Transitioning to College

Now that you’ve made it to college it might seem like all the hard work is behind you, but its really just beginning! Don’t worry the fun is beginning too, but keep reading to make sure you are ready to make the most of your time in college.

The first year of college is the most difficult for most students. Adjusting to living on your own, navigating new systems and meeting new people can be challenging. Not to mention the academics! Its important for you to connect with resources on your campus as soon as you arrive. Check out tips for succeeding in college here, and read below for a list of things to do over the summer, important people to know on campus, and resources to connect with.

If you are the first student in your family to go to college, the transition can be more overwhelming. You aren’t alone! Click here to learn how other students in your situation adjusted to college.

Summer Reminders

Over the summer make sure to keep checking your email and mail regularly. Your college will probably send you registration information, housing forms, and bills over the summer. Some of this communication might need a quick response, so make sure to open anything you receive immediately.

If you plan to do WorkStudy or find a different job on campus it is a good idea to contact the student employment office over the summer. Campus jobs can go fast, try to get a head start.

If your college offers a summer program or orientation for first year students, go! These programs are a great opportunity to get familiar with the campus and make friends before classes start.

Helpful Campus Resources

Bursars or Business Office: Some colleges call this the Business Office, others the Bursars. To you, it means the office you send your money to. This is the office you should contact if you think you won’t be able to pay your full bill on time. They often offer payment plan options and can help you figure out what your options are. If you aren’t sure you will be able to pay your bill don’t wait until the last minute, contact this office and the Financial Aid Office immediately.

Financial Aid Office: The financial aid process doesn’t stop when you get to college, you must reapply for financial aid each year. When you arrive on campus connect with the Financial Aid Office and ask about financial aid deadlines for existing students, they are often different then those for prospective students.  Make friends with the Financial Aid Office, they are there to help students!

WorkStudy or Student Employment Office: Student employment is usually separate from the Financial Aid office. This is where you should go to find out about WorkStudy jobs and other forms of student employment on campus. If you plan to work, make sure to visit this office as soon as you get on campus.

Advising and Academic Support Services: All colleges make sure students have access to an advisor, but they usually won’t seek you out. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your adviser during the first week of classes for advice on choosing classes and adjusting to college level work.  Meet with your adviser at least once a semester to make sure you are taking the right classes for your major and are on schedule to graduate on time.

You should also talk with your adviser, or student academic services, if you are having difficulty in any of your classes. Free tutoring or study sessions should be available for all of your classes. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help! Successful college students acknowledge when they are struggling in a class and find assistance before their grades suffer.

Writing Center: For many first year students, learning how to write college level papers can be one of the greatest challenges. Most colleges have writing centers that can help all students improve their writing skills.

Counseling and Health Services: Campus counseling services can help you with the non-academic challenges that can make college difficult. Counselors can help you make sure you are taking care of yourself, eating well, sleeping well, and managing stress. They also help students deal with homesickness, depression, anxiety, roommate  problems, etc. If you aren’t feeling well or need to see a doctor contact Health Services, some campus health centers have doctors on staff, others may be able to refer you to a local doctor’s office or clinic.

Residential Services or Housing Office: If you are having difficulties with a roommate or a housing problem first talk with your Residential Adviser (RA). RA’s are usually juniors and seniors, their job is to be a resource to students in their dorms. If your RA can’t help, contact the Housing Office.

Career Counseling: The Career Office can help you learn how to write cover letters, help you with your resume, and connect you with summer job and internship opportunities. Don’t wait until your senior year to stop in! The sooner you start building work experience, the easier it will be to find a job after graduation.

Athletic Facilities: A great perk of being a student is access to the campus gym. Students usually have free access to campus athletic facilities. Go check it out!

The Library and Computer Labs: If you don’t have your own computer, stop in at the library and ask for a list of all the student computer labs on campus. Colleges have computers all over campus in a variety of settings that are open for students to use.

Librarians are not only there to help you find computers, they also help students learn how to research and find the materials they need in the library. If you aren’t sure how to start researching for a paper ask to schedule a time with a librarian to talk about researching strategies.