Many first-year students and transfer students struggle with the transition to college life. I am here to share some tips and spark ideas on how to help make your college life easier. Whether you’re adjusting to a new school, choosing your major or just trying to find your place, this article will give you a clearer mindset for your college experience down the road.
Coming to college is a big step, but when it comes to transferring to a new school it can feel like a bigger challenge. My new path to Lakeland University was filled with excitement, doubt and mostly growth. When I came, it felt like I was a new kid all over again, stepping into an unfamiliar environment and seeing what I could do to fit in. Now looking back, my first year here at Lakeland was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had the opportunity to join the football team, make new friends and share the field with my brother. There were highs and lows down the road of my first semester here at Lakeland, but each challenge helped shape my path.
Registration
When coming to Lakeland, I wanted to be on top with my classes. I suggest meeting with your advisor early before next semester, so you can get the classes you would like.
Another thing is having balance in your schedule, coming into college as a first year can be a lot when trying to find a schedule for classes you need for your major and electives. Lakeland provides course catalogs and tools to help you make your schedule by just going to Lakeland.edu and searching up the academic catalog.
Registration dates come up fast, so it’s very important to get the registration done as soon as possible. Setting reminders helped me a ton.
Career Paths
Mainly first-year students, when coming into college, tend to know what they want to do, but it is also common for new students to come into college not knowing what they want to do with their life. Starting with general education like electives or courses in different areas can help you discover what interests you.
Meeting with your advisors and professors can be a key part of gaining some insight into different paths of careers. Don’t be scared to reach out! Lakeland offers career counseling, internships and assessments to help you find the right path that fits you.
Getting active in the community, whether it’s joining a club on campus, an internship you applied for or real-world experience, can help you decide if a major is right for you. College is about growth, and having changes in your road is normal. Many students switch majors knowing that their first choice wasn’t the right fit.
Time Management
Managing your time and being organized are very important to having a successful college experience. Many students use a planner or utilize the calendar features on Blackboard to manage deadlines. Routines are also helpful in balancing classes and free time. I tend to break my assignments into steps, so I don’t feel rushed and avoid last-minute stress.
Do not hesitate to ask for help. Professors and tutors are here to help, and they want you to succeed. Study groups also provide valuable support. Networking with peers and professors can help you build meaningful connections. What makes it easier is to find that support system whether it’s teammates, classmates or roommates to make college fun and enjoyable.
Whether you’re going to be a first-year student or transferring from another school, college is more than just class and exams. It’s about growth, challenges and new experiences. Staying open to change, seeking support when needed and taking advantage of every opportunity is very important. Lakeland is a welcoming community. There are many ways to get involved and resources to help you succeed. College is hard, but through a strong support system and the right mindset, you can change from nervous to confident and make your college experience a great time.
