The second semester has kicked off, and for seniors, it is a pivotal time as college decisions begin to roll out. While the anticipation of the college experience is exciting, that also means a whole new wave of responsibilities and independence is coming. With college, there is a lot to unpack, both literally and figuratively. Understandably, going through a significant transition can feel overwhelming: you may be further away from family and friends, need to adjust to a different environment and navigate an unfamiliar social culture. To make the next big step of your life a little less daunting, here are some tips and reassurance to prepare yourself in all aspects.

Knowing What Your College Has To Offer Beforehand

You know that the college you applied to has what you want to further your education, but take some time to look into what clubs, activities, and social hotspots are at your school. At first, it can feel like you are confined to strictly focusing on your major while at college, but dedicating time to something you love or something completely new can make you feel more at ease. Like-minded people surround you, and in a time when everything around you is different, staying consistent with one thing you enjoy can be calming.

Clubs do not have to be a lifelong commitment: joining a club meeting or two to explore your options is more than okay. When I attend college in the fall, I want to join my school’s club dedicated to my major, the fiber arts club and try at least one thing utterly foreign to my skill set, such as cooking or blacksmithing!

Your college will likely have resources devoted to helping you adjust and make friends. While you may feel like it is admitting defeat, it can genuinely support you at the beginning of your college experience.

In addition, familiarizing yourself with popular areas on and off campus can make your arrival more manageable. Take advice from fellow students or attend a campus tour if you have not already. 

Take Advantage Of Social Media

Social media platforms, specifically Instagram, have made creating connections with fellow students easier than ever. Many colleges also have accounts dedicated to exploring and recommending spots across their city and surrounding areas. For example, @outside.nd on Instagram is dedicated to partnering with local businesses and highlighting the beauty of South Bend outside of Notre Dame. 

There are also accounts for schools’ incoming freshmen. On these accounts, you can connect with people who align with your interests and become friends and roommates. To get featured on one of these accounts, you typically have to submit a profile: your name, a caption describing yourself, your username, and several photos of yourself. Make sure to check if there is a fee to have yourself posted. If the account does not already have its display of how many likes turned off, do yourself a favor and turn it off—you definitely do not want to reduce yourself or other people to the number of likes they receive. Being able to casually message someone rather than awkwardly asking in person to be friends or roommates can significantly reduce nerves and the fear of rejection, so take advantage of social media! 

Some high schools have accounts for showcasing where seniors are headed for college. You can use these to keep in touch or make friends with those going to the same school as you.

As for Adams’ 2024 seniors… keep an eye out for one of these accounts shortly! 😉

Get The Boring Paperwork Done ASAP!

It is certainly not the highlight of going to college, but it is a necessity if you actually want to attend your college in the first place. Fill out that FAFSA, gather your proof of identification and immunization records, apply for any accessibility needs, submit your on-campus housing form, and look over everything with an adult just in case. The least gratifying thing you could do is rush to do a bunch of paperwork at the very last minute. 

Reinvent & Reestablish Yourself

Thinking about being far away from home and around a bunch of strangers may be scary, but it also gives you the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself and your presence. If there was ever a time to put yourself out there and change your look or aesthetic, it is now. Your newfound independence from college allows you to explore your identity more and figure out how you like to express yourself. Plus, not many people want to be recognized solely for who they were in high school. 

By pushing your personality and interests to the forefront, you provide more chances for other people to spark conversations with you. Even if you are not the most sociable, presenting yourself boldly will make you seem more approachable— fake it till you make it, basically. If you put yourself out there enough, you do not have to worry about figuring out a topic because you are the topic of conversation!

There are numerous ways, both subtle and obvious, for how you can expand your self-expression. You can decorate your room with your favorite things and aesthetics and your door outside to make it seem welcoming. Get stickers, keychains or pins to put on your backpack and school supplies that show off your interests and personality. Try all the different clothing styles and hairstyles you have always wanted to try until one suits you best. If you are crafty, utilize your skills to present yourself in a unique, original way. In my personal experience, I receive the most compliments from strangers and feel my best when I wear something that I have made myself with crochet. Embrace your self-government by allowing yourself to experiment with your individuality, even if you look back and cringe at those questionable decisions later on. 

Mindfulness 

As stated before, the transition to college can feel extremely overwhelming, so it is crucial to stay mentally afloat out of everything. With so many new people around you, it is inevitable to compare yourself to others. However, remember that just because your peers are successful does not mean you are less worthy of being at your school. “Success” takes on so many different forms, and there is no single measurement of success because everyone’s circumstances and situations are different. Do not force yourself to work beyond your limits because everyone else seems to be ahead of you. As long as we are college freshmen, we are equally inexperienced and naive. Feeling a sense of belonging at your school will be one of the most drawn-out adjustments you will experience, so do not try to rush it. 

Overall, the second semester of the 2024 school year presents a new wave of excitement and change for seniors. Continue to work hard, care for yourself and feel proud of how far you have come!