How to survive your first month of classes

Ah, the month of August. The air is getting cooler, the corn is growing tall, the humidity is disappearing…and it’s time to go back to school. As you make the transition from swimming pools and sunbathing to lecture halls and homework, you may be in need of a couple tips to help you survive that first month back.

Show up to class
It’s always extremely tempting to blow off the first few weeks of class, but once you finally decide to show up, you’ll realize you’ve already dug yourself into a hole. Those classes in the beginning will provide you with an overview of the course and the expectations you’ll need to meet if you want to succeed. If you aren’t there for those first few days, you’ll miss that information. Plus, college is expensive! You don’t want to pay for something that you aren’t even utilizing.

Branch out

Don’t be like Sam.

Meeting new people and making new friends can be great! Typically, during the first few weeks of classes, colleges and universities have a fair with all of the on-campus student organizations. Check out that fair. Network with new people and see if there are any organizations you’d be interested in joining. Student involvement looks great on a resume and can help broaden your professional network.

Also, try to talk to the people in your class. During my first year of college, I was guilty of sitting in the same seat every day in all of my classes and avoiding all conversation. As I started to get more comfortable, I began to get to know my classmates and developed friendships that still last today!

Be yourself

One of the most important things to remember as you begin a new school year is to stay true to who you are. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and have fun.

*Bonus from Billy Madison* – Cherish it

College goes by so fast. One second, you’re pulling an all-nighter in the library, and the next you’re clocking in to your 9-5. I know the first weeks of school feel rough, but you’ll soon look back to that time as some of the most exciting and rewarding times of your life. So, live it up, have fun and cherish these moments!