Hey there! Are you joining us at Middle College next year? If so, here are some tips and resources to be aware of...
TRY NEW THINGS!
Be open to try new things! Coming to college can seem overwhelming with so many resources, a bigger campus, and new people. Classes may not be the same as High School. You have more freedom to arrange your schedule. Independence is in the air! Get involved by joining clubs, making new friends, and taking fun classes! Get ready to learn a lot! As an example, you might have found that Science wasn’t for you in High School. However, when you took a few Business college courses, you decided you wanted to major in Business.
GET IN CONTACT WITH YOUR CLASSMATES
During the beginning or your semester/quarter, introduce yourself to one of your classmates! Exchange contacts (if it is safe) to form study groups, catch up on work if absent, and ask for help. Please don’t give out your contact information if you feel uncomfortable. You can start out with exchanging emails. This is also a great way to form new friendships!
ASK FOR HELP
Middle College students are all in the same boat - we are all discovering new things together and are so open to helping each other out. MC seniors have gone through exactly what you're going through, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, from them or from your advisor and teachers. We've also started a couple of padlets (below) with a bunch of resources that have helped Middle College students in the past.
DON’T OVERLOAD YOURSELF
Don’t take too many classes you can’t handle at once. Going to college can be an exciting experience, but don’t forget to create a balanced schedule. Be aware of the shorter classes with longer hours. Are you able to pay attention for 3 hours straight? Can you handle three chapters in one class? Would you rather have a shorter class more days a week, where you will be constantly seeing the material everyday? Don’t forget, you’ll also need separate time for studying and homework.
WWW.RATEMYPROFESSOR.COM
Worried about how strict and lenient are your professors? If you check out
www.ratemyprofessor.com
, you’ll find student reviews of different professors. You’ll need to type your professor’s name, the school they teach at, and the class. This website may not be a 100% reliable source, but if you were curious about what previous students’ experiences were like, you can check it out.
EXERCISE
Exercise is a great way to tune into your body and release tension. You may spend hours of sitting and slouching from doing work. Even if it is 30 minutes of walking everyday, you’re allowing blood to pump throughout your body. Exercising can also help you build strength, which may prevent you from injuries in the future.
TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
While there are so many opportunities and things to do in college, remember to not spread yourself too thin. Set a time for yourself. It can be 30 minutes or 1 hour. Allow yourself to rest, walk, meditate, journal, or listen to music. Since there is so much going on, you’ll want some time to reflect on the things you’ve learned.
JOIN CLUBS
Get involved! You might find cubs associated with your major. If you're undecided, this is also a great opportunity to find more information about different majors. Some clubs may provide tutoring services, jobs, internships, and academic support. On the other hand, you get to meet new people and build a network. Being involved in clubs will look great for college resumes if you plan on transferring. If you plan on applying to jobs, having an important role in a club will also look great on a resume!
TUTORING SERVICES
Take advantage of any tutoring services provided on your campus, especially if it is for free! You might find tutoring services within clubs, learning/writing centers, school libraries, or through academic programs. Tutoring may help with creating positive study habits and organization.
OFFICE HOURS
At the beginning of your quarter/semester, visit your professor during office hours or after class and introduce yourself. Create a habit of going to your professor's office hours on a regular basis to check in on your work. Whether that is weekly or every other week, seeking your professor will help you feel more comfortable with asking questions or feedback.
PERSONAL GROWTH
College is a place of self growth and discovery. You may find yourself letting go of old beliefs from High School. It is also a time of trial and error. You may find what works for you, and what doesn’t. Also, people come and go in college. You’ll be interacting with many students for different classes. Appreciate what you have, and learn to let go of what’s no longer serving you. Your schedule may not stay the same, prepare to constantly adjust your schedule. Learn what’s best for you, at the end of the day it’s you earning the degree. College can bring up so many questions regarding identity. Who are you? What’s your purpose in this world? Are you living to your full potential? This often happens when people are debating between colleges, careers, switching majors, or double majoring. While it may seem scary, it happens to a majority of young adults. Remember to stay present.
