College Glow: What They Dont Teach in the Classrooms Pt.1
Looking back at my years in college, I can honestly say they were my best and my worst, and the time of my biggest growth. I wouldn’t go back to change a thing. Buttttt I do wish I had someone telling me the do’s and don’ts, instead of having to figure it out the hard way. Yes, the experience was good and it help me to grow, but some of it was pretty much unnecessary. There is lots of great things that come about college, and it can easily become discouraging when it seems like you will not make it through. Everybody’s college experience is different, but knowing that there is some possibilities that everything will not turn out the way you want, can save you some nights from breaking down in your schools library. What I aim to do is to help you all be aware of it, and give you the tips I wish I had, with the help of fellow college girls, to have the best years in school!
Finances
Figuring out how you’re going to pay for school is one of the biggest decisions you need to make upon going to college. Whether it be scholarships, financial aid, or paying out of your own pockets, it’s good to know what you’re doing before the school year starts and Bursar hits you with bill notices. Taking out those loans and spending that refund check sounds good and all, up until you’re knee deep in debt and it messes up your credit. Getting a job and financing everything on your own can make you feel like a boss, who eats Ramen Noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each option has both pros and cons, so it’s always best to do the research in finding what outlet works best for you. If you plan to work, look into work studies on campus before venturing some place else. More than likely you will be working around classes, so that means night and weekend jobs. Come up with a budget that still works in play time. College is stressful enough without having to worry about financial stability. So make sure this is something that is right for you.
Here is just a few sites to help you find the best match:
https://www.liveyourdream.org/get-help/apply-for-an-educational-grant/award-faqs.html
https://www.blackenterprise.com/scholarships-for-black-students/
https://scholarships.uncf.org/Program/Details/0a63d3e0-3d18-41bd-b955-44f07ee4d3b0
Finding a Major
Choose a major that you are actually interested in! Not a major that someone told you that it would make you a lot of money, that’s what I did. I was not happy in that field and my grades suffered so I changed my major.
-Ghellynda J.
Ultimately, this is the second biggest decision you will need to make. You probably heard stories or even know someone who has changed their major every semester, thinking they knew what they wanted and quickly changed their mind. Try not to be that person. It takes up time and can really waste plenty of money. What are you going to school for? Why would you voluntarily go broke for the next few years, what is it that you are trying to achieve? Most students already know the answer to this, a lot don’t. When it’s time to choose your courses, what are you looking to check? If you don’t know the answer to this, that is completely fine! College is meant to find yourself, and one of the things it helps us answer is what do we want to do for the rest of our lives. You have the option of being undecided and what that entails is taking your general education courses for about two years giving you the chance to figure it out. My advice would be to dip your toes into different classes and meet up with professors who teach in the majors you’re interested in. Find out what it truly entails for a certain career field, ask about graduation rates, what career options you would have, anything that would help you make a decision. And even if you get two years into a major and realize that it isn’t for you, that is okay. Just understand that it may set you back a little, but it is all for the goal of finding something you love.
Choosing Classes
I know ya’'ll hear a lot, but trust everyone when they say this, DO NOT choose that 8 am class. This is the time to truly figure out if you are a true morning person or night person. Get to know yourself and plan your schedule around what work best for you. Now do note, that if you do choose an afternoon class there is a big chance you will miss out on a lot of quad activities. Ask yourself, what is important to you? Social life or them books? Really read the summaries of each class as well. I once took a class on Pop Culture, without reading the synopsis of what it entailed, and was bored out of my mind. It was nothing like I expected and quickly regretted it. Just because I title sounds cool or boring, doesn’t mean the class will be. Truly do your research and find classes that you enjoy.
Professors
As long as you are talking to your teachers, being effective and communicating with your teachers, it should be very easy to keep your grades up. Teachers love students that raise their hands in class and talk and have discussions.
-Ghellynda J.
Regardless of what many may think, your professor wants you to succeed. Professors are evaluated at the end of each semester/quarter, and that is to see their ability to teach and what may work or not work in their class. So try not to question if teachers are out to get you, this isn’t high school anymore. Utilize the office hours your professor provides. Email them with your concerns, let them put a face to a name. It would be beneficial when it’s three weeks until finals and you need some extra work to boost your grades up or help to understand the materials.
Grades
Make sure you keep your GPA up!!!! Your GPA is like your credit score!!
-Chantay W.
Stay on top of your grades! No matter what. Take the time to make study groups with the peers in your classes. Utilize the library and the textbooks you receive for each course. If you don’t understand something in class, raise your hand and ask it. Never feel dumb by doing this. Chances are someone else in the class is stuck on the same topic. At the end of the day, you are there for an education. And you don’t want to waste thousands of dollars and come out not doing your best. Check out tutoring hours for your classes and meet with your professor for things that you are struggling on. Let your grades always be your top priority.
Don’t fret if you receive a grade you’re not happy with. It’s a learning experience. Learn from it and figure out what you need to do differently next time.
-Alicia M
Going Out
This is honestly the time where you will have the best party life. You are young, freshly able to drink legally and don’t have to worry about them hangovers and not being able to bounce back the next day. But while you’re out having fun, you always want to make sure that you are staying safe.
Go out with a group of friends that you know and trust will stick together and look after you.
Don’t accept any drinks from strangers. Even if it’s a fine frat guy, you don’t know him.
Always have a bottle of water to go with your drinks! My friend would annoyingly remind us of this, but in the end, it has become an essential component to not throwing up and staying hydrated.
Be aware of your surroundings. It doesn’t have to be your parents, but let someone know where you are going, even if it’s to the bathroom. And if you feel uncomfortable somewhere, let your group know and leave. One party is not worth you feeling weird, there will be others.
Dress cute but never overdress. Don’t be at the house kick back in heels and a freaking dress. Dress comfortably. Dress the occasion. ALWAYS KEEP YOUr CUP WITH YOU! If you ride with friends to the function together you all leave together. Drink responsibly. Don’t be that drunk bitch that’s wylin cause you can’t handle liquor. Most importantly have fun! Dance, be the hype man, the SNAP-CHATTER, the social butterfly. Do what’s fun to you as long as it’s safe. If you see a Greek stroll line GET OUT THE WAY!
-Alicia M
Balancing School and Parties
This is your first time away from home and girlllll you grown. But you not that grown. Going out is all fun and all but most people can definitely take it overboard. Staying out too late and missing classes, ending up in a frat house the next morning too drunk to remember the night before, excessively over drinking while underage ending up in the back of a cop car. It’s always good to set priorities for yourself when it comes to partying. My friends and I had the rule that we could not partake in any turn up activities until our work for the week was done. We would all spend that Friday, holed up in a library, no matter how long it took. Setting something up like that for yourself and including a group of people to help motivate one another is a good way to balance work and play.
Roommates
When moving in your freshmen year, realize that your roommate is just as nervous and new as you are. If you haven’t made any friends yet, ask your roommate to attend campus activities together. It is a great way to get to know them and you’re not out exploring your campus alone. But there is no guarantee that your roommate is your friend, and that’s okay.
They say don’t move in with your friends, but honestly if you set boundaries you can have a successful roommate out of them.
-Ghellynda J.
They say you don’t truly know someone until you live with them. And that goes for our friends. Parents will give you the warning of not living with your bestie. This can be something that can tip the balance of your friendship for sure. But as with any roommate, set boundaries and have a discussion about what drives you crazy and what you expect out of living arrangements. Every one idea of a home is different. So have that conversation and see if it’s the best fit. And if it’s not, than respectfully co-exist until the two of you can move on to a new place.
Explore Your School
Get involved in more activities and never be afraid of new things. Put yourself out there and be open minded. And enjoy the experience, there is nothing else like it.
-Jermeka J
For some, you may be far away from home. Others, you may still be living with your parents. Regardless of your situation, you are in a new chapter in your life and you should explore every page. Check out the things your school offers, go to their free events. Go to games, pep rallies, school parties and festivals. See a school play or reading, and attend your dorm activities. The people who organize all of these events have been in your shoes before and know what it is like in being a college student. These events are created to keep you from losing your mind in books and is a great way to escape your life. And if you are in a new town, grab a group of friends and see what your new location have to offer.
What are some tips you may have for girls starting off in school? What advice do you need if you are currently or heading to college? Ask away!
