Embarking on the journey from high school to college is a hugeeee step that signifies the shift in your academic, personal, and social life. It may be frightening but don’t worry I got your back!
As my final days of high school drew to a halt and college neared closer, a mix of excitement, apprehension, and curiosity filled my mind. To be honest, I was not feeling prepared.
In this blog post, we will delve into the transformative process of the transition from high school to college, uncovering the challenges, opportunities, and growth that await students as they begin an exhilarating new chapter of their lives.
Discover the keys to successfully embracing the adventure that lies ahead with these simple steps!
And if you are wondering what you’ll need to move and settle in, check out these posts:
Life-changing College Dorm Room Essentials to Help You Flourish
College Move-In Day- Prevent the Hassle
College Laundry Must-Haves Under $10
Cool College Organization Ideas Under $10
Powerful College Cleaning Must-Haves Under $10
The Steps to Transition from High School to College:
Be Positive
The first step to becoming an expert in college is to be positive!
You want to embrace this new chapter of your life with hopefulness.
If you start with a positive outlook then everything good will flow to you. Trust me, I have experienced this myself.
The above statement is backed up by this wonderful post: here
Start by practicing with this gratitude journal. I use this one myself!
Reach Out
Reach out to fellow students attending the college! Whether they are already a student or an incoming student, it will be good to know people before you get there.
Social media is an amazing tool for connecting with people from all over.
Use it to your advantage! Trust me your transition from high school to college will be easier this way.
Follow the school’s Instagram accounts, the incoming class accounts (ex. Co28), and any other social media like Discord, Twitter, TikTok, etc!
There are even some apps like GroupMe where incoming students can join and talk with other freshmen all about their first year.
Research the Campus
Before you get to campus, you’ll want to know where you are going and what the surrounding areas are like. Is there a college town by your campus or are you in the middle of nowhere (this sounds funny, but my school is a dirt road and cows LOL)
Does your college area have easily accessible transportation or will you need a car?
If that, does your college allow first years to have a car or will you need to prove a reason to have one?
Additionally, where are you living? Are you living in the dorms, apartment, or house?
I know all of these questions can be overwhelming but just remember that you need an answer to these questions before you start school.
Solution: The solution to all of these questions would be to take a tour of the campus! This tour would have a tour guide that is an expert in the college and the surrounding areas.
You can ask them any questions that you may have and even about their own college experience.
This will give you an idea of how most students find their way around the campus and surrounding areas.
Plus, you could keep in touch with the tour guide to have someone you know at the school during your transition from high school to college. Remember, they were once in your shoes!
Know Your Resources
Knowing your resources goes hand in hand with the tour.
You’ll want to know where all of the important buildings on campus are and what each one is for.
For example, you’ll want to know where the housing office is in case you ever get locked out of your dorm!
Another important building is the library/libraries. This is where you can focus to get those straight A’s!
You’ll also probably want to know where the health office is in the common chance that you are sick and need medication/ a checkup.
Your first year of college is when your immune system is really tested. Be prepared for that!
I swear by this Emergen-C
Lastly, when you get your class schedule you will need to find where your classroom/ lab buildings are so you don’t get lost on the first day of school.
Create a Schedule and Stick with it
Once you have your schedule and a general idea of where you are going you’ll want to create a schedule and stick with it.
Make sure to create a schedule that works for you or else you’ll never follow it and your transition from high school to college will be ROUGH.
If you aren’t a morning person, trust me you probably won’t become one in your first semester of college.
- GO TO CLASS
- I literally can’t stress this enough. If you don’t go to class don’t expect to get an A. So many professors don’t share their lectures/slides outside of class time.
- GO TO OFFICE HOURS
- Also, very important. If you don’t ask for help when you need it then you aren’t getting the full use out of your tuition.
- Even just getting to know your professor will give you a headstart.
- CREATE A MORNING/ NIGHT ROUTINE
- Routines will prevent burnout in college. It’s such a new environment that you will want to have a set schedule in order to even make it to class/ get your work done.
- GET A PLANNER
- In order to create a schedule with class blocks, breaks, and anything else fit into your day you will need a planner.
- Planners are the holy grail of college. I promise.
Try an academic planner like this one. I love how much space it has!
Stay involved
Be involved on your campus! Definitely don’t join every club but join the ones you are interested in.
Clubs/ Organizations are an amazing way to meet new people and feel more connected to your campus.
If you’re thinking about joining a Greek organization then check out my sorority post here.
Also, take advantage of all the welcome events, tabling days, and holiday events. They will always have free goodies and food.
Who doesn’t want free food? The dining hall isn’t good and you know that. 😉
Study Relax Study
Finally, make sure to take time for yourself. The transition from high school to college isn’t easy so self-care is the sure way to get you through your first year.
Along with self-care is the importance of mental health. If you happen to feel lonely in college check out my post here.
Be sure to make friends and spend time with them making memories.
Whether that’s going on walks, having movie nights, study sessions, meals together, or even going to parties you’ll want to take a break from just school.
Yes, you’re a student but you’re also an adult, away from home! Cherish these moments because in a few short years, you’ll be graduating and leaving all of it behind.
As always, I hope you enjoyed reading this post on how to smoothly transition from high school to college.
If you are looking for more posts related to starting to college check them out here:
Life-changing College Dorm Room Essentials to Help You Flourish
10 Stunning Purple Dorm Room Decorations
10 Must-Have Cozy Dorm Room Chairs
Foolproof Dorm Desk Essentials to Increase Productivity
College Move-In Day- Prevent the Hassle
Easy College Classes for a Stress-Free Semester
How Scholarships Changed My Life Forever !! {Easy Money}
As always, thank you for reading.
With love,
Stay Snazzy
Snazzygabby
