10 College Tips for Freshman Women

10 College Tips for Freshman Women The best advice usually comes from someone whos been there, done that. So for guidance on how to make the most of your first year at college, who better to ask than a graduating senior? Emma Bilello shares insights shaped by personal experience in the first of three articles addressing the specific concerns of female students during freshman year. The following 10 tips can help ease the transition from high school to college and provide a heads-up on what to expect. Remember That First Impressions Can Be Misleading   At college, you are exposed to a whole new spectrum of different people from all over, many of whom are just as eager as you to make friends. Sometimes, though, the people you associate with during those first few weeks dont end up being the same group of friends you keep during your time in college. Get to know a person before you tell them things about yourself that you may not want everyone to know. This can go for guys you encounter as well. You may find yourself getting hurt if you believe a guy every time he tells you that he wants to spend the rest of his life with you. It is important, though, to not question the intentions of every person you meet. Give the College Experience a Chance Whether were talking about the people you meet or the college you attend, keep in mind that first impressions are not only misleading but can make you doubt yourself and your decision. Between missing your family and friends, and confronting the new-found academic challenges higher education brings, it is easy to believe that you hate college itself, or even the college you go to. While it may be rough in the beginning, if you allow yourself to look at the positives of being at college rather than the negatives, you will find your experience in the first few months to be a lot more enjoyable. Get involved with clubs or student government and go to events at your school to make new friends and get comfortable with the new environment youre in. Look at the change in difficulty of the coursework as challenging rather than impossible, and think of it as an opportunity to use your academic skills to their fullest potential. Of course, if you find yourself constantly struggling, seek help from your professor or teaching assistant. Dont Let Homesickness Consume You While its important to keep in contact with your family and friends back home, it is also completely natural (and expected) that youll be homesick. When we woke up the very first morning of my freshman year, the first thing we did was call home because we already missed our family. However, it is crucial not to immerse yourself in your life back home to the point where it begins to hinder your school work and your ability to make new friends. Cell phones, social networking sites, and programs such as Skype make it easier than ever to stay connected, but be sure to limit your use of these tools. Remember that there are plenty of other new college students who feel the exact same way you do (this may even be grounds for starting a conversation) and it will be hard to get to know some of them if youre ruminating on how much you want to be back home. Prioritize There are a lot of new experiences waiting for a girl when she starts college: new friends, roommates, different places, etc. With all of these new things happening all at once, it can be easy to get distracted. Although it is important to socialize and engage in activities outside of academic areas, it is equally important to remember that one of the main reasons you are in college is to get an education. Although going shopping with new friends is a lot more appealing than studying for an exam, in the long run the latter is the better choice. Similarly, avoiding procrastination is another often-stressed but key tip for being successful in college. If you develop time management skills as a freshman, even if you struggled in high school you are more than likely to keep these good habits throughout your college career. Be Aware of Your Surroundings This sounds like a given, but in a situation involving lots of people, it can be easy to lose track of what may be happening around you. If you are drinking at a party, opt to mix or pour your own drink or watch the person who is doing the mixing or pouring. If you have to step away from your drink for a few minutes, ask someone you trust to guard it or even hold it for you. Whether youre with a group or on your own, knowing what types of situations may put you at greater risk of rape or sexual assault on campus can help you avoid those scenarios. Go with your gut instincts and dont be afraid to look over your shoulder every once in a while when you are walking, especially if you are alone. Take Action to Protect Yourself   If you engage in consensual sexual activity at any time, make sure that you use protection. It is important to make sure that your partner is aware that you want to take this precaution upfront. If he refuses to condone to this, then simply dont get involved with him. Make sure you stand your ground with this decision too; dont give into the temptation of changing your mind if your partner tries to persuade you otherwise, or even if he verbally puts you down. Unwanted pregnancy is not the only reason for this; according to the Sexual Health Awareness Group, college students have a high vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases. More and more colleges across the country are making condoms easily accessible to students some even provide them for free. Dont Be Afraid to Say No   We have found that college can sometimes be just as much of a cooker for peer pressure as high school, and it can be easier to give in because there isnt always a person of authority in close proximity. If you find yourself in a situation that is making you even a little uncomfortable or if you feel that it might lead to something that will make you uncomfortable, dont be afraid to say no or even remove yourself from the situation entirely. Be Wise During Night Time Travels   At times, you may find yourself having to venture around your campus at night, whether its for an evening class or a late-night snack. Whatever the reason, if you find yourself having to walk somewhere at night, bring a friend with you whenever possible. If this isnt an option,  make sure you have your cell phone with you  and have your campuss security number programmed in your phone. Walk in a well-lit area and avoid shortcuts that take you into dark or less-traveled areas, no matter how convenient they may seem. Try Not to Act on Impulse This tip can apply to any of the areas mentioned previously. Think through a situation as thoroughly as you can before making a decision to do (or not do) something. Sleeping in instead of going to class may seem appealing at eight in the morning, but when your absences start to stack up and affect your grade, youre going to wish that you had simply gotten out of bed and gone to class. (We have found that once we drag ourselves out of bed and get moving in the morning, the tiredness quickly wears off, sometimes as soon as I leave my dorm.) Having unprotected sex may come across as more convenient or fun at first, but there can be serious consequences involved. Taking a few minutes to think a decision through before you act is a lot easier than dealing with the aftereffects of something that seemed like a good idea at the time. Be Aware of the Resources Available to You Just because youre in college and are considered an adult doesnt mean that it isnt okay to ask for help. Whether it be academic or personal, your college is full of people or groups that are willing to accommodate you in any area that you may need. If you arent sure who exactly you can go to for help, ask someone such as your Resident Advisor to direct you to the appropriate person or people. Sources Meyerson, Jamie.  Testing, Prevention Important For Lowering College STD Rates.  Cornell Daily Sun. 26 March 2008.