Going to college is a very big step for everyone. It is embarking on a new chapter of your life, a chapter that not only entails more freedom for you but also more responsibility. College is when you start preparing yourself for what you will be in the future. You need to be sure of the decisions you will make, including the major you will take because it would be a waste to spend your first years slaving in college, only to realize that it’s not what you see yourself doing for the rest of your life.
There are many realizations that I’ve had since graduating from college, and I realized that things would have been a lot easier had I know the 4 things listed below.
1. You can find the perfect college for you at MatchCollege
Some people start as early as their freshman year in high school to begin researching the colleges where they would like to go. They have researched everything from the degrees offered, what kind of dorms there are, the extracurricular activities they can get into and even the financial aid available. For those who do not have the luxury of time, there are websites like https://www.matchcollege.com that would truly help. They have access to thousands of accredited colleges and universities all over the country and you can get all the information you need in order to make the choice of where you will study.
2. You need to eliminate toxic people around you
College is the time you can break out of your shell and socialize. You will be meeting with so many people with different backgrounds and personality. It might seem overwhelming in the beginning, and you might feel swept up in the social circles. But you need to be able to distinguish which people are good for you and surround yourself with them, regardless of what their social standing in the school is. Find friends who you share a common interest with and who you know will be able to be your support system because let’s face it, your college life will be like a roller coaster with all its ups and downs.
3. Having a good relationship with your professor is good
You might hesitate at this advice, but hear me out. College is all about preparing yourself for your work life, and one of the ways to be ahead is to forge relationships with people in the industry you are eyeing and that may include your professors. Introduce yourself and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Remember that they can not only can they be your character reference, but they may even be able to connect you with people in the field you are interested in.
4. You need to take the initiative
Don’t wait for people to offer you things, look for opportunities to learn and just enjoy. As early as now, you can begin thinking of internships or taking a job connected to your future profession. Be engaged with your student life and learn to balance between academics and campus life.