Make time to connect with people on campus. It could be casual hang-outs with friends, club activities or sports events. Don’t isolate yourself and try not to spend too much time alone. There could be a continuum regarding how much time each individual needs or wants to spend on social interactions. However, regardless of whether you are an introvert, extrovert or ambivert, seek out people that you can be comfortable with and develop a good support system. It is not likely that you can survive on the college campus without a good group of people.
One of the things I have learned so far is that the Wooster community genuinely wants you to succeed and spend meaningful time during your four years at Wooster. There could be some moments when you find that the school does not meet the students’ needs in the ways they prefer . However, professors, faculty and staff are willing to work with you through tough times and provide professional assistance that can solve some issues you might have. Therefore, if you feel frustrated about some issues, acknowledge that you might need some professional help from faculty and staff and be honest about your concerns and needs. This particular attitude of confronting issues and seeking solutions could be hard to actually do as people can feel that issues ranging from academics to mental health are exclusively happening to them. Even though it is pretty common for people to stumble over some personal issues in the beginning of their 20’s, you can somehow feel that you are the only person on campus who has a particular issue. That is not true. If you are determined to improve upon academic struggles and handle personal issues in a healthy way, you can take advantage of resources on campus, which you will find worthwhile. Don’t judge someone else’s issues or problems, and don’t feel down about your own issues. Everyone is on a different page of their lives.
College is where everybody starts a new chapter. Don’t be close-minded about starting something outside of who you think you are. Being in a new town, meeting new people and having new experiences are going to be great opportunities not only for self-discovery, but for creating yourself. This tip could sound intimidating or even unnecessary to some people. However, meeting new people and trying new things is definitely worth the time and courage. As a junior, I admit that my college life would have been better if I had let people come into my life and if I had stayed more open to new experiences or opportunities. Getting out of your comfort zone sounds intimidating, but once you start it, you will get better at it. So, please be brave enough to try various things on campus and discover your passions, interests and natural talents. You never know where some classes and casual meetings with classmates, faculty can lead you.
Be responsible for your choices. While you are here, pretty much everything is up to you. You get to make decisions on your own in terms of majors, classes, student clubs or what to do on the weekends. Make choices you want, but be responsible as much as you can. Do your assignments and do your best at your campus job. College is where you get to do fun things, but don’t forget why you are here! Do what you gotta do!
Overall, good luck on your first year!
Juyoung Ko, a Contributing Writer for the Voice, can be reached for comment at JKo20@wooster.edu.