By Herman Whitaker, Platt College – Alhambra
Congratulations! You made it and yes it happened. You are a new high school graduate. As a dad of twins who are new high school graduates and as someone who has worked in higher education for over thirty-four years, I often hear the comments, “I can’t believe it is over” or “it hasn’t really sunk in,” and yet here we are. College is the next new chapter in life, and it can be exciting, but also stressful and overwhelming.
The transition from high school to your first year of college or transferring from one college to another can be stressful, daunting, and fearful, as well as the adventure of a lifetime. It is a time to explore the possibilities these new experiences and relationships can create. The following are some ideas about how to reduce stress and hopefully make the transition a little less hectic.
1. Explore Campus Resources: Familiarize yourself with all the resources available on campus, such as libraries, academic support centers, career services, health services, and student organizations. These resources can provide valuable support and opportunities throughout your college journey.
2. Get to Know Your Professors: Build relationships with your professors by attending office hours, participating actively in class discussions, and seeking their advice. They can provide mentorship, academic guidance, and potentially open doors to research opportunities or internships.
3. Time Management and Planning: Develop good time management skills by creating schedules or using planners to organize study time, classes, and extracurricular activities. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts can make overwhelming assignments feel more achievable.
4. Explore Career Paths: Begin exploring potential career paths early on by attending career fairs, informational interviews, and workshops offered by your college’s career services office. Consider part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities related to your interests and career goals in the community or on campus.
5. Budget and Financial Planning: Learn to manage your finances responsibly by creating a budget for your expenses, including tuition, books, housing, food, and leisure activities. Explore opportunities for scholarships, grants, part-time jobs and student discounts to help offset costs.
6. Stay Healthy and Balanced: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress effectively. Balance your academic commitments with social activities and hobbies to prevent burnout and promote overall well-being.
7. Develop Good Study Habits and Stay Organized: Establish good study habits early. College classes will be significantly different from high school. Attending classes regularly, taking thorough notes, reviewing materials consistently, and looking for opportunities to engage your professors for better clarification when needed can be incredibly helpful. Experiment with different study techniques. Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and important dates using a planner or digital calendar. Don’t procrastinate or wait until deadlines are looming before getting started. Organize your study space to minimize clutter.
8. Set Academic and Personal Goals: Take the time to clearly define both short-term and long-term goals for your academic and personal life. Setting goals can help you stay motivated and focused, whether it’s achieving a certain GPA, participating in research, or joining a club.
9. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Respect and appreciate the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds within your college community. Engage in conversations and activities that promote inclusivity and cultural awareness.
10. Have Fun and Explore Your Interests: Most importantly, give yourself permission to have fun. College is a time to explore new interests, hobbies, and passions. Attend campus events, join clubs, sports teams, and participate in activities that enrich your college experience and help you connect with others.
By proactively engaging in these activities and adopting a sense of curiosity, exploration and adventure, new college students can navigate their transition smoothly and make the most of their new college experience.
