A Junior’s Advice to a College Freshman
Dear future college student, congratulations on making it this far! My name is Madison, and I am a junior majoring in public relations at St. John’s University.
It’s normal to feel nervous about starting college, but don’t worry—resources are available to help you succeed. In this blog post, I share valuable pieces of advice that I wish I had received when I was a college freshman.
It’s okay to enter college undecided!
Choosing a major is a decision that follows you throughout your entire college journey.
You may start college knowing exactly what you want to study, or you may have no idea—which is okay! If you are unsure what to choose, spend some time as an undecided major. Choosing a major you are uncertain about can set you back. Coming into college as an undecided major allows you to earn credits while figuring out what you want to study.
During my first year at St. John’s University, I declared a different major than I currently study. After three semesters, I realized it was not meant for me. Luckily, it was an easy, seamless transition when I switched to public relations. However, I was unable to declare a minor as I would be behind if I did so.
Related: 5 Benefits of Being an Undecided Major
Get involved on campus.
Get involved on campus as much as possible. Attending events and joining clubs or organizations introduces you to new people and gives you memorable experiences.
In my first year of college, I attended several University events. Through this, I got involved with the Red House fashion club at St. John’s, and today, I am recognized as an executive board member and their public relations chair. This experience has allowed me to make new friends and provided many connections I can use now or postcollege.
Related: Seven Ways to Elevate Your College Experience
Keep yourself organized.
College is fast-paced; as students, we constantly get important dates and reminders thrown at us.
I always found it best to keep a planner to stay on top of it all. I often tell myself I will remember something and then completely forget about it. Using a planner assists in future reminders and allows you to reflect on previous entries if needed.
Make your physical and mental health a priority.
During college, your mental and physical health may not be prioritized as much as it should be. Boosting your mental and physical health can include occasional exercise, journaling, meditation, taking a rest day, etc.
Throughout my college journey, I have found that exercising and journaling are the best ways to stay on top of my health while maintaining a busy schedule. Colleges and universities often provide many helpful resources you should use to boost your physical and mental health, including recreation facilities, counselors, yoga or meditation classes, and more.
Find your community on campus.
Having a community of friends on campus makes college enjoyable and can help you feel more comfortable while away from home. Making friends in college is not as difficult as it may seem; universities host many events and opportunities to get students together from all over.
During my first year of college, I met many people in my classes, the dining hall, my dorm, and even just talking to people I saw around campus. Putting yourself out there may be scary, but trust me, everyone wants to meet new people!
Related: How to Make Friends in College: 5 Practical Tips
Video Spotlight: My Day in the Life as a St. John's Student
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the college journey is different for everyone. There will be ups and downs, but it will surely be a memorable experience. Getting involved on campus, staying organized, and prioritizing my health are just a few ways that I have been successful so far on my college journey. Take advantage of the many resources and people who will guide you along the way.
Here are a few great resources available at St. John’s University:
- Need some extra support? Visit St. John’s Center for Counseling and Consultation.
- Interested in participating in exercise classes or intramural sports? Explore St. John’s Campus Recreation.
- For peer tutoring services, learn about the St. John’s University Learning Commons.
- For any résumé or career-related resources, visit St. John’s University Career Services.
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