New To College?

Does the thought of heading out to college make you squeamish? Sara Shah has a few tips that will turn your first day into cakewalk

Starting afresh in almost any aspect can be quite daunting. And around this time, starting afresh almost always involves leaving behind your school friends, who you have known for years, to make new ones in college and the starting of a whole new year in higher education. While the intellectually gifted and socially extroverted will have no qualms about fitting in, the rest of us might just be ruing one of the biggest transitions of our lives. And so, to make it easier for you, we have a few do’s and don’ts, that might just help you get through your first day at college with fewer pitfalls.

DO
Wear your best outfit. You don’t have to be dressed to the nines, but it always helps to look well turned out. Make sure to look neat and prim, but avoid going overboard with small aspects of your overall look like your perfume or your makeup. You want to appear friendly, without looking like you’re trying too hard.

DON’T
Over prepare. Even if it’s just stationary or books make sure that you’re not carrying too many things in your backpack. In all likelihood, you won’t have much to do on your first day. So focus on getting your schedule right and making some new friends.

DO
Polish up your social skills. Most people are apprehensive about approaching people on the first day of class. And so, here’s a neat trick – approach the ones that alone. It’s easier to talk to someone when they’re alone rather than talking to a whole group of people, and it will help them open up better.

DON’T
Be late. Being early to your first class will allow you to have some breathing space, and will give you time to mentally prepare you for your first day of coursework. You don’t want to be late to class, only to be told off for being late.

DO
Carry snacks. Most people don’t take kindly to the humble food arrangements made by the college canteen and so, carrying a few snacks with you always help. Not to mention, it is a sure shot way of attracting a few potential friends.

DON’T
Hesitate to explore your surroundings. Since you won’t have a lot of studying to do, you will have plenty of time to explore your surroundings. Make sure to check out all your respective classrooms, your libraries and extracurricular rooms.

Volume 5 Issue 12