A New Beginning

Attending college is one of the biggest transitions of your life. Academic expectations, time management, new interpersonal relations, financial management, and relocation are among the many issues you will face as you begin this exciting new phase. Many students and their families feel the need to prepare formally for the experience. There are several things you can do:

Read: Several publications, from brochures to small books, have been written on this topic. Samples are available in the Career Center.

Communicate: Your parents and older siblings are often good sources of information on this transition. Many of our graduates are available to talk with you privately about their experiences with your college--ask in the Career Center.

Colleges will help: Most colleges have an early registration session for incoming freshmen to help you adjust before the other students arrive on campus. Here you will be assisted in choosing courses, finding your way around campus, and getting settled before the pressure of the beginning of the term. Colleges use these sessions sometimes to give placement tests or physical exams and hold orientation sessions dealing with all phases of campus life.