College Tips From A Graduating Senior

By Hailey Mayewski 

Contributing Writer  

As my days in college quickly come to an end, I have been spending a lot of time reflecting on the past four years. While I am proud of my accomplishments, I still wish I had someone in my freshman year giving me advice. A “big sister” type of knowledge. So, I decided that I will be that “big sister” to you. Here are 10 tips I wish I knew entering college. 

1. Physically Walk Through Your Schedule The Day Before: 

Usually, your first-ever college schedule will be made by the school. This is fine, however, as a freshman, you do not know where anything is. Trust me, you do not want to be the sweaty kid running around buildings on your first day of college. Instead, plan to go to campus the day before classes start and walk through your entire schedule in order. This will help you feel comfortable on the first day because you will already know where you are going, and how long it takes to get from one class to the next. 

2. Don’t Pressure Yourself To Graduate In Four Years:

I will be graduating in the traditional four years, however I have several friends who will not be, and that is perfectly fine. This is not highschool, so everyone is on a different schedule. It does not matter how many years it takes to get the degree, all that matters is that you have it. 

3. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask “Dumb” Questions:

I remember being terrified to ask questions in classes during my first semester. I thought everyone would judge me. Turns out, no one will care that you ask a question, I promise. Honestly, someone will probably be glad you asked it because they were wondering themself. 

4. Don’t Be Scared To Change Your Major:

I did not change my major, but I know plenty of people who did. There is absolutely no shame in deciding that something is not for you. College is where we come to learn, so finding out you don’t like your original major, is a whole learning experience in itself. 

5. Commuters: Practice Different Ways To Get To School:

There is currently an immense amount of construction surrounding Montclair State, which has made commuting the past four years a struggle. Some days roads are closed, some days exits are closed, some days bridges are completely gone (yeah, that one through me for a loop.) Moral of the story is, practice lots of different ways to get there. Try highways, backroads and even maybe take the bus once or twice. 

6. Be Ok To Saying “No” And Holding Your Ground. (Especially In Group Projects):

We have all been there. The dreaded group project in the Gen Ed class. If you’re like me, you probably end up doing all of the work for the group because you care more about the grade than your own sanity sometimes (which I do not recommend). But, it is very important to stand your ground and tell your group that everyone must do their part because you will not be doing everyone’s work for them. This one is much easier said than done, but I believe in you. Just remember to be kind, and consider that everyone has a lot going on too.    

7. Be Able To Recognize When You Are Overwhelmed And Approaching Burnout:

I’m not going to lie. You are probably going to get very overwhelmed at some point in your college experience. Finals week can be very daunting. Make sure that you are self regulating. Visit the on-campus services. Mental health should not be taken lightly. If you need to take a break for health reasons, reach out to professors and let them know what is going on. At the end of the day, your mental health should come before any grade or project. 

8. Always Bring An Emergency Kit With You:

This is mainly for commuters, but residents can do this too. Some days you may be in class for eight hours straight. It is important to carry all the things that you may need in case of any last minute emergencies like: 

-pads/tampons 

-change of clothes 

-mints 

-hairties 

-advil 

-chapstick 

-deodorant 

-perfume 

-hand sanitiser 

-lotion

-snacks 

-etc. 

9. Talk To “Strangers” In Your Classes:

I know, “stranger danger,” I think this too. But, I encourage you to talk to the people around you in class. You can become friends, or even just help eachother out with homework. It makes coming to class fun because you get to see someone you are friendly with. 

10. Have Fun:

My freshman year was rudely interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. We spent the rest of that semester and another whole year pretty much on Zoom. While I feel like my college experience was cut short, I still feel like there was more I could have done to have more fun. I was a commuter so I didn’t spend too much extra time on campus, and sometimes I regret that. Fun doesn’t have to be crazy parties or anything, it can simply be joining a club or even participating in some of the on-campus events. 

I hope these tips help you in your college experience. 

Well, here we are, the last words I’ll ever write for Her Campus Montclair. With a tear in my eye, I will leave you with this, enjoy your time in college, because it really does go by so fast.

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