college 101
freshman fears
College Cold Feet
With college looming on the
horizon, you might have some
fears that leave you a little afraid
to test the collegiate waters in
the fall. Don’t let these common
nerves keep you up at night!
With this advice we hope you’ll
be ready to dive on in when
August rolls around.
Q
Will I be smart enough?
A: Proper study habits will
keep you sharp and your
grades high.
• Set up no-interruption study times.
• Listen to wordless music while studying
to avoid impromptu sing-alongs.
• Limit study groups to acquaintances to
avoid getting off topic with friends.
• Set mini-deadlines for projects so you
will not be forced to write a whole
paper the night before.
Q
What if I get homesick?
A: Homesickness will come
and go as the semester
drags on, but these tips can
help:
• Decorate your dorm room and make it
a home away from home.
• Meet people!
• Call home. Between Skype and cell
phones, contacting people far away has
never been easier!
Q
How will I make friends?
A: College is full of people,
many of whom you might
have more in common with
than you think!
• Join clubs related to your interests.
• Volunteer groups or local churches are
a great place to meet like-minded peers.
• Get to know your roommate!
• Greek life is a popular way to gain
memories and a surrogate family.
Q
by Katie Clark
Will I get along with my
roommates?
A: They can be your best
friends or, at the very least,
peaceful acquaintances.
• Compromise is key!
• Be aware of their schedules. If you
need to stay up and they want to sleep,
use a directed lamp instead of the
overhead. If you’re the early-to-bed
type, invest in an eye mask.
• Respect their space. If you’re a slob
and they like to keep things pristine,
try to clean up and don’t let your mess
spill into their area.
• Be flexible about differing opinions
and look for things you have in
common, be they movies, majors, or
hobbies, rather than your differences.
Want more roommate advice?
Check out “Finding and Being a
Good Roommate” on page 28!
Q
How do I deal with
pressure to drink/
have sex/etc?
A: Chances are, you will
encounter some peer
pressure. The key is being
prepared when the
inevitable arises.
• Avoid events that might run the risk
of making you uncomfotable. Decide
your boundaries before you go out
and have your “out,” or escape plan,
ready.
• Use the buddy system to keep you
accountable and watch your back. It
is best to travel in threes so that you
will not be alone if someone decides
to bail.
• If you feel trapped or in danger, call
the police or security. Your safety
comes first.
www.potentialmagazine.com
Parents Get College
Cold Feet Too!
Q
What if my child has
an emergency? How
do I know they will
be safe?
A: There are resources at
many schools to keep
students safe. Make
sure your teen:
• Programs the numbers for campus
security and the police into their phone.
• Knows the location of local clinics and
hospitals.
• Always carries up-to-date medical and
auto insurance.
• Knows not be afraid to call you if they
need help or advice (or bail money!)
92%
of college campuses
have sworn-in police officers to
protect their students according to
the US Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Q
How can I help my child,
and myself,
transition?
A: Letting go is hard, but an
important part of both of
your lives.
Ways to ease the blow:
• Sending care packages and cards
(everyone loves getting a “happy”).
• Give your child space, but express interest in their activities when they call.
• Develop new hobbies of your own so
you have something new to tell them
when they come home!
Summer 2016 |
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