The Transition to College: What to Expect and More!

The Transition to College:What to Expect and More! Mrs. Blake Mrs. Kovacs Mr. Maldonado Mr. Monk Mrs. Nuechterlein

Why am I here? • Preparation for college, and the real world. • “Inside Information” • Reduce Anxiety or Fear • Ask Questions • Have Fun!

Before You Go • Applications and Admission = DONE! • Check the Mail (Postal and E-mail) • Housing Paperwork • New Student Orientation • Tuition Bill; Loans • Have a GREAT summer!

New Student Orientation Tips: • Meet as many people as possible! • Check out your dorm room. • Check out the social scene. • Attend the required and recommended workshops. • Take necessary placement tests. • Have fun! College orientation only happens once.

Dorm Life: Roommates • Filling out Housing Preference Forms • The First Meeting • Who Brings What? • Agreement/Contract – Set Limits/Room Rules • Respect • Trust • Understanding • Consistency

The Dorm Room • Don’t expect paradise! • Average size: 12’ x 19’ • Don’t bring everything! • Be creative with your room set-up. • Cleanliness and Sanitation • Check Policies

More About Dorm Life • Move-In Day • Laundry • Community Bathrooms • Dining Choices • Residence Hall Council • Protecting Yourself, Your Belongings • See the Ultimate Packing List at http://static.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/gems/CollegeCareer/CCTransiitionResourcesColleg.pdf

Academics: It’s not easy! • Get to know your Professors • Utilize office hours • E-mail etiquette • Your Major • Checklist – Get to know the requirements. • Advising – No more school counselors! • Undecided • What will you study?

Time Management • No set schedule in college – it’s your choice. • Free Time • Studying = 2-3 hours/class • Discipline • Avoiding Temptation • Devote certain hours to school. • Set rules. • Reward yourself! • Use a Planner and Calendar

Academics: Tips & Reminders • Ask for help. (Human help.) • Use the Tutoring Center/Support Services • Textbooks • Syllabus • Unique Course Offerings • “Every four weeks” trend. • You may pull an all-nighter, at least once.

Academics: More Tips • Don’t sign up for three reading-intensive courses. • Don’t overburden yourself. Take fun classes (like wine-tasting; must be 21 years of age). • Take your requirements early (general education classes).

Social Life in College • Labels and titles from high school are gone. • You’re all in this together! • Get Involved • Choose Wisely • Network • Homesickness • Greek? Athlete?

Hookups & Breakups • Going to College with a High School Relationship • Anxiety about Dating • Are there really ‘dates’ in college? • Boundaries in the Dorm Room • Be Careful about Who You’re With • Not everyone is really doing it…

Tips: Hookups & Breakups • Protect Yourself • Word travels fast! • “Want to watch a movie in my dorm room?” (Watch out for scammers.) • Is it love or lust? • Support friends in break-ups.

Drugs & Alcohol • Understanding the Effects of Alcohol • Limits • Warning Signs • Fake IDs • Getting Caught – Dorm, Public, Parties • Drugs on College Campuses • Social Drug Use • Warning Signs • Possession • Is it really worth it?

Serious Issues in College • Depression • Overextending Yourself • Eating Disorders • Sexual Assault • Alcohol Abuse • Drug Abuse • Saying “No” • Safety • Crime • Free Counseling Services

Is freshman year the riskiest year of college? Most drop outs during freshman year. Thirty percent of college and university students drop out after their first year. Half never graduate. (US NEWS & World Report 09/2009) Most fatalities during freshman year. 47% of the undergraduates who die on campus are freshmen. This statistic has proven the most surprising, and disturbing, to analysts, experts and parents who imagine the campus to be idyllic. And safe.. Leading cause of deaths? Falling from windows, balconies and rooftops…. In about half of freshman fatalities a person is intoxicated. STD’s…. One in four college students has an STD. HPV is so common that about half of all men and more than 3 out of 4 women have HPV 1 in 6 females get pregnant

Freshman 15 & Homesickness Freshman 15? The freshman 15 is a legend in college history. It refers to weight gain that college freshmen tend to gain during their first year at college. Most freshmen do not gain the dreaded 15 pounds. What makes first-year students so susceptible to weight gain? Coming to college is a big change for young adults. They are confronted with food any hour of the day and there is no one telling them what or when to eat. Will you be Home-Sick? Going away? Yes, you will be. Get involved. Stick it out. Make time for your personal interests!! First time you get to decide when you do something and how you do it. Explore your passions

Getting Involved • Do you have time to get involved? • What options do I have? • Welcome Week • Community Service • Greek Life and Rush

Extra Stuff • Money Management in College • Credit Card Offers • Working in College • Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – it will pass. • Can a college contact my parents? FERPA: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Tips from Your Counselors • Get ready to experience diversity. • When you’re sick, get treated. Take care of yourself. Have basic medications on hand. • Don’t come home every weekend! • If you want to get away, consider visiting a nearby city or visiting a friend at another college. • Know your college town, like where to find the best restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Tips, cont’d. • Try new things. • Take risks. • Get to know the college website. • Call home every few days, but don’t go longer than one week. • Take advantage of seminars, academic conferences, and speakers. • Take advantage of anything FREE! Stay connected to announcements for free opportunities.

Tips, cont’d. • Check your school e-mail. • Don’t skip class. • Advocate for yourself. • Buy your textbooks at a fraction of the cost on websites like www.amazon.com, www.half.com, www.ecampus.com, www.alibris.com, or www.chegg.com.

Thank you for attending! Questions?

The Transition to College: What to Expect and More!