Tips for Transitioning to College During COVID-19
College will look very different this fall whether that be in person or online. Schools are hopeful to have students on campus but are also making alternate plans, such as a hybrid of online and in-class, an early or late start, and other creative options.
But regardless of how college will look, here are some tips for making transitioning this fall as smooth as possible:
Introduce yourself
Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself to your professors, classmates, and advisors. For school online, try and follow the same advice and find virtual office hours for your professors, peer study groups, and work that campus directory to contact the folks you need. Need extra help introducing yourself? Here are some additional ideas to get you started on our first college transition tip.
Try to find a comfortable place to study consistently and get rid of distractions like your phone.
Set up for Success
No matter where you are this fall, have a dedicated study space to focus on your studies, especially if you are taking classes online. Read through your syllabus and plan your to-do schedule for weekly studying as well as longer preparations for exams, papers, or projects. Try to eliminate distractions (like your phone) and if necessary use headphones. Learn about the services your school offers like tutor centers in math and writing, whether online or on campus. You don’t have to do it alone! There are resources available to help you succeed! And lastly, if your school is online, or in a mixed format, then create peer study groups via a conferencing app as an alternative.
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Get involved
This is advice you hear over and over, but it will make a difference. For our third transition tip, we recommend you make connections through clubs, activities, events, student government, or consider joining a sorority or fraternity. Consider intramural sports, or meet new people while volunteering for a worthwhile cause on campus, or in the community. If being online is your only option, find like-minded peers in an online club just as you would on campus. Don’t see one that fits you? Start your own club and recruit members!
Come together
Getting along with roommates (whatever that may resemble this fall) will be a key to your transition. Sit down together and set expectations for your shared space. Determine how to respect each other’s property and need for quiet time. Agree on what times are acceptable for visitors and consider making a cleaning schedule to make sure everyone is pulling their weight. If you’re doing school online you might need to give your family members heads up for times when you need it quiet for an exam or the Wi-Fi bandwidth for an online class discussion.
Make time every day to refuel yourself.
Refuel
No matter where you are be sure to exercise, eat healthily, and get regular sleep as much as you can. Consider meditation or practice finding mindfulness throughout the day. Find a balance in your life by not neglecting either academics or your personal life. Consider using a time management method like the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks down your work into intervals with short breaks.
Good luck students, with your transition to this exciting new chapter, and remember…there are resources to help you!
