10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before Starting College

By Victoria Berggren on July 25, 2016

sea-king.net

1. Bring shower shoes.

What do you get when dozens of students share one bathroom? You get a petri dish of a washroom.

According to a study conducted by the Simmons College Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community, “shower floors were the most contaminated surface in college dormitories.”

Nearly half of shower floors tested in the study contained traces of fecal matter and bacteria that causes infections such as strep throat and scarlet fever.

Talk about gross. But one way to avoid soaking ankle deep in bacteria and feces is to bring shower shoes. For about $20 you can spare yourself from a plethora of diseases.

2. Invest in earplugs and sleeping masks.

Thought living with siblings was noisy? Try living with 50. Even if every single college dorm resident used their inside voices at all times it would still be difficult to concentrate or get a good night’s sleep. Every roommate has a different schedule, lifestyle, and sleeping pattern. A study conducted by the American College Health association found that 40 percent of students felt rested only two days a week.

Avoiding sleep deprivation is more than just getting your homework done early. Investing in earplugs and sleeping masks is the perfect solution for a light-sleeper and a roommate to co-exist peacefully.

3. Buy textbooks before classes start.

Before you even sit down in your first class buy your books ahead of time. If you know you will not be changing your schedule, buying online will save you time, money and aggravation.

Imagine Black Friday shopping without the sales and you get to the bookstore during the first week of classes. Lines can be upwards of two hours and it is likely they will run out of the books you need. If you do happen to find all your books in the school store, they cost nearly twice as much as buying them on Amazon or renting them.

4. Make an outline of your four years.

So many students nowadays struggle to complete college in four years. In fact, according to the Department of Education, fewer than 40 percent of students who enter college each year graduate within four years.

Making an outline of all the classes you need to take in the next four years will help you stay on track and avoid that one G.E. from slipping through the cracks and pushing back your graduation.

5. Research on-campus organizations.

A common feeling among freshman is loneliness. Leaving your friends, family, and comfort zone can be an isolating experience. One way to ensure an easier transition and a gateway to meeting new people is to join clubs. Researching your school’s on-campus organizations is a great way to meet like-minded people.

6. Label and lock possessions.

Thefts happen all the time. According to the Department of Education, there are approximately 11,000 reported robberies in dormitories each year. Most frequently stolen items are bikes, backpacks, computers, and writing utensils, so label and lock everything.

7. Bring a first aid/medicine kit.

The first time you get sick in college is a really big shock. When living in a dorm, it’s weird not having mom or dad take care of you. To avoid miserably scouring the medicine aisle with a fever and chills during flu season, be prepared and have a little first aid/medicine kit on hand. Make sure to pack the essentials like Advil and Nyquil. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver.

8. Map out classes.

The first day of classes can be really overwhelming and stressful. If you map out a general idea of where your buildings are and what room you are in before class, you will save yourself from the awkward moment of being the kid that walks in 30 minutes late to the first lecture.

9. Sit in the front of the classroom.

Be engaged the first day of class. Raise your hand, answer questions, and sit in the front of the class. Make sure the professor knows you are excited and serious about their course. You will earn major brownie points. Building a relationship with your teacher is key to getting a good grade in the class.

10. Research healthy food options.

Everyone is terrified of the freshman 15. Don’t panic. The side effects of eating on a college meal plan do not have to include weight gain. Look up yummy, affordable, healthy recipes to make yourself. And if you are eating on campus, steer clear of the endless buffet of dessert and lean towards the healthier options. Treat yourself once in while, but your body will thank you for making healthy food choices.

And of course, just be you! Everyone has a different college experience. Things will take trial and error but know that everything will work out.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format