Survival Tips for Your First Year At Morrison Tech

 (tips straight from students who’ve survived)

College can be one of the most exciting, fun and happy experiences of your life.  College may also come with , stress, anxiety and you may be lonely at times.

This is your chance to start fresh.  You may have been a class president, star athlete or received poor grades. None of these matter - you will start college with a clean slate.  This will be your chance to receive good grades, gain independence and face tough decisions. College is your first step into adulthood.  

Here are a few tips from Morrison Tech students to help you survive your first year of college academically, socially and mentally

SOCIALLY

• Get out and meet new people - this may be one of the hardest things to do your first few weeks.  It is easy to stay in your room and play video games, do not take the easy route.  Talk to people you meet, say hi as you pass your peers in the hall or meet them in class.  You never know, maybe one of these people will turn out to be a best friend.
• Be yourself - do not change your ethics to please others or to fit in.  There are plenty of people on campus that share your same beliefs.  Stay true to yourself.
• Get involved - there are many groups and activities on campus; join a few.  If there is not a group or event that interests you, consider forming one yourself.  This is a great way to show leadership
• Be open minded - college is a diverse place where you can meet students from many backgrounds.  Be open to change, not only at college but back home as well.
• Roommates - respect your roommate and their space.  Discuss issues before they turn into bigger problems.  Create a roommate agreement and do your best to stick to it; when and who will take out the garbage, create a timeline to clean the room, come to an agreement about visitors…
• Roomates - find one that can cook!

ACADEMICALLY

• Attend orientations - We know this seems boring and perhaps redundant.  However, orientations cover a lot of basic information you may not be aware of.  Missing an orientation may start you off on the wrong foot, attending one will give you the tools to succeed in college
• Go to class - seems obvious, right?  Remember your primary job is that of a student.  Sleeping in and skipping that 8am class is tempting.  You always receive some critical information in class.  You may also miss a pop quiz; yes they do that in college.  A bigger problem is that you may fall behind. Catching up when you are behind is tougher than you think
• Form study groups - it is easier to motivate yourself if you form a study group for classes.  A study group will also help you become accountable. It will help you stay on top of classes and homework. Remember, three, four or fifteen heads are better than one
• Ask for help - there is no shame in asking for help.  If you are struggling in a class speak to your Instructor, Advisor or request a free tutor.  Remember that everyone is here to help you succeed
• Get to know Career Services - you attended college to better yourself and to give yourself more opportunities in employment.  This office will have information about job openings and internship opportunities. You can also get help with writing a resume and tips on interviewing.  You do not have to be a soon to be graduate to utilize this service, be proactive with your goals.

MENTALLY

• Stress - you can count on having stress your first few months.  Take precautions to reduce it. Eat a few healthy meals each week.  Stay active. Exercise has many benefits, both physically and mentally.  Try not to sweat the small stuff.
• Sleep - getting enough sleep helps in many ways, it will help with stress, anxiety and mental clarity.  Staying up all night with your roommate seems like a great idea but in the morning you will kick yourself.  There may not be enough coffee in the world to get you going. Take responsibility for your health and sleep appropriately.
• Set up a communication plan with back home - your parents and friends may worry about you if they do not hear from you on a regular basis.  Before you leave home, define your “regular basis” Today we have various forms of communication; phone calls, texting, skype, facetime, facebook, twitter, snapchat…  Pick one and stick to it. Believe it or not, communication with your parents will help make the transition easier
• Seek help - if you cannot kick the homesickness, attend class, feel isolated or just to get  a grip on your stress and anxiety reach out to others. Speak to someone you feel comfortable with; an instructor, college staff members or outside help.  Remember, you do not have to face these issues alone.

While college may seem overwhelming, remember that you and your classmates are all on this journey together. The bottom line is, trust yourself - you got this!