10 Things You Need to Know About College

Story by Alexa Gonzalez Munoz

1. Campus Tours.

The first week of school can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re navigating an unfamiliar environment. What better way to ease those nerves than by scheduling a campus tour today? Many schools offer tours for incoming students, giving you a head start on navigating your new environment. Not only will you learn where your classes are, but you’ll also discover facilities that offer essential student services and support.

Can’t make it? No worries! Many schools will have staff stationed around the campus to help guide you to where you need to be. Don’t be afraid to ask your peers as well.

2. First Week Activities.

Schools recognize that the first week of college can feel overwhelming for new students, so they aim to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment to help ease those first-week nerves. To do this, many schools host activities and events at the beginning of the semester. It’s not only a great way to get familiar with your new school, but also an amazing opportunity to connect with your fellow peers.

3. Greater Independence and Responsibility.

Starting college not only marks the next step toward your future, but it also means gaining greater independence and responsibility. Reflecting on this change, Sahory, a 19-year-old freshman, says, “I became more independent. I didn’t have to raise my hand.” She adds, “This is where you realize ‘oh this is on me.’” As Sahory shares, you’re no longer required to do things like raise your hand to leave class. At the same time, it’s now up to you to stay on top of your responsibilities and make decisions for yourself. It may seem overwhelming, but you’ve got this.

4. Don’t Be Intimidated by Your Professors.

Professors may seem intimidating at first, but that’s far from the truth. Alondra, a 21-year-old fourth-year student, shares, “Professors aren’t nearly as strict as high school teachers claim they are. In fact, a majority of them are usually understanding and are laid-back.” While they do expect you to be responsible and put in effort, most professors are approachable and flexible, as they understand that life happens. Professors also don’t just see you as students - they also see you as adults and treat you with that same level of respect.  

5. Office Hours.

Professors are dedicated to making sure students like you succeed. To ensure this, many of them offer office hours where you can ask questions, go over class material, and receive extra help. Office hours are not only there to help and support students academically, but many professors are also fine with students stopping by just to have a little chat. Be sure to check your syllabus to find out when their office hours are and schedule a time to stop by.

6. Student Service Centers.

Need some extra help? Check to see if your college has student service centers. These centers often go unnoticed, but they’re a great resource for getting additional help with school. They may offer tutoring or services to help you revise essays, resumes, and more. You might also find support beyond academics, including mental health resources, career services, and other helpful areas.

7. Prep Week Activities.

Not only do some schools offer activities during the first week, but they also host activities during prep week to help students unwind before finals. Finals season can be stressful, but many schools provide a full week of stress-relief activities to help ease the stress. These can range from relaxing art sessions to enjoyable experiences, such as interacting with animals.

You might not even need to worry about attending classes during prep week. Many schools will cancel classes for the week to give students the time they need to study and prepare for finals.

8. No One Has It All Figured Out.

Although it may seem like everyone has it all figured out, the truth is, most people don’t. For Aylinne, a 21-year-old third-year student, college is about growth. She shares, “You don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. College is a journey of discovering who you are, what you care about, and how you want to make an impact.” And that couldn’t be more true. You’ll soon realize that many of your peers are still uncertain about their future, but as Aylinne said, that is what college is for.

9. Student Discounts.

College is expensive, which is why it’s important to look for ways to save. One great way to save is to take advantage of student discounts. Many students are unaware of this, but several companies offer special deals and discounts exclusively to students. It never hurts to ask if the establishment you’re shopping at provides a student discount. Shopping online? Scroll down the page and you might find a link for a student discount. Another great way to find deals and savings is by checking out websites like UNIDAYS and Student Beans.

10. Check Before You Buy Your Textbooks.

Speaking of saving money, textbooks can also be expensive. Before purchasing your textbook, it’s a good idea to explore options to save money. Start by referencing your syllabus or by asking your professor if a brand-new book is preferred. If not, consider more budget-friendly options like buying a used copy - either through your school’s bookstore or websites like Amazon. Renting your book is another great alternative and is often more affordable. You might also find digital versions of the book at a lower price.