This is part of a series of columns this month written by Arts & Sciences Student Ambassadors.
New students, before you keep reading, I need you to do one thing: take everything you think you know about college and throw it out the window.
The stories you’ve heard, the articles you’ve read, the TikToks you’ve watched – they don’t define your experience. Not because they’re wrong, but because, as cliche as it sounds, your college journey will be entirely your own and nobody can predict how it might unfold.
That being said, there are things that can help prepare you for your next four years of college. With help from current college students, here are my top three pieces of advice for first years:
Say “Yes”
My high school English teacher was the first to tell me “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Honestly, I never truly understood what he meant until I came to Cornell.
While I had the same group of friends for the past four years of high school, at Cornell I had to start over. Even though I wanted to meet new people, there were several moments when I nearly talked myself out of going to random dinners or club meetings where I didn’t know anyone. Had I done that, I probably wouldn’t have met the people I now call my best friends. There are many interesting people at Cornell, but if you don’t take a chance and put yourself out there, you’ll never get the chance to meet them.
Saying “yes” doesn’t mean forcing yourself into every social event that comes your way, but it does mean recognizing the difference between genuinely not wanting to do something and simply feeling uncomfortable. Growth happens in those uncomfortable moments, and sometimes all it takes is one small step outside of your comfort zone to open doors you never expected.
Ask for help
If you think you’re a procrastinator, I promise you, I’m worse. I outlined, started and finished my first essay in college six hours before the deadline. To no one’s surprise but my own, I failed.
After going through the five stages of grief, I reached the final step: acceptance. I understood my grade was entirely my doing and I did the only thing left to do, ask for help. I met with my teaching assistant about two weeks before my next essay was due and together, we figured out where I could improve. With plenty of time to revise, I submitted my second essay a couple of days before the deadline and my grade significantly improved.
I know it can be intimidating, but don’t be afraid to ask for help: go to office hours, build relationships with your professors, go to the Learning Strategies Center for extra tutoring, and, most importantly, don’t start an assignment the day it’s due.
Add Some Fun to Your Week
Routines are good at building consistency and time management, but we all know they can get tiresome. Especially in college, with our busy schedules, it can be hard to build an enjoyable routine.
That’s why I believe that every student should add something to their weekly schedule to look forward to. Maybe it’s going to the gym for 30 minutes a day, having a spa night or reading a book for fun. Whatever it is, prioritize this time as much as you do your studying.
Taking care of your physical and mental health is just as important as academics. So, when it’s time for this activity, put away your books, step away from your laptop and give yourself permission to recharge.
Whatever feelings you’re having about starting college, they’re completely valid, and I can’t tell you what's going to happen. What I can tell you is this: going in with a positive mindset is key to success. So, embrace the discomfort that comes with growth, ask for help when you need it, and always make time for yourself.
College is a lot more than classes and grades, it’s about building good habits, making friends and all the while taking care of yourself. Keep these tips in mind as you begin your first year of college, and remember, your experience is yours to shape!
