College Freshman

Transitioning from high school to college is a big step. The classes are usually large and foreign looking. The tuition and fees with their inherent odyssey through mountains of forms and regulations can be the first step toward intimidation to those not prepared. Bookstores and dorms and facing a syllabus for the first time is enough to make almost any 18 year old panic. Moving out of the house and away from family and friends is also a daunting task to many college freshmen. If unprepared for all this change it must seem like taking a walk down the plank and off into an abyss. Yet there are ways to avoid this sinking feeling. Many many people have trod these paths before and survived. The trick is to think ahead, use common sense, prepare in advance, and listen to the parents.

The first step after being accepted to an institution of higher learning is to pour a lot of effort into obtaining the finances that for tuition, books, room and board, and incidentals. Research All available forms of finances from scholarships to grants to loans. Leave no stone unturned as there is assistance available from many institutions including the government and from private sectors. Hours spent researching the Internet or at libraries even at the local chamber of commerce will pay off by hopefully providing a worry free college experience at least as it relates to finances. And then of course there are the parents.

The next step is accommodation. It may be pretty tough moving from the room and home that has probably been a safe haven and source of love, support, and security for so many years. Moving to a dorm will offer a more structured environment than say moving into an apartment or house with several friends. The dorm is chock full of people going through exactly the same things as everyone else in this experience. There is usually an upper class-man Residential Assistant (RA) to each floor that is there to help and guide through the early days. There are meal plans and social events as well as rules and regulations related to dorm living that will provide some support and security to the freshman. Plus being in a social setting may help combat the inevitable home sickness that many college rookies understandably feel. Some dorm rooms are completely furnished with just about everything needed for activities of daily living but others are spartan indeed. Find out exactly what is needed to make the transition from home life to dorm life such as bedding, telephones, televisions etc.

Next examine schedules and classes as well as each syllabus. Purchase all supplies and textbooks needed before classes began. Fix any glitches with the appropriate adviser. Walk around campus and search for classrooms and assigned buildings. Travel around town again, of course the freshman has been here previously right? Familiarization is important to feeling secure.

And bring along the parents If not to put your nerves to rest at least it will help theirs. Bring any siblings too. This experience can be shared with them and will help them if and when they attend college.