Commentary: New to college? Start planning your first 6 weeks

I’ll be on my 30th first day on a college campus in a few weeks. With an emphasis on student achievement and engagement, my tenure as an administrator has given me the exceptional chance to meet with thousands of college students. I’ve had the good fortune to assist them in their education and development both on and off school.

According to bestcolleges.com, there will be more than 19 million undergraduate students enrolled this fall. Welcome back, students who are returning. And welcome home to those who are fresh to campus life.

The process of applying to colleges takes a lot of time and effort. Where will I attend college? causes a great deal of stress for students and families during the junior and senior years of high school. Few people consciously consider how they will attend college. and the attitudes, abilities, and information required for success. The biggest differentiator for success in education and the workplace may be how you answer the “how.”

Academics are only one aspect of college life. It’s financial, intellectual, social, physical, mental, and spiritual. According to research, the first six weeks of college are a crucial time for all students, but particularly for those who are attending for the first time. Students, particularly those living away from their families and close acquaintances, may face a roller coaster of emotions over the first six weeks as they adjust to new freedoms and scholastic responsibilities. Even in the most difficult situations, students who have a plan are better able to manage their time and energy and anticipate what will happen.

Lacking a strategy? No issue. These suggestions can help you get started right away on a path to academic, social, and wellness success.

Pay attention:You will probably participate in an orientation program prior to the start of classes. Think of this as your college life backstage pass. You will have access to a wealth of information about community building, campus resources, academic planning, advising, and more. Peer leaders, staff, and academics will be introduced to you. Orientation sessions enable a successful launch. Asking questions and making notes that you can review later will show that you are actively participating.

Open up: New starts, new people and ideas, and new freedoms are all part of college. You may completely benefit from new experiences, opportunities, and communities—such as classes with unfamiliar material, cultural events, and people who might become your closest friends—if you have a growth mindset.

Establish healthy habits: Making wise decisions is essential for college success. Many kids have trouble forming good habits at a young age that relate to taking care of themselves and other people. Respecting consent and limits is essential to developing positive interpersonal interaction practices. It’s crucial to understand the detrimental effects that drugs and alcohol can have on the body and to have a strategy for proper sleep, diet, exercise, social media use, and stress management. Healthy behaviors include understanding when to ask for help and being able to make decisions without consulting your parents or looking for approval. Students can positively affect their physical and mental well-being and use obstacles as chances to strengthen their resilience by forming good habits early on.

Organize yourself: To effectively manage your time and energy during the semester, it’s critical to create an academic plan that includes due dates for all of your projects and assignments. Being organized will be especially crucial if you are a collegiate athlete, have a job or internship, or have significant obligations outside of your academic program.

Participate: Studies indicate that participating on campus has a major impact on student retention and success. Early engagement results in the development of friendships, leadership abilities, professional ambitions, and a feeling of purpose and community. Participate fully in the various customs and events that college life has to offer by joining at least one student group, intramural team, or arts and culture activity during your first six weeks. To create networks and find mentors, visit with student life staff and get to know your lecturers.

Prepare yourself for the adventure of your life, new pupils. Make a plan, follow it, and gain knowledge as you go.

Lastly, a helpful piece of advice for parents is to be the mentor by their side, listen to their child, act as a resource, and let them grow through the highs and lows. By the way, when the midterm examinations start on October 1st, your student will be thrilled to receive a care package.

Micki Meyer is the Dean of Rollins Gateway at Rollins College and the Lord Family Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for Engagement.