by Staff Report
Post graduation is often an exciting time for high school seniors new choices, new friends, the threat of losing old ones, and the ever-present prospect of starting college or that new job. These things can often have a long-lasting impact on who you are and what you’ll do decades after graduation, but thankfully you’re not the first person to have taken these steps.
Compiled from a list of various experts from “Time Magazine” contributors to old fashioned wisdom, the following 6 tips will hopefully make your transition from high school senior to “adult” that much easier.
6. UNPLUG TO GET PLUGGED IN
According to Ted Spiker, department chair of the Journalism department at the University of Florida, “Maximize your connections through all of your social media platforms…but for meaningful contacts that will help you develop, put down the phone.” Spiker emphasizes that meaningful connections both professionally and socially can often come by just doing simple things such as actively listening and being unafraid to verbally ask questions to strangers.
5. YOUR PROFESSOR’S SYLLABUS IS THE LAW OF THE LAND
Not sure when that project is due or how much that paper is going to be worth? When in doubt check the syllabus. Often times in order to avoid any conflict informally or legally, college professors lay out the rules in their course syllabus. Often times little things such as formatting, where and when to get one-on-one help and a list of various resources can be found in the syllabus. Read the contract.
4. IT’S OKAY TO SAY “NO”
One of the great things about going off to college is the abundance of people just like you. Many college campuses offer a plethora of clubs, co-ed leagues, study groups, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities. One of the important things to know about college is time management. You can’t do everything (even with only two hours of sleep and a case of Monster).
3. FIND A PLACE TO EXERCISE AND STICK WITH IT
The phrase “freshmen 15” exists for a reason. The phrase comes from the extra 15 pounds that many graduates put on during their first year out of high school. Many high school graduates are no longer in sponsored team sports or leagues, making that late night pizza session that much harder to work off the next day. Plus, exercise is a great way to blow off some steam and release pent up stress. Researchers have identified stress a significant contributor to weight gain.
2. ASK MOM A FEW THINGS BEFORE YOU GO
Another big change for graduates is the loss of that on-hand caretaker known as “Mom.” A few weeks into the fall many graduates find themselves without fresh clothes, and for some individuals that means using a washing machine for the very first time. Also, ramen and pizza can get old fast; learn to make at least one home-cooked meal before you leave. Most dormitories have a kitchenette that can be checked out and used for free, and nothing makes new friends and impresses co-eds like freshly baked cookies or a hot meal made from scratch.
1. JUST KNOW YOU’RE NOT ALONE
For many college graduates those first few days away from home are just as fearful as they are exciting. Studies have shown that some of the loneliest groups of people are college students. Despite being surrounded by thousands of like-minded peers, high school graduates can find themselves paralyzed by the countless choices and groups of strangers. Odds are if you’re feeling lonely and a little homesick, so is someone else. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and talk to that person down the hall or the next seat over. You might find a new best friend or even the love of your life.