The Freshmen’s First Day of College Life

What to prepare before facing the big university and new environment.

By: Desiree M. Manalo

After the Christmas parties, JS proms, and happy memories with your buddies, your high-school life has ended. You will be facing the new world and a new chapter in your life. New textbooks will be open and much more challenges await your skills and capabilities.

As a college freshie, it is natural to get confuse about your new school policies, the building, and become uneasy with the new environment. I created this guide which includes my shares and insights what a college freshman should prepare before the beginning of the classes.

CHOOSE THE COURSE WHAT YOU LIKE

The college courses are like foods from a menu in a restaurant. So many varieties to choose from but in college, you only have to select one course only. Don’t be confused. Your first year in college serves as your preparation for the upcoming years. You still have another chance to change your course. What is important here is that you will choose your course not because it is in-demand abroad or your friends are taking the same course too, or your parents are forcing you to take it. You have to choose the course according to what are your capabilities. Maybe, you will have to select from two courses in your liking. Choose the best where you think you can excel and may possibly help your future. You may consider your parents’ choice but let them know what you really love to do and explain them the reason why have you chosen that course.

VISIT YOUR SCHOOL

Prepare your sense of direction by dropping in your school. You have to get familiar with the important school facilities like the library, dean’s office (in high school it is equivalent to principal’s office), internet room, laboratories, gymnasium, auditorium, canteen, and the wash areas/ comfort rooms. More importantly, you don’t want to be like a lost child during the lunch breaks. Ask some school/university map from your admission if you will be entering a big university. In this way, you will not be wasting time running around the hallway or going back-and-forth of the school grounds when your class is already starting.

PREPARE YOUR SCHOOL THINGS

After you have enrolled to your chosen course, perhaps you will have knowledge how many subjects you will take for the first semester. Buy enough number of notebooks and writing materials. Don’t buy unimportant things since you still have to attend orientation in your every class.

THE FIRST DAY OF YOUR COLLEGE LIFE

Sleep early the night before your first college day. Wakeup on time. Eat your breakfast to gain enough energy. Leave the house/ dormitory an hour or two before your first class begins. If you have enough time when you arrive the school campus, roam around and review the school shortcuts and other important facilities.

When you enter your first class, sit on the first three rows of the chairs. In this way, you will have a good view from the chalk / white board and your class instructor.

If someone feels like to chat with you, don’t ignore him/her. Give a nice smile and don’t judge others easily. There is nothing wrong being friendly. If you want others to see you as a nice and approachable person, talk nicely. When your class instructor arrived and greeted the rest of you, do the same. Whenever you are obliged to introduce yourself, don’t be afraid. Introduce yourself briefly.

After the day, probably you will feel relax and enlightened.

I hope this blog helps freshmen.

Note: This blog may be updated after sometime. I don't own the pictures. I just used them as an examples. Credits to all the owners.