Tips for College (From what I learned at my college summer camp)

Note: This is from me to me, so not everything will apply to any outside readers.

I'll just be numbering some tips from what I've learned, which will hopefully help this fall.

#1: You Can't Do This Alone! - People have said it before and I'll say it again; engineering can not be done without help. Throw away that Superiority Complex; you won't need it. In fact, it will hinder the growth of relationships. If you have the slightest sense that you don't understand something, ask for help. Don't suffer in silence, there are plenty of free resources available, so there's not really an excuse to be continually failing. Reach out to your classmates! If you're struggling with something, there's a chance a classmate may have a problem with it too. Support them and they will support you back. Your classmates could potentially become friends and/or become a powerful asset while developing your career.

#2: Careers Are Very Important! - Please visit at least one career fair. Even if you don't know what to do, talk to the representative and ask what they're looking for. Most freshmen don't get internships, but establishing rapport, familiarity, and interest will set you above other applicants. Check LinkedIn, build your resume, and attend events related to your major or field. Hackathons are especially popular as they have sponsors that look for kids like you. Also, make sure to practice interviews! Good impressions make the mark. Keep in mind, most students do not get internships until junior or senior year.

#3: Take Care of Yourself! - Remember the six dimensions of wellness? Well, let's go down the line. First, take care of your body; make sure to eat well, sleep well, bathe, and get some exercise. Take any medicines if needed, and protect yourself from diseases. Also, watch for addictive substances. Second, stay in tune with your emotions. Make sure to express yourself fully through art and other means. Don't be afraid to vent to people (with their permission, of course!) and cry. Third, talk to people! Go to social events with the goal of talking to new people each time. Talk to your roommate and build connections with those in your residence hall and floor. Do not expect to make close friends, or friends at all immediately. An adult needs to spend 50 hours of time with a person to consider them a friend. Be patient. Fourth, mentally stimulate yourself! Play games, read books, learn new things, ask questions in class, draw, etc. Fifth, maintain a healthy environment. Surround yourself with people that like you and faculty and staff that support you. Make sure to keep your dorm room clean and tidy. Also, try your best to sit outside every day, if the weather permits. Lastly, don't get lost. Know your values and morals, and don't compromise them for anything or anyone. Also, know your purpose! It will change but always have one in mind. Oh, and know your worth and stand up for yourself! Don't let everyone walk all over you.

#4: Get Involved! (And Social Stuff) - If you're bored in college, that may be a problem. Attend events and try to find your spot! The Makerspace is a good contender right now. Even if you're unsure if you'd like it, go anyway to see what's going on. This will keep you connected to the university. Also, just be kind. If you see someone struggling, help them. Greet every day with a smile. Even if you're having a bad day, you can make it better by brightening someone else's. Ask to sit with someone who's sitting alone.

#5: Finances - Be careful with your money. Be wary of scams and other shady deals. Don't hand out your credit card info. Budgeting saves money! $1,000 may not cut it for the entire semester but use it wisely. Don't borrow money from people and ask for more money from your parents politely. Don't spend your money on what will become clutter. Money should primarily be spent on food and replenishing groceries.

#6: Problem-Solving, Math, and Studying - Problem-solving is a like a muscle; it must be trained. Make sure to do a logic puzzle of the day or a minesweeper game for basic problem-solving skills. Practice makes perfect! Try problems and then fail and then try again until you master it. Review all new and old content learned when you get back from classes. Use the Pomodoro method to block out study times. Make sure to give yourself a (small) reward to motivate you to keep going. Take well-written notes, and then type them out and reread them after the lecture. Also, stay ahead in your classes! Being ahead is the goal.

#7: Stress - Yes, stress needs its own section. Stress is manageable! Don't forget that! Attend yoga classes, use breathing techniques, and meditate. Don't let the feeling sit and bubble up. Any disruption could cause a drop in grades. Make sure to pad out some time and don't fill your schedule up too much. If you feel wound up, take a break.

#8: There will be some hard days... - There will be points where you feel like you're at your lowest. When you fail, you will pick yourself up, dust yourself off, seek assistance, recover, and try again. Low points happen. Don't let them keep you down. You are your greatest enemy, but also your greatest and closest friend. Don't let it be the former. 

#9: Safety - Being safe is a priority. Use security shuttles and be aware when walking at night. If possible, always travel with one other person. If you see something, say something. Trust your gut; if a place feels unsafe, it probably is. Keep an eye on your drink and watch it be poured. Use your alarm if necessary.

#10: Don't forget to treat yourself and have fun! - Don't be afraid to order a pizza, get a sugary frappuccino, or a cookie. These things work especially well as rewards for doing well on exams! College does not have to just be classwork and studying. Use the weekends to relax and plan fun activities. Go to the pool, browse stores, have a photoshoot, partake in an event, etc. 

Good luck, future me. ᥫ᭡