Adjusting to college life and the busy schedule can be difficult for students transitioning from high school as well as adult students returning to classes.
With college classes beginning in less than five days, we decided to ask University of New Hampshire at Manchester alumni what advice they wish they had received when they started their college career.
Here is what they had to say:
1. Get Involved
Getting involved on campus is the first piece of advice many alumni recommend to incoming freshmen. It’s is a great way to meet new people, try new things, and build up your resume.
“Get involved in SOMETHING,” suggests Kourtney Auger, a psychology graduate and school counselor with the Winnisquam regional school district. “I know everything says it, but it couldn't be more essential. Between the friendships you will create, the experience you will earn and the feeling of community you will develop, my college experience wouldn't have been the same without all of it.”
Auger points to other benefits like getting to know your professors and networking opportunities. “[Getting involved] is really what takes college from an "educational experience" to a long lasting "real world" experience,” says Auger.
Ashlee Lange, a graduate of the communication arts program, shared the same advice. Lange’s experience taking a Community Leadership class as an elective led her to get involved in out-of-class projects. “I was able to participate in a great project, make viable community connections that allowed me to build the foundation for what would end up being my career as a social media community manager and public relations consultant,” says Lange.
Like Lange, many students find the path to social activity through study groups and projects. Gail Wolek, a political science graduate, said the best thing she did was develop a close circle of classmates to share study sessions and group projects.
“Group study became more of a social group than an academic group. [We] supported each other through the ups and downs of getting through school, work, and life all at the same time,” says Wolek, deputy director at NH’s Department of Resources & Economic Development, Division of Parks & Recreation.
2. Intern. Intern. Intern.
The question shouldn't be if you should do an internship, but rather where you will do your internship.
Lange says one of the best things she did in college was an internship. “I had the pleasure of working with NHPR during the spring semester of my junior year. [An internship] is not only perfect to help build your skill set, but allows you to get on-the-job experience,” says Lange.
Rachael Stanley, a graduate of the biological sciences program, used the internship program to test her interest in a career in the medical field. “The best thing I did in my college career was an internship! It really helped solidify my career choice,” says Stanley, who is currently pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree at the MCPHS University Manchester Campus.
Michael Glaeser, a graduate of the business program, said if he could start over he would use the college’s resources to get an internship. “It is never too early to start looking at your potential careers,” advises Glaeser. “If you already have an idea in mind, get an internship in your field! You will either love the job and establish connections vital for hiring prospects upon graduation, or you may find out it’s not your cup of tea and want to try something else. You have four years...use them to your advantage.”
Your freshman year is not too early to begin thinking about an internship and positioning yourself for a great experience!
3. Study Hard
It’s recommended that you study at least two to three hours per week for each hour you are in class. So, a student taking four, four-credit courses should plan 24-36 hours of studying each week.
Mike Chandler, associate director of the Center for Academic Enrichment, assures students that it is possible if they plan study times into their routine. “I personally allotted five hours of studying each day. This included one hour for every class, and an additional hour for the next quiz or exam,” says Chandler. “This kept me from falling into the trap of always playing catch up and cramming the night before exams.”
Karlea Brunelle-Joiner, First Year Experience Coordinator, suggests that freshmen be consistent. “Be consistent in your studying. Take time everyday for your classes to review, prepare, and study.”
If Lange could do it again, she said she would study hard and enjoy the experience a little more. “Working and a full schedule make for busy semesters,” she says. “Give yourself time and the opportunity to enjoy the learning experience.”
4. Have a Goal
Establishing your long- and short-term goals for college will help you stay on task as you begin your studies.
Christina Hitchcock, English a graduate and college professor, says the best thing she did while in college was to have a goal.
“Have a specific job in sight, talk to people in that industry to find out exactly what kind of people they are hiring, and concentrate on the path that will get you there,” says Hitchcock. “I now teach, and from both student and professor perspective, I can tell you that it is easier to concentrate on the courses and assignments, work effectively with your professors, and put up with the difficult humps you will encounter when you have a specific goal in mind beyond just getting a degree…If you love what you are doing, the grades will follow.”
5. Be “In the Moment”
Last but not least, it’s important to remember to be “in the moment” as you work your way through college.
Wolek wishes one thing she had done differently was to be more in the moment. “College is such a unique and important experience in our lives,” says Wolek. “Done well, you will always look back on those years as challenging, insightful, and full of interesting perspectives and people. Take advantage of everything you can.”
Matthew Withington, a business graduate and an associate brand manager with Lindt & Sprungli Inc. believes that, because each person is unique, everyone’s journey through college is different. “Whether you are a traditional freshman, or non-traditional student, you’re life experience makes you who are. We all learn from each other in the classroom as we each have a different perspective to share, that’s what makes college so great.”
With these tips in mind, we wish the incoming freshmen class the best of luck as they begin their college career!
