A Guide to Starting Your First College Semester Out Right

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Starting your first college semester can be stressful, especially with the pressures of new expectations and responsibilities. You no longer have the safety net of high school or parents that check in on you regularly. You must prove yourself as an independent adult, not just a kid learning about independence for the first time.

Know the Layout of Your Campus.

The first few days of your first semester on campus will be busy settling in and meeting others. You will have very little time to get the lay of your campus, but you will want to. You will want to know where your classes are, where to find the student services you’ll need, and how long it will take you to get from point A to point B. If you have a smartphone, always download the school’s app to access this information. If not, get this information from an upper-level student as soon as you are settled in.

Get to Know Your Dorm Room, Roommate(s), and Co-Ed Bathrooms.

Starting a new semester can feel like being new to high school again, so you want to ensure you feel comfortable in your new living space. If you’ve been randomly assigned a roommate, get to know them. Find out what they like, what they don’t like, and what they’re studying. Having a roommate is a great way to learn how to get along with people who have different personalities than you. You’ll have even more space if you choose an excellent apartment such as Kennesaw State University student housing while attending college. This allows for you to live in the right kind of environment and be nearby campus. You can share the apartment while still having your own room as well. 

When living in close quarters, it’s also a great idea to make a list of rules for the room. This is a great way for everyone to feel like they have a say in the room, and it’s also a good way to avoid conflict and keep your stuff safe. Bathrooms can be embarrassing, especially co-ed bathrooms. If you’re shy, investing in a curtain or door for your stall might be a good idea. If you’re not, it might be good to talk to your friends about how you can make the bathroom less embarrassing.

Attend Orientation and Meet with your Counselor.

Orientation is a great way to start your first semester with a bang. You will meet people and get to know your campus while getting important information. You can also use this to meet with your counselor to get any academic help you may need. If you’re a parent, know that your child does not have to wait until they’re on campus to meet with their counselor. It’s possible to set up a meeting with your child’s counselor before they go to be pre-approved for services, have any testing done, etc. This will be very helpful if your child struggles academically or with emotional or physical issues that may affect their success. Even if you feel like your child is on top of it, meeting with the counselor and setting up a plan can help you both feel more prepared and less anxious about the transition.

Don’t be afraid to ask for Help.

The first semester can be stressful, especially if you’re nervous about your classes or feeling overwhelmed. It’s not weak to ask for help if you need it. If you need more time to complete an assignment, need help understanding the syllabus, or are struggling emotionally, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your professors, counselor, and peers are there to help. It’s important to know where to go for help. If you’re struggling academically, you should go to your professor. If you’re struggling mentally, you must go to the counseling center, and if you’re struggling financially, it’s important to go to the financial aid office. If you’re struggling relationally, it’s important to go to your R.A. or peer mentor.

Conclusion

Starting off your first semester right will make the rest of your semester run more smoothly. It will help you feel more confident and less anxious about your new schedule and responsibilities. It will also help you get to know your campus and classmates better, making the rest of your semester much more enjoyable.