That Dreaded First Week: Where Do You Start When You’re New to College?

Posted on February 26, 2016

So, you’ve made it, you’re finally in college, and you’re about to start the course you’ve studied so hard for. That’s all very well and good, and by all means, pat yourself on the back, but the hard work is about to start, and no, we’re not actually talking about the studying; the hardest part of starting college is the first few days, when you’re trying to find your feet and meet new people, making or breaking your college experience and social life.

It will be exhausting at first, it will be stressful, and you will probably be nervous to the nth degree, but you know what?

Embrace it!

It’s a fine line to walk, but get it right and you will not only have the time of your life but make the whole thing much easier as a result.

You don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb as a newbie, but it’s important to know those rookie mistakes to avoid. Here’re a few pointers.

Try And Blend In, But Not Too Much

We mentioned fine lines, and this is certainly one of them. Don’t walk around with that free t-shirt on you got from a welcome pack, and don’t walk around with a new lanyard around your neck – both of these mistakes scream ‘I’m new!’ Whilst you want to attract new attention, you don’t want to be laughed at either. Simply be yourself, and don’t try too hard.

Get Involved As Much As Possible

In the first few days you will notice there are more recruitment events for certain clubs, teams, and activities than you can handle, but make sure you throw yourself into as many that interest you as possible, because this will not only fill your time, take your mind off that ‘what have I done?’ first feeling, but will also help you meet new people much easier. On top of this, you might find a new activity you enjoy.

Don’t Forget Your Past Hobbies

College can be stressful, so it’s important to have a bit of downtime, and an activity you’ve always enjoyed. If you loved playing tennis as a kid and you carried it on, don’t ditch it now; similarly, if you loved playing the guitar, make sure that makes the journey to college with you. We all need a little bit of escape from time to time.

Get Out There And Be Sociable

There will be so many new faces you come into contact with over the first few days of arriving in college that your phone will probably be bursting with new numbers. If someone suggests meeting up for a drink or something to eat, do it! Make that phone call and arrange something. Don’t worry about looking needy, because that other person is probably just too nervous to make the call themselves. Do it and see where it takes you – you can never have too many friends.

Don’t Forget To Make Friends With Your Lecturers

We’re not suggesting you buddy up and look far too needy, but simply making yourself known in a light kind of way will help you endlessly. In school to date, you were probably known quite well by your teachers, but college is different, simply because there are far too many names for your lecturers to remember. Having a good relationship with your lecturers will help you, so establish this from the start.

Just Go For It

When you get those nervous wobbles, which the first few days will certainly be full of, remember how hard you’ve worked to get to where you are. Go for it! Embrace the experience, embrace the weirdness that occurs sometimes, laugh at the mishaps, and remember that you will look back on this experience in your older years and smile – make sure it’s everything you want it to be – go for it!