College is nothing like high school. Teachers and friends will tell you how different the two levels of education are, but you never really understand it until you’re a freshman in college. I’m still learning myself, but here are a few tips that got me through most of my first year (some may surprise you!).
1. It’s okay to be late to class.
In high school, your teachers will tell you that being late is the worst thing you could do. But most of the time, college professors are understanding. They know that things happen and there are many different reasons you could be late. Maybe you woke up late or there were no open showers in your communal bathroom. Especially at Rutgers, everyone knows that the bus system is unreliable and wonky (which makes it very difficult to be on time). So don’t get extremely stressed if you’re late for one or two classes. Just don’t make being late a habit. Even if the professor doesn’t take attendance, being late all the time can still make you look bad.
2. You don’t need to ask to go to the bathroom.
This one might seem obvious, but it's not to a lot of people when they first come to college. In high school, you’re always taught to ask permission before doing anything. But in college, you’re an adult and are expected to act like one. You don’t need permission to do something as simple as going to the bathroom. So please don’t be that person who asks on the first day (a.k.a. Varenya, founder of GenZ).
3. Don’t bring your whole wardrobe to your dorm.
It may be tempting, but you don’t need to bring every article of clothing you own. First of all, trying to bring all those clothes to your dorm room will be a hassle. Then, you have to figure out how to organize them, which can be an even bigger nightmare. It’s unlikely that you’ll wear all the clothes you bring, so save yourself the trouble and only bring the essentials. (Also, I don’t have much experience with this, but my sources tell me that you should only bring shoes that are easy to put on.)
4. Talk to everyone and anyone.
It may seem daunting to talk to new people at first, but you need to remember that everyone else is feeling the same way. I believe that this actually makes it easier to meet new people because people are willing to talk to anyone. Even people who you think you could never be friends with at first glance could end up being your best friends. Additionally, talking to people can help you get the connections you need for jobs, internships, and research opportunities. It’s up to you to start the conversation.
5. When you don’t know, ASK!
This is a big one. In college, you need to be brave enough to ask questions when you don’t know what you’re doing. What most people don’t realize is that if you have a question, other people probably have the same one. People—whether it be professors, peers, or other faculty—are always willing to help. In order to succeed you have to ask questions.
These are just a few essential tips to help anyone out there who’s struggling or anxious about college. One more tip: don’t let the stress of your first year get to you. I know moving to a new place, talking to new people, and figuring out your way around campus can be tough, but, believe me, you will be fine in the end. It may take some time for you to find your place in a new community, but trust the process and everything will fall into place over time. Your freshman year will fly by a lot quicker than you think. Enjoy every laugh, cry, memory, and moment. One day you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come.
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