By Angela Eastman and Jennie Fitzgerald

Starting college this year? Then no doubt your stress level is pretty up there…but no worries, you’re not alone, and we’ve got some tips that’ll help make the start of your four years (or five…or six) of higher education pretty bearable…maybe even enjoyable!

Fitting In

Everyone has those anxious jitters when they’re thrown into a completely new environment. One thing to remember ~ EVERYONE is in the same shoes! That said; introduce yourself to as many people during orientation and the following weeks as you can. Leave your door open, it’s a nice way to say “Come on in!” Don’t be scared that you won’t be as cool as you were in high school ~ besides, coolness ratings are different in college.

Most likely, your college is at least 3 times bigger than your high school ~ so yes, you’re going to get lost a few times. Don’t worry about it! All you have to do is ask, it’s that simple. People are there to help you and professors are usually pretty understanding about tardiness (when it’s because you’ve wound up on the wrong end of campus…again) for the first three classes or so.

Food

You’re cheap. And broke. There’s a great combination. So what do you do when you just can’t stomach the thought of one more caf meal? You can always hit the local grocery store for snacks and quick meals ~ just take the time to shop carefully so you can make the most of special offers Sign up for those special discount swipe cards, too, that give you 2 for 1 discounts or really steep price reductions. Local markets run some great 10 for $10 sales, too, on everything from chips to…yes, Ramen noodles!

Also, get to know the local pubs (of course some may only let you in if you’re 21) and restaurants ~ a lot have free wing night or 2 for 1 appetizer specials. Coupons work, too ~ places like D’Angelo’s or your local pizza place will often have college specials. If you have a fridge in your room, learn the fine art of saving leftovers!!!

When all else fails, wrap up some food from the caf and stuff it in your pocket. You’ll look like a squirrel storing food for the winter, but hey, it’s free~

Entertainment

Colleges usually have movie/game nights for students, but if their choices are lame you can always choose from your own collection or organize a movie night with friends. Matinees are still cheaper than late nights, so make an evening in front of the big screen and get out of your smelly dorm!

Don’t underestimate the college’s activities. One of the best ways to meet people in a cash setting is to have fun and GET INVOLVED! If everyone on your floor is going to Wednesday night Bingo, an open-mic night, or too catch a local band, GO! It might not be your idea of the perfect night out, but you’ll be surprised how much better you feel when you’re a part of the campus ~ and you might actually have fun!

Roommates

Ahh,the dreaded topic. So, remember filling out those forms of your likes and dislikes, expecting to get a roommate perfectly matched to you? Well, it doesn’t quite work that way. You see, people lie…a lot. Go to bed at 11 every night? Try 2am on a good night. Non-drinker? Puh-leaze. Neat? Haven’t been able to find the bed for a month. Before you head off to school, make sure you actually call/email/meet the person who will be sharing your personal space for the next 8 months. It’s better to find out now that they’re crazy rather than have a bomb dropped on you halfway through midterms.
But seriously, one thing I can say is… communication is key! You’ll be best friends in the beginning until you realize he/she has a funny stench, talks, cries, and argues with their significant other until 4 hours before your 8am class, or simply has no consideration for poor, little, you. It happens, but he or she will appreciate your dealing with things like an adult instead of getting revenge by eating the last pop-tart or short-sheeting the bed! If you understand and respect each other, everything else will work itself out. Also keep in mind that your roommate is just for THIS year ~ you’re not stuck together forever.

Plus, if you follow my other instructions, you’ll be too busy having fun outside of your dorm to stress about what’s going on in it!

Beware the Pitfalls

You’re bound to hit some bumps along your journey; it won’t all be smooth sailing, so…

Manage your Money: You’ve saved all summer and now you’re down to a measly $100. Watch what you’re spending it on and keep track of everything. If your friends are going to the mall for new outfits, don’t go…or go but physically leave your credit card/ATM card at home if you know your willpower will crumble.. It’s hard, I know, but so is being so broke that you can’t even take that last $7 out of your account.

Manage your Time: You’ll have so many things to do and you’ll be asking where the day went. Invest in a school agenda or planner and live by it! Don’t put things off until the night before, trust me; it will just get you more stressed and the quality of your work will suffer…and that’s not what your folks are paying $30K + for, right? All you procrastinators out there, I’m talking to you ~ Throw that bad habit out your window and don’t let it back in.

DO NOT skip your classes: Ok, well don’t miss more than 3, and even for those you’d better have a really good reason. Most colleges have a limit before the professors can take points off your final grade or even fail you, so choose wisely before you decide to sleep in; it’s really not worth it. You’ll miss out on important information and fall behind before you can say “Snooze.” Also, email or contact your professor ~ most are very understanding and will appreciate your sense of responsibility.

Sleep is important: We’ve all heard about heinous all-nighters, but honestly I’ve never had to pull one and don’t plan on it. Sleep will get you more prepared for a big test than will studying (and then forgetting) the material all night through blurry eyes. Again, everything in moderation ~ study what you can, have fun responsibly, and get enough sleep to function well!

Stay Happy

Above all, remember that college is an experience and a privilege, not a chore or a punishment. Develop, grow, enjoy, and be true to yourself, that’s what college is about! It can get overwhelming ~ so organize yourself, surround yourself with people who support you, and enjoy the ride. Take an extracurricular class that you normally wouldn’t, stay active by taking advantage of the FREE gym or intramural sports, eat healthy, sleep, and get involved. In short, make the most out of this experience and remember that you’ll be going through a lot of the same things that your classmates are, so never feel alone.