Is the first week of college an exciting time? Sure. However, you shouldn’t feel alone if the idea of starting college scares you a little bit.
You’re probably moving to a new place with new people. This may be the first time in your life you’re not under the supervision of a parent or guardian as well. It makes sense to feel a little intimidated.
That’s not to say you have to. By keeping these first week of college tips in mind, you’ll be much more likely to ensure what can be a scarier experience is actually thoroughly enjoyable.
3 Need-to-Know Tips for Your First Week of College
Consider Skipping the Parties
It’s a good idea to try socializing during your first week in college to some degree. Yes, it can be tough to put yourself out there, but many college students make their initial friend groups during the first week (although those friend groups will likely change and develop over the next few years). If you don’t socialize early, over the next few weeks you might start to feel as though everyone has already made their friends and you can’t break into their social groups now.
That said, you may want to consider avoiding the big college parties during the first week of college. It’s not uncommon for new college students to “overindulge” at their first college parties. At the very least, this could result in you embarrassing yourself. In some cases, students overindulge so much that they end up making poor decisions that lead to expulsion (and even legal trouble).
There are many reasons this often happens. Some new college students learn everything they know about college parties from pop culture, and thus assume they’re “supposed” to drink or take drugs to excess during them. Some students believe drinking a lot will help them feel less anxious about the experience. Others are simply celebrating the start of a new experience, and go overboard as a result.
There will be plenty of opportunities to party during the next few years. Now is a good time to socialize in more “low-key” ways.
Get Organized
You also need to consider your academic future during the first week of college. If you neglect certain practical details early, you may struggle to catch up later.
Familiarize yourself with the campus to ensure you know when and where your classes are. Get all your books and other necessary materials now. Create a rough schedule you can stick to throughout the week to ensure you don’t fall behind on assignments. These tasks may not be fun, but in the long run, you’ll be glad you handled them sooner rather than later.
Look Into Clubs
During the first week or two of college, many campus clubs and organizations hold informational sessions for those interested in joining. Look into your options and attend some of them. Joining clubs is a great way to make friends in college. Even if you don’t join some of the clubs you look into, attending these informational sessions also gives you another chance to socialize in a healthy and responsible way.
The main point to keep in mind is that the first week of college can be intimidating, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. You’ll be far more likely to enjoy the experience if you remember these essential tips.