College can be a struggle no matter what year you are or what degree you’re obtaining, especially when it comes to navigating academics on top of our social and personal lives. Despite the uniqueness of all of our stories of how we came to Oswego, everyone here shares one thing in common; we’re all here. However, there are some things even I wish I had known before coming to college that others may find helpful.
1. Get Involved/Join a Club!
My first semester here at Oswego was quite different from that of others. I started in the Spring of 2022 and was still 17. I wound up making friends with a few classmates from my English class and they became my main group of people I spent time with. As great as it is to meet people you share interests with, life changes in the blink of an eye. I wasn’t on campus at that time and wasn’t in any clubs. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it also isn’t a good thing. Because I wasn’t on campus and wasn’t in any clubs I wasn’t as socially active as I could have been, which would have tremendously helped me adjust and get to know the campus and the community even more. Joining a club isn’t restrictive to things that will enhance your resume, however, they also are a great way to do just that. You get to join a group of people with similar interests but in addition, you provide yourself with a stronger sense of community the more involved you are, especially sticking with a club or organization for more than a semester.
You can also use the SUNY Oswego events calendar to look up anything you may find of interest. https://calendar.oswego.edu/
2. Make your dorm room a place you want to be.
Now there are some restrictions on what you can and can’t possess, but the overall decorating and personalizing of your space is of course allowed. I find that customizing a space, especially one you’ll be in for a while, is a great way to adjust, but also provides you with a safe space you may find yourself needing throughout the semester. After all, your dorm room will be your home for the academic year and should be a place you feel comfortable and 100% safe inside. Regardless of whether or not you’re on campus, you have the right to feel at home here as a student.
3. Be grateful for the friends you already have while welcoming new ones
Many of us have great friends, some even long-term friendships. I have had many friendships in my life, with a handful of friends I would consider my best friends. People come and people go, but one thing I have heard people say is “I don’t need any more friends.” Now that is technically a true statement since yeah we don’t need new friends, however, it is nice to know the people around you, and it is also nice just to have more people to socialize with. We may be human beings but we’re also social beings. It makes sense to acknowledge that you already have great friends, but having more social connections is another great way to build a sense of community. Even just talking to and getting to know the person sitting next to you in class.
4. You don’t have to have it all figured out
I know you’ve heard this one before I promise it’s accurate. During my first semester here at Oswego, I had a completely different plan for myself than the path I am currently following. I realized where I excelled academically and where I didn’t. I wanted to push myself to study what I hated just so I could accomplish what I thought was my dream. I convinced myself that If I could get past the original stress, it would all be worth it in the end. You don’t have to have it all figured out, especially not right now, but there are going to be warning signs that something isn’t for you. For me, I was struggling greatly in one subject and excelling in another. You should listen to your brain and (I know, corny) your heart. I also realize some people have expectations from parental figures, as well as other family and outside opinions which can cause so much stress trying to display that you’re doing good, but remember whose degree this is. This is your degree. You not only have the right to an education, you have the right to decide what you receive from this education.
Listen to yourself, and the rest will eventually follow.
5. If they’ll gossip to you they’ll talk about you!
One thing many college students like to do with their friends is gossip. But is gossiping just normal behavior when hanging out with your friends and peers? Honestly, it can be dependent upon the situation, but if you notice they oftentimes are talking badly about someone behind their back but smiling in their face, you may wind up being one of the people they talk about.
It’s always good to be observant as to how people talk about others, especially those they consider friends. At the end of the day, the people meant to be your genuine friends will find their way to you. Don’t try to force a friendship that gives you nothing but negative emotions. Choose to be around people who support your growth, work toward their own, and those who are genuine.
6. Visit office hours
I know that this sounds scary especially if you’re new to college, and associate being in an instructor’s office outside of class as a sign that you’re doing badly. However, visiting office hours in college is likely to make you succeed academically. Even just once every few weeks when you have time, showing up consistently or at least more than once will show your professors that you care about how you do in their class. In any case, it will only help you do better in their courses in the future if you have them again.
7. Create a schedule
One thing that many people find helpful is creating a schedule. This can be beneficial in many aspects but in managing your time as well.
When you set aside a set time to study, do your course readings, and much more you can also free up time you would have spent procrastinating.