Welcome to the next chapter of your life! This is when you can make mistakes while growing into the person you are destined to be. As a student entering my third year of college, I’ve learned a lot about what to expect and how to prepare for this new journey. Whether you’re a freshman or returning student, here are a few things I’ve learned in the past few years that may help you. If you’re a freshman, read the following information to prepare for your first year. Remember to pack the essentials! While it may be evident that you will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc., things start to add up, and it’s easy to forget the little things while trying to pack basically your whole life into a few containers. Check out the list below for a brief reminder of what to pack: Most college mattresses are twin XL, but check with your school to make sure this is true. Mattress protector, two-inch memory Foam (college mattresses tend to be pretty hard!), Sheets & comforter, shower necessities (i.e., washcloths, towels, robes, shower shoes), hygiene products, disposable utensils, cleaning products, water, snacks, and a backpack. You can also pass this list to family members who want to contribute to your collegiate experience. Gift cards will also be a necessity during this time. Prior to asking for gift cards, check out the restaurants near your school to see which restaurants you’ll need a gift card for. Having gift cards to places like Door Dash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub, and other food delivery places is crucial. Once you’ve packed your essentials, log into your school account to check your class schedule. This will tell you if classes have been dropped or changed. If you’re receiving financial aid based on a certain amount of credits, checking your schedule is even more important! If a class is dropped, it may alter the amount of credits you’ll receive, which could affect credit-based financial aid. Save a copy of the course curriculum you used this year; this will be the curriculum you’ll follow for the next four years. After you’ve checked your class schedule take a trial run of your class route. This will make the walk on your first day less stressful because you will know which direction you’re heading in. You can even invite your roommate to join you on the walk, allowing you to get to know each other better while preparing for your upcoming class schedule. Also, set an alarm for an hour before your classes; this will allow you ample time to prepare for class, stop by the cafe, and head to class without feeling rushed.
Your main priority in college is your classes, but creating lasting memories is important, too! Joining organizations on campus is crucial to your experience. This is where you will meet some of your closest friends. Most campuses host fairs that inform you about the different organizations provided for students. Visit the fair and ask professors about organizations provided for your specific major. Organizations based within your major will introduce you to new opportunities and people with similar career interests. As previously stated, your studies come first! You can always attend another party, but rarely can you make up a test or assignment. At the beginning of the semester, read your syllabus. The syllabus is your guide to assignments/ project due dates, professors’ grading, and other common questions you may have about the course. Owning a planner is crucial to keeping up with these assignments and maintaining an organized schedule. Once you receive your syllabus, write down your tasks and projects. Whether electronic or paper, the planner will help you manage assignments, projects, and extracurriculars. Time management is critical in college. Your guardians will not be there to keep you focused. Time management will reduce stress and allow you to feel prepared for day-to-day tasks. Managing your time well will prevent you from wasting time, allowing you to spend your free time having fun! Take advantage of all the events held on campus. One of the best parts of the HBCU experience is learning about black history. In many states, courses of study related to people of color are often underrepresented. Take advantage of any and every black history-centered course. Seek out all of the opportunities your campus offers! Most colleges offer study abroad programs, allowing you to continue your education in a different part of the world. Not only would this be a fantastic experience, but it would also look terrific on your resume. Lastly, ask your financial aid office about the scholarships your institution offers. Most universities o ff er scholarships based on GPA, legacy, or if you’re a returning student.
If you’re a returning student, remember it’s never too late to join an organization on campus. Whether it’s for poetry, men’s/women’s empowerment, community service, or a modeling team, you will find your people somewhere. You can also search for the organization’s Instagram to keep up with the latest meeting updates. Don’t be afraid to meet new people and branch out to different friend groups. Find people that will elevate you while also enjoying the college experience. This is your time to step out of your comfort zone. Start building your resume through internships and business opportunities on and off campus. You want to show future employers you have experience. Visit your school’s financial aid office to ask where career services are to apply for a work-study job. Work-study jobs usually are better because they follow your class and extracurricular schedule. Allowing you to attend classes and activities without worrying about scheduling conflicts. If you want to grow your faith, seek out the ministry teams held on campus. They can inform you about upcoming bible study sessions and church services. College is a time of fun and learning— learning about yourself, others, and your future career. The past couple of years have been trial and error for me, allowing me to learn more about myself in the process. Never let the setback, whether big or small, deter you from your purpose. Good luck on your journey, and stay focused on your goals!
