Preparing for college is stressful and scary. While college orientation does help to ease some of those anxieties, if you weren’t able to make it don’t sweat it! Here are some ways to prepare without attending the long (and sometimes boring) orientation.
Since you weren’t able to make it to college orientation, you definitely did miss out on a chance to make friends. But- don’t fear! Social media is back to save the day. Let’s say you are graduating in the year 2022, go onto Facebook and search “Your College Name Class of 2022″. You should get back some results. Join the facebook page so you can connect with your class and meet some new friends! I know it may be a bit awkward at first, but you should start commenting and interacting with some of the posts! Introduce yourself and start to learn the names of your class members.
If you haven’t done so already, you should start registering for the classes that are needed for your first semester. This may have happened for students during orientation, so you should expect some of the courses to be full.
If you need assistance scheduling, or don’t know what classes you should be registering for, you can always email the registrar or your assigned advisor.
If you have already scheduled for your classes, then you might have access to your syllabus. These are super important to read! Also, be sure to hold onto these throughout the semester.
These syllabi will tell you everything you need to know about their given course. From textbooks you need to get, to assignments or projects that will be assigned throughout the duration of the class, these will act as your guide to success.
Reading these and getting the necessary materials before class is a great way to prepare and take some much-needed weight off of your shoulders on your first day.
Another advantage that college orientation groups got is the chance to roam campus, find the cool spots, and maybe even walk their schedules. Whether it’s on Google, or even your school’s website, you should be able to find a map or layout of the buildings on campus, and what each of them has to offer.
I recommend that you try to find not only the buildings that you will have classes in, but also where the best places to eat are. Whether that be the nearest coffee shop, or a place to get a quick snack in between classes, you will want to keep these spots in mind when you need more fuel after a long day of classes.
The last thing you want is to be stressing on your first day because you are lost!
This is an important step to do if you missed orientation. E-mail, call, or schedule an appointment with your advisor to get all of the information you may not have been given from your college orientation, and make sure that you didn’t miss any mandatory forms that need filled out.
Your advisor can also provide important insight and information about classes, and reaching your personal academic goals for this huge step in your life. Your advisor is there to help you transition smoothly and excel! Take advantage of that.
Remember that you aren’t the only one who is a first year student! Though other students may have been at college orientation, they are all just as nervous for the semester to start and this new life journey. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you need it.
Don’t be nervous. You should be so excited to start your newest chapter, and have the opportunity to be surrounded by so many new people!
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