College Advice for 1st Years ♡

Your first year of college can be one of the most daunting yet exciting experiences of your life. You suddenly go from being surrounded by family, friends and people you know, to new faces and new responsibilities. There are many things you can do to make the transition easier but always be prepared for even tiny bumps in the road. I'm here to try and make the transition that much easier, and to prepare you for the experience as best I can.

1) Know your course

Unfortunatly many people these days just pick any course as long as they're going to college. It is very very important to know exactly what you're getting yourself in to. Do some background research before you begin the course, get to know what's expected from you, and maybe have a word with someone who has also done the same course you are about to do. The last thing you want is to arrive into a course you know nothing about and then try and force yourself to be interested.

2) Get to know your lecturers

Many of you will always have that one lecturer you can actually talk to, be it a lecturer teaching you in a small class (like me, I'm part of a small german class) or a tutorial lecturer. Let them know you exist early on, ask questions at the end of class - on your own if your not confident doing so in front of the class, and show them that you are interested. Most people wouldn't take this advice until 2nd year onwards, but you should get there early. It'll be very beneficial for you if you are ever stressed about exams or study and need to confide in them.

3) Don't doss on the 1st week

When your 1st week begins there is very little work done as you are only meeting your lecturers for the 1st time and hearing about what is expected from you. Many decide not to attend at all for some of the days as they feel they don't need to as they're not doing any work. It's crucial that you do attend because you need to get familiar with what is expected of you, and you need to become familiar with where the lecture hall/classrooms are. Remember, these are the people who set your exams.

4) Join Societies

Societies are groups formed for a particular interest (eg. German society, fashion society, food society, etc..). You are allowed join as many of them as you like, and usually each college will have a 'Society Fair' near the beginning of the year so you can meet all the societies and join them. It's a great way to make new friends, and they're also great fun too! They hold many events such as mystery tours, trips abroad, nights out, competitions, etc. I highly recommending joining at least one, as it really does help in making new friends who share the same interests as you. 

5) Leave your bedroom

If you're living with complete strangers either on or off campus you need to get to know them. Many people feel the need to hide themselves in their rooms as it acts as their protective shield. If you do that then you will never make new friends. You need to let your guard down and get to know the ones you will be living with for the rest of the year. Remember, they're in the exact same position as you. So go out into the kitchen/living area and start up a conversation (whats your name, what are you studying, where are you from, how old are you, etc..). It's hard for the 1st couple of days but it does get easier, I promise.

6) Party - But know your limits 

It's all too easy to get a little crazy in your 1st year - you have your own home, your independent, and you're free! But remember why you are there; because you have paid for college, you have paid for an education, and you have paid for a future. It's not a crime to party hard in college, as long as you always have time for your education and other things too. 

7) Explore the place you're in

Get to know the city/town you are studying in. Get adapted to the culture of it, try out the restaurants, and discover the sights! It has much more to offer to you other than just education. Try going to the cinema with a couple of friends, or out to dinner. You can have just as much fun doing that as partying hard and waking up with a headache! 

8) Lastly; communicate, communicate, communicate!! 

I cannot stress this enough. No matter how put together and confident others look on their first day, they are all just as nervous as you. Everyone wants to make friends so just take the plunge and talk to them. What's the worst that can happen? If they're rude to you then that's their problem, and if they continue to act that way to others then they'll never make friends. College is all about stepping out of your comfort zone so get ready, and go!! :)

I really hope this has helped you even the slightest bit and I'd love to hear some feedback! Good luck to everyone starting out in college in the coming weeks and just keep calm ♡

Love,

Lorna (Elle) xxx