#collegelife – GradGuard Blog

Must-Know Tips for Incoming College Freshmen

September 27, 2021

Heading off to college is one of the most thrilling times for many young adults. With a brand-new environment, exciting new experiences, new friendships and your future ahead of you, there are plenty of things to be excited about; however, for many, this can also be an intimidating experience. If you want to enjoy your first few weeks of college and put yourself on the path to a successful future, here are a few must-know tips.

Develop a Healthy Diet Plan

Freshman fifteen is a worrisome experience for many new incoming students. You may suddenly have a whole new sense of control over what you eat and when you do. If you want to enjoy your first year at college, you need to have a plan for a health-friendly diet, which means getting the right nutrients and avoiding processed foods. Once you know your schedule, consider what a nutritious meal plan can look like and set some guidelines for yourself. Don’t forget vitamins and supplements to help keep you on track!

Explore the Campus

Another common plight of first-year students is getting lost on campus. Due to the vast exponential size of many college campuses and the newness of the territory, it can be easy to get lost and confused. The last thing you will want to do is be late or unable to find your way. If you want to make for a smoother transition, take time to explore the campus and get acclimated. Not only can this help you be on time, but it can also help you find the best eateries and cool spots to hang out on campus.

Get Organized

If you are accustomed to adults keeping you organized, college may present numerous challenges. With you being on your own for the first time, you need to learn how to get organized. Whether this is organizing your class schedule, assignments, laundry schedule or even just your room, there are plenty of areas that you need to learn how to manage on your own.

Get to Know Your Advisor

One of your greatest resources on campus is your advisor. This person is meant to help guide you and offer advice as you take on your college experience. Your job is to know when and how to ask for help. You can use this person as a sounding board and another source of support, so make sure that you prioritize cultivating a relationship with them.

Be Open to Trying New Things

College is a time of massive transition. This adjustment can take time and at times feel uncomfortable; however, if you want to make the most of your college experience, you should be open to trying new things. Introducing yourself to strangers, joining a new club or trying a new class may change your life, and all you need to do is be open to the experience. The exciting and reassuring part of this is that you can know that everyone else is experiencing the same thing.

Venturing into the collegiate experience can hold boundless opportunities and exciting experiences. With a bit of planning, preparation and intention behind your decision-making, you can assuage all of your anxieties and open yourself up to this wondrous new opportunity.

BIO: Brett Clawson has a degree in Business Management and has started a couple of small businesses. When he’s not focusing his time on those, he spends time with his wife and two sons. His oldest son has entered the wonderful realm of college, and he now enjoys sharing tips that he and his son have found essential for college life.

Student Life

How to Alleviate the Stress That Comes With Being Undecided in College

August 29, 2021

Let’s face it. There is an unrealistic amount of pressure for young adults to “know” what they want to do with the rest of their life. Before they know it, students are sitting in a college counselor’s office deciding on a major at only eighteen years old, a decision that could determine their entire future. It’s important to know that you are not alone if you feel lost about what path to follow toward your future. There will be people you meet in your careers that, at any age, will tell you they are still exploring different careers and trying to figure out what they truly want to do. Here are a few things to note that will help alleviate the stress and pressure you can feel from being undecided in college.

Many Students Will Change Their Major

Almost 75% of students will change their major at least once. Even if you feel like all your friends have it figured it out and are confident in the major they chose, chances are they will change it or adjust their emphasis before graduating. With this in mind, focus on taking your prerequisite courses that will be needed regardless of the major you choose.

Your Major Does Not Limit You to a Single Career Path

Many students believe that the major they pick will lock them down into a field where they will never be able to venture out. This is not true at all as there will be multiple career opportunities presented to you regardless of your major. A large percentage of people do not have a career in the field where they have a degree. This is not to say the knowledge that they learned from their undergraduate and graduate programs is not being utilized (as there are many ways in which those skills are valuable), but there is a sense of comfort in knowing that, for example, you can study psychology and still work in the business field.

There is No Rush in Figuring Out What to Do

There is a lot of stress put onto figuring out what to do and not enough emphasis on the importance of figuring out what we don’t want to do. Explore different jobs and internships, take unique elective class courses, and start crossing things off the list that you decide don’t feel right. Don’t get discouraged by taking up opportunities that you end up not liking, it is still a step in the right direction.

With figuring out what you want to do, looking at other students and rushing to explore your educational and future careers, it can be a lot to handle all at once as an undergraduate student. It is important to keep in mind that there is no rush to success, and everything you do is leading you towards the best path for your future.