So, it's fall once again. School is back in session, and young and old, traditional and non-traditional students are starting degree programs (or returning to ones) as a new semester begins.
As someone who's gone through the academic calendar a few times, I decided to write something for newer students: You got this. I have faith in you. Whatever your circumstances... whether you're facing academic probation or worried about why you got a B on an otherwise stellar transcript full of As. The first thing to remember is that whatever your situation is, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I'm serious. You are not alone; whatever you're going through, support and resources are available.
So, let's talk about a few things to watch out for as you start (or return) to college or graduate school. Specifically, I want to share TEN bits of advice that I wish someone had shared with me back when I was starting college for the first time.
Burnout: This one could be more obvious. Especially as the term is only just beginning, it's better to be aware of burnout going into the term. Watch for it, be mindful of it, know what it is, and take steps to mitigate it in advance. Check out the CDC website to learn more about it and what to look for.
Overpromising & (possibly) underdelivering: It's no secret that college is an exciting environment. Therefore, it is entirely possible to focus on too many things simultaneously. While, at the same time, not focusing enough on the things that truly matter. Know and understand your limits before committing your time, effort, and energy to something that won't make a difference in the grand scheme.
ASK for help: Seriously, people are not telepathic. Unless you ask for help, nobody will know you're struggling. And even if they do know you're struggling, they may not want to offer any unsolicited advice. So, if you need help, ask for it!
Use office hours: Alright, so your professors will likely have "office hours," but nobody ever took the time to explain what this meant when I was going to college. That's what I'm hoping to do here. If you've never utilized office hours, then the most straightforward way to think of it is a time your professor has set aside to get to know you. If you choose to use said office hours, you may also get to know them and learn about their expectations of students and the nuances of what they look for in assignment submissions. Using office hours also ties into Number 3. It's a good way of asking for help directly from the individual giving you your grade.
Take advantage of nature: If you can, spend time in nature. Take a walk. Spend time in parks. Hang out with your dog or cat (yes, that counts too). Do something to get your mind off the schoolwork and take a breather. The best part is that taking advantage of nature is (usually) free.
Ties that bind: School life can get busy. Remember your roots, especially if you're trying to balance studying with having a social life. Don't ignore family members you are close to or friends who may be in other states (or even other countries) that you consider essential people in your life. Make time for them, and try to keep close ties with them.
Cold & SADness: The world can seem bleak sometimes. Especially if you live in an area of the country where it snows a lot and everything turns to a sea of white/grey during the winter months of fall. Interestingly enough, there's a diagnosable condition called SAD. According to the NIMH, if "you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior whenever the seasons change, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression." - Why do I bring this topic up? It's because I'm a firm believer in the following statement: You don't know what you don't know. Knowing what to look for, what to be aware of, and awareness of the condition is half the battle, after all!
Therapy & Mental health: I'd like to preface what I'm about to write by stating that I fully understand that healthcare in this country (USA) is viewed as a privilege, not a right. This is doubly so as far as mental healthcare is concerned. Having said that, if you are struggling, if you notice your grades starting to slip, or if you experience major life events, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional! If you don't have insurance, or if therapy is too expensive, please seek community resources or even your friends for help! But whatever you do, do not suffer in silence. Make sure to check directly with your school, as some colleges provide therapists to their students at no extra cost.
The Coffee Trap: Look, I know from personal experience how easy it is to fall into the trap of coffee + all-nighter = decent grade! I'm here to tell you that you NEED sleep. Sleep is non-negotiable, and I promise you will regret sacrificing sleep for anything else.
Mindfulness and chronicling: Finally, it is essential to document your time at school. It's not going to last forever, after all. Writing a journal or even starting a photo/video account on a website like Instagram or YouTube may be a good idea to chronicle your years in school—both the good and the not-so-good times. It DOES NOT have to be a public account unless you want it to be. I'm suggesting you do this more for yourself, more so than anyone else.
And that's it. That's ten thoughts I wanted to share that I wish someone had shared with me when I was starting college for the first time.
The best of luck to you in your academic pursuits!