The start of a new college year looms for prospective students across the US. Going to college is an adventure, but it often provokes a mixture of emotions, including anxiety, trepidation, apprehension and excitement.
As Florida colleges gear up to welcome students, here are some tips to help new pupils prepare.
Start making connections now
One of the most significant advantages of technological advances for prospective students is the ability to make connections before the start of the semester. In days gone by, it was difficult to make friends before going to college.
Now, thanks to social media, college websites and internal networks and online forums, it’s easy to meet the people who you’re going to be sharing dorms or classrooms with in advance. Start making connections as soon as possible. Join social media groups and follow feeds online, ask questions about societies and clubs you can join and try to locate people on your program. It can be reassuring to have friends before you start your studies and leave home.
Learn from others
Every year, thousands of people go to college. Every person has a unique experience, but it can be useful to talk to people who have already walked the walk and get an insight into what life at college is like. Look for blogs that discuss the ins and outs of student life and share personal experiences like those run by Stephen Troese Jr and talk to family members or friends who are at college now or have completed studies in the past. Listen to podcasts shared by people you admire.
It’s very common to find that business gurus, charity founders or leading lights in the world of healthcare, medicine, science, space exploration, fashion and sports talk about their time at college. Your experience may be totally different, but it can be beneficial to learn from others.
Understand the practicalities
We often focus on socializing and studying when talking about starting a college degree program. These may be the main priorities for most students, but it’s also beneficial to understand the practicalities of student life. Leaving the family home and living in a dorm or rented accommodation is a huge shift. It’s important to be aware of the changes that are coming your way and to prepare as best you can.
Simple things like learning a few basic recipes and figuring out how to draw up a monthly budget can make a big difference. If you know what lies ahead and you have the skills required, this will make the transition much smoother. It’s wise to research facilities and accommodation and service options so you know how campus works. Speak to students and get some advice if you have any questions or concerns.
The prospect of starting college is often daunting and exciting for prospective students. If you’re counting down the days until the semester starts, it’s beneficial to prepare in advance. Start making connections with new and existing students now, learn from others who have been through the process and make sure you understand the practicalities of moving away from home and embracing college life.
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