Starting college is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life, but it can also be daunting. You will likely be moving far away from family and friends and it’s probably your first experience living alone. While the prospect of moving to a completely new state may seem scary, it’s important to remember that you’re going to start working towards your life goals and have lots of incredible experiences. To help you adjust to college life, here are four tips for students starting college.
1. Understand Student Accommodation
Most college students are guaranteed a place in residential on-campus housing during their first year. This gives you the chance to meet other freshmen and get involved in lots of fun activities while having the security of staying on campus. Most campus accommodation involves living with a roommate, although it may be possible to book a private room at an additional cost.
Some colleges even ask students to complete a questionnaire to help match them with a compatible roommate. If you don’t want to stay in residential housing on campus, then you may be able to arrange your own accommodation. If you choose this option, then be sure to look for quality housing close to campus. Student accommodation Bournemouth typically offers students multi-bedroom houses with all utility bills included in the monthly rental price.
2. Take Part in Early Events
Attending events early on allows you to meet people on campus and build relationships with your peers. Try to attend all events on offer during orientation, even if they don’t seem particularly fun or relevant. Remember that these events are designed to help you socialize, get familiar with the campus, and prepare you for academic success — so try not to miss out. Make sure you arrive on campus early and try not to miss any activities in the first semesters. Being present will help you settle into your new accommodation and feel more involved with your college.
3. Avoid Skipping Class
A major part of college is having fun new experiences and making friends, but you mustn’t forget the main reason why you’re there — to study. Missing classes can have a hugely negative impact on your overall academic success. You are spending a lot of money going to college, so don’t waste that by skipping classes. A study by USA Today College found that missing classes could cost you more than $24,960 over four years! The cost of skipping class quickly adds up, so make an effort to attend every class possible. Remember that your main goal in college is to graduate, so make sure you work hard and balance your social life and studies.
4. Create a Monthly Budget
You must manage your finances well at college or your risk getting into debt and financial troubles later on. Before you go to college, set yourself a realistic budget which includes living costs, study equipment, and money for social activities. Refer to your budget regularly throughout the month to make sure that you’re not overspending. Remember to never borrow more money than you need. It may seem like free money, but you will need to pay it back at some point. The less debt you leave college with, the better.