Are you ready for college? Learning how to survive freshman year is a challenge for everybody. However, there are some skills you can bring with you that will make your adjustment easier. Here are a few academic, social, and living skills you should know before your first semester freshman year.
Academic Skills
Note taking. Sadly, many students come to school without a solid understanding of how to take notes in class. Here's some important information about how to take effective notes.
Citing sources. Did your high school English teacher show you how to cite sources in a paper, and how to write a bibliography correctly? If not, ask for a tutorial. Your college professors will expect you to know how to do this.
Outlining. You may be asked to write and turn in an outline for your composition of public speaking class. But even if you're not, the ability to outline well makes it much easier to write a paper.
Backing up your computer data The computer has become the new "dog," and your professor does not want to hear that the computer ate your paper. Come to college with an efficient system for backing up everything you write on your computer--and use the system every time.
Writing lab reports. Did your science teachers teach you how to write a lab report that's important for a college course? If you're taking a science class with a lab, it's essential that you know how to do this.
Social Skills
Confrontation. Living with a college roommate is a challenge, as is living with a floor full of strangers. It's important to know how to stand up for yourself in a way that's both diplomatic and effective.
How to avoid drama. As you already know from high school, your social life will be much more pleasant if you avoid causing and getting caught up in drama. Remember, years from now, nobody is going to care that so-and-so dated so-and-so and that so-and-so said blah blah blah about so-and-so, and so forth.
How to avoid gossip. This goes hand-in-hand with avoiding drama. Learn to keep your mouth shut and you'll avoid trouble. This is especially important if you live in a dorm, where staying away from someone you've offended is difficult.
Alcohol safety basics. If you're going to drink, it's very important to understand the dangers of binge drinking. It's also important to always drink with people you trust and to use the "buddy' system to look out for each other.
Sexual violence safety basics. Did you know that 20 to 25 percent of women are raped while they are in college? Know the facts. Here's some important information about sexual violence and college students.
Living Skills
Basic hygiene. This requires no explanation.
Laundry. If you're lucky enough to have a parent who did this for you throughout your childhood, thank them-- and ask for a crash course. With a few pointers, you'll be washing and drying your clothes without a single disaster involving the color pink in no time. While you're at it, ask for an ironing lesson too.
Balancing a checkbook. It's a shame that all high schools don't make sure students understand this simple and important skills. Make sure your parents explain this to you before you leave.
Enjoy your freshman year! Remember, you've got a lot to learn, so be patient with yourself.
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