The first week of college is an exciting, yet overwhelming time. If you’re feeling nervous because you aren’t quite sure what to expect, know that you are not alone. It’s important to start off the year on a good note, so I’ve created this guide with my do’s and don’ts for the first week.
DO’S:
Do learn your school’s campus and figure out where your classes are.
If you’re going to a school with a large campus, then this is a must. College campuses can be confusing so the sooner you learn your way around it, the better. I suggest mapping out your classes and taking the time to actually go to each of them so that you know where to go prior to the first day. Don’t be the person that’s late on the first day because they couldn’t find the right building or classroom.
Do leave your dorm room door open.
Leaving your door open is a great way to meet your hallmates. If you see someone else’s door open, don’t be afraid to stop by and introduce yourself. You will feel a lot better about living in your dorm if you get to know the other people living there.
Do unpack and organize your room right away.
Take advantage of the free time that you will have during your first week or two by getting your room unpacked and organized as soon as possible. This will help you to feel less overwhelmed and more comfortable in your new home.
Do find clubs to join.
Most universities have a ton of options for clubs to join and you’ll be sure to find at least one thing that you are interested in. Joining clubs is a great way to find people who have similar interests as yourself. Being involved in student organizations also looks great on a resume and can provide you with some great connections for down the road.
Do try to meet new people.
The first few weeks of school is the best time to introduce yourself to everyone you can. If you’re going to a school where there’s already a lot of people you know, try to branch out and speak to new people. Be open to hanging out with others even if you don’t think you’ll end up being best friends.
DON’TS:
Don’t stay locked away in your dorm.
If you’re more on the introverted side like myself, it can be quite exhausting meeting so many new people during the first few days on campus. It can be very tempting to avoid interacting with other people, but if you do this then you most likely will regret it later on. There are so many events and activities going on during the first week so use this as an opportunity to get to know people.
Don’t buy all of your textbooks right away.
Textbooks are expensive with prices ranging anywhere from $50 to $300. Wait until after the first week of classes to make sure that you actually need the textbooks for your classes. If you do have to buy a book, do not pay full price for it. I recommend using Chegg which is a website that allows you to rent textbooks for a semester or Amazon which also sells used books for a much cheaper price than what you might find at your school’s bookstore.
Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone.
You will miss out on a lot of amazing friendships and opportunities if you’re too afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new things, don’t be afraid to fail, don’t be afraid to reach out to people, etc. College is all about trying new things that will help you to grow and get closer to your goals in life.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
There are thousands of people who have been in the same position as you, and who are feeling the same way about their first week of college. Don’t be afraid to reach out to upperclassmen or staff members if you have any questions or concerns. College may seem scary at first, but after a couple of weeks, you will start to get into a routine and begin to feel more comfortable.
Related: How to Survive Your Freshman Year of College: Tips for a Successful Year
