Greetings! Welcome back from summer vacation!
In my first installment of Truths and Accusations, I would like to offer some advice for incoming freshmen (and anyone else who may find it useful).
Many of you walk onto campus, minds filled with anticipation and questions as you enter this new stage of life known as college. Here are a few survival tips to help you on your way.
If you have not picked a major, the best thing to do is take some classes you think you may like. Sometimes you find something you enjoy, which helps make this decision easier. Whatever you do, do not let mom or dad pick your major for you. It is a bad idea to enter pre-med or computer science because that is your parents’ dream. You have your own dream and you know what you want to do. If you don’t, then give it time. It may take a while for you to find your niche (it took me eight major changes/modifications and five semesters).
Attend class. Even though your class may not have an attendance policy, that does not mean you have a free license to skip. It is inevitable that the professor will just happen to mention something of importance concerning the next exam on the one day you decide to sleep in.
Trust me – I’m speaking from experience. Some professors do not take roll, but it is a safe bet that they make mental notes of who is there and who is not. Also, class participation usually makes up a decent percentage of your grade. So, if you are not there, it makes it a little difficult to participate.
Talk to classmates. Become friends and exchange numbers and/or e-mails. In the event you do have to miss class, you at least have contacts to get notes and find out what is planned for the next class day.
Ask them about forming a study group, as well. You will find that a large number of your classmates will jump at this opportunity. It is a known fact that those who attend class study groups or other study sessions tend to do much better than those who do not.
If you begin to struggle with the course material, then you have many options. Student Support Services on the third floor in the Culp Center offers free tutors for most of the core classes. There are paid tutors as well. Just look at the flyers in Culp. Plus, many professors are more than willing to help you if you do not understand the material.
Again, I cannot stress the importance of talking to your professors. Whether you realize it or not, your professors really do care about you and about your performance in class. If you have problems studying, taking notes, or retaining or understanding what is covered in class, do not be afraid to say something to your professor. He or she will often bend over backwards to help you.
I have been very fortunate to have several concerned professors during my three years at East Tennessee State. If you simply talk to them, they will be more than happy to do whatever they can to help you. Keep in mind that some will even allow you to list them as references on applications for scholarships or jobs, and rsums.
One of the best bits of advice that I can give is live on campus for at least one semester. Many people love to commute or get apartments off campus, but living in a residence hall can help you adjust to college life quickly. It is also good for building interpersonal skills and long-lasting friendships. Both the residence hall staff and the office of housing and residence life sponsor many programs and activities that you would otherwise miss out on if you did not live on campus.
If you are nervous about living on campus, having a roommate, or having to walk down the hall to shower or use the facilities, rest assured you are not alone.
I have lived on campus ever since I started college in fall 1998 and I was unsure about all of these and more when I entered this university. However, my doubts and fears were alleviated within the first couple of weeks. I know that I will have fond memories of on-campus living many years down the road.
Finally, don’t feel that college is supposed to be all work and no play. Get involved!
There is a virtual plethora of clubs and organizations that you can join. Participating in an amalgamation of these groups can result in pleasure and enjoyment. Again, pay attention to flyers! These are the main form of communication about upcoming events such as speakers, concerts, programs, and activities. The Center for Student Life and Leadership in the Culp Center has plenty of information about groups on campus. Another great source for what is going on is this very paper.
So, as you begin your new life in college, keep these tips in mind. Enjoy yourself while you are here. Do not try to take on more than you know you are able to handle. The consequences of overload can be great and the burden of recovery will be much worse. Juggling school, social life and work can be a very difficult task. But, if you can manage your time wisely, college will truly be the greatest experience of your life.

Author