A Million Reasons to Be Nervous... and Give Me Reading Material! - Comments

I felt the same way when during my senior year but I think that I've decided to just take a deep breath and tackle it head on, I know what I want and I think that's why I'm so afraid of going to college. I've noticed that the people aren't necessarily sure about what they want to do that are the people who aren't nervous at all, I think because we really want to do well we are nervous. I found Anchor and Hope's advice to be really helpful as far as calming my nerves, and don't worry just try to get as much animal experience as you can before and during college, that's what'll really help you get into vet school

@ domi823

I'm experiencing my most terrifying moment right now and that's knowing that this time next year I'll be starting my freshman year of college (I want to major in the same thing as you by the way ). All my friends are so excited for college while I'm sitting here terrified. College itself isn't what scares me; it's just knowing that I'm growing up and my responsibility level has to be boosted up many notches.

You can read 635798 (in my signature) if you want :)

You know, most people have just told me that college won't be as bad as I think and keep it moving, they don't stop to break it down for me. And I've heard it all at Orientation but there they make it sound like happy fun time but they aren't really real about it because they want you to still want to go to their school when everything is over. It's nice to hear it from someone who has actually experienced the realness of it and isn't sugar coating things to advertise their school. Thank you for being real with me about college and I appreciate the time you took to type out all of this advice! It was really helpful and I feel like some of the things that I've been doing to prepare is somewhat along the lines of the advice that you gave me! Good luck with your Master's!!!!

@ Anchor and Hope.

College in general was the single most terrifying experience of my life (as far as actually "starting" college, not college as a whole). I remember having this really uneasy oh my God, everything that I've ever known -a very controlled school experience, very clear expectations, etc.- was gone.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you how different it is, but honestly...it is. Your professors don't care if you show up to class, or if you do the homework, they don't care if you write that ten page paper on last weeks lecture- that is all up to you, it's your money and your education, it's all about how you use it. But please don't think they don't care- they do, they want to see you succeed- especially if you care. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help- I have never had a professor who wouldn't stay after to answer some question, or clarify an assignment, or whatever it is you may need, and if they can't help you- they know someone who can, most professor will gladly host a study session before big exams, and if they don't, they likely know where a study group meets, or just be proactive and start a study group yourself. Your professor will definitely give you their email address and most give you their cell phone or home phone numbers- do not be afraid to use it, they is why they give it to you. I know that might seem weird, but many encourage it. Staying in contact is a great way to make sure you stay on track.

Organization skills will vastly improve your college experience and it'll make keeping up with courses and work much, much easier. Don't be afraid to buy and use a good organizer or planner (I had my system down to a science, highlighters, color coded pens/highlighters) whatever works for you. Use a different binder/notebook/tab dividers/etc. for every.single.class. Have a system. You'll thank yourself later.

Your syllabus will be your best friend. Keep it. Use it. It's your new best friend.

Sit towards the front in class. You'll hear better/see better (especially if you're in a big lecture hall) and this will improve your note taking, thus, making studying easier.

Do homework whenever you have free-time, say, if you have an hour between morning classes, find a quiet corner in the library/student center/your dorm or wherever you focus best and use that time.

*Sleep. Get plenty. (Doing work whenever you have free time vs. starting at 9PM will make this easier). Don't be afraid to take a nap if you need it.

*Eat well. I know the snacks in the vending machines and the convenient store are great for on the go, but don't survive on them, your brain and body will thank you later. Don't be afraid to get a fruit salad or yogurt or a sub or whatever and eat in class- your professors likely won't care (and if they do, they'll let you know, either in the syllabus or they'll vocalize it in class).



Get your flu shot. Everything mutates and intensifies when you put thousands of people into a few square miles. A flu shot could be the difference between missing one day of class, or one week. If you're sick, remember it's okay to take a day off- you're only human and pushing yourself is no good.

Hand sanitizer is always a good idea. Always.

Keep an umbrella in your backpack- no one likes getting soaked in between classes. I can say first hand there is nothing worse than sitting through a two and a half hour anatomy lab, wet and shivering while you try to focus on the cadaver in front of you in a freezing room.

Meet with an advisor at least once a semester- they'll help you to schedule your courses (and some even help find classes that "double-dip" credit wise! Graduating early is glorious)

Your campus will have a counseling service and it'll be free. If you need to talk to someone, if you're just feeling down, that's okay. That's what they're there for. Your mental health is so...so..so important.

And most importantly, it's okay to have fun. Your undergrad will be some of the most important years of your life, you need to make friends, you need those experiences and I can promise, Graduate school is a lot more involved -I have a job and I'm working on my Masters- it's another completely different experience. Enjoy your undergrad.

If you mess up? Forgive yourself. It's okay.

PHEW. I am so sorry that turned into a book.

You'll do great, and if you ever need to talk, or vent or otherwise, I'm always around.
Good luck! You'll do great!

http://www.mibba.com/Stories/Read/281542/Hanru-Sazuki/1/

http://www.mibba.com/Stories/Read/281542/Hanru-Sazuki/1/