24 of 27

Write now Article Tools

Beginning higher education is nerve wracking and intense experience. Here's some tips designed to relieve the stress of that first day at college

Come prepared

The amount of paperwork you'll be filling in will be immense so bring a lot of pens. Bring all the relevant paperwork and identification. Also take a note pad with you to write down any important information that you might need to remember.

Make sure you know where you're going and at what time you're supposed to be there. Be there with plenty of time to spare. Although the first days might seem like a relaxed getting to know each other period of your studies, if you're late it will be made a mental note of by staff members. You don't want to be labelled a tardy character before you've even started.

Socialise

Don't be shy. Get to know as many people as possible, you'll soon find the people you get along with and some of these people could end up being your friends for life. Lunch is a great opportunity to meet your new classmates and try to resist the temptation of sitting next to the guy or girl you think is the hottest.

Be as friendly and polite as possible to your lecturers. Not only is it common courtesy but these are the people that are going to marking your work after all. Get on their good side early on and you'll find life a lot easier.

Avoid Embarrassing yourself

Don't try too hard to impress your new class mates. Whilst it's important to be sociable and talkative don't go overboard. You don't want to be known as the motor mouth who just can't stop talking. You'll soon be ostracised by the rest of the faculty and it will be a very lonely semester. Moreover it's best not to do anything that will bring unwanted attention to you. Social faux pas like cellphones going off whilst the head principal is giving his welcome speech are not going to endear you to the rest of the student body.

If you do something to embarass yourself my advice is to take it with a smile and make out like whatever happened did not effect you in the slightest.

Listen

The first day is always pretty intense and you'll most likely be bombarded with information from what seems like every direction. Do your best to take in what advice you're given by the people welcoming you especially other students. These other students are where you will be able to gain the most valuable information. Rememeber to not be afraid to ask questions. There will be more than happy to provide you with the answers you're looking for.

Above all, enjoy yourself and good luck with your studies.

Learn more about this author, Reeves Peterson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for surviving your first day of higher education?
We want to hear your view. Write now!