmen are in the same boat you are, embarking on the journey that is college, the stepping stone to your future selves. Second, understand that it is OK to ask questions - don't hesitate to ask your parents, a faculty member, or even an RA or other student when you need some advice on 'life as a freshman'. In most cases, they've already "been there, done that" and can rely on their own collegiate experiences to relate to your personal situation.
Knowing that your mind is going at the speed of light and probably thinking of a million things at once, we got the ball rolling for you by asking a question of our own on Twitter over the last 10 days: "What's the best advice you could give a freshman?" The insight and advice that we received from people of all walks of life was phenomenal - teachers, parents, coaches, businessmen and women, older college students - they all responded with some really great tips and advice.
College is the time of your life...enjoy it, don't take anything for granted, and best of luck. And our last piece of advice? Read on!
(Images too small? Click on them to enlarge!)
So, how does one deal with this stress? By being as prepared as possible:
Know where your classes are, learn your schedule and try to develop a routine, familiarize yourself with campus and the town, and get to know your roommate and the others on your floor - you never know, they may become great friends and be the same crew that you'll be walking with come graduation day.
But first things first - take a deep breath. Relax. Look around you. The other freshmen are in the same boat you are, embarking on the journey that is college, the stepping stone to your future selves. Second, understand that it is OK to ask questions - don't hesitate to ask your parents, a faculty member, or even an RA or other student when you need some advice on 'life as a freshman'. In most cases, they've already "been there, done that" and can rely on their own collegiate experiences to relate to your personal situation.
Knowing that your mind is going at the speed of light and probably thinking of a million things at once, we got the ball rolling for you by asking a question of our own on Twitter over the last 10 days: "What's the best advice you could give a freshman?" The insight and advice that we received from people of all walks of life was phenomenal - teachers, parents, coaches, businessmen and women, older college students - they all responded with some really great tips and advice.
College is the time of your life...enjoy it, don't take anything for granted, and best of luck. And our last piece of advice? Read on!
(Images too small? Click on them to enlarge!)
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