- Classes
- Now is the time to choose your classes. While most universities offer a "shopping period" where you can sit in on classes, it is difficult to register for couses at some schools. Therefore, knowing what you want ASAP is really important.
- Check out websites like ratemyprofessor.com, courserank.com or your school's course hacker website for review of classes, old syllabi (plural of syllabus?), and which professors are the best. Keep in mind that the professor can make or break a class. Visiting professors are often not the greatest idea unless you find really positive reviews of them from another university.
- Another thing to note is that you'll want to take the easiest yet most interesting classes possible your first term. This is the time to explore. I took a random linguistics class my freshman fall just because it sounded interesting and I loved it. It was so fascinating and the professor was so passionate about the topic that studying for tests and doing problem sets was actually fun for me. While I don't plan on taking any other linguistics classes, it was a great introduction to college classes and ended up fulfilling a general education requirement.
- Think about taking one small seminar class. I always try to take one class that is 15 people or fewer (my school is pretty small, so this isn't too hard). In high school, I was so used to every teacher knowing who I was, but in a big lecture hall you can often be just a number. Having a small class kept me accountable for participating in class and reminded me to think critically and engage in meaningful discussions with my peers during and after class.
- Find one professor to get close to each term. Read about them. Meet with them after the first or second class. Essentially stalk them. Professors have incredible knowledge and are so good at giving advice. I got really close to one professor spring term who ended up opening up some incredible (read: research, internship) opportunities for me. Even though I was nervous to talk to the professor initially, it ended up paying off in the end.
- Come up with a list of classes to sit in on during the first week of school. Actually go to these classes. Sometimes, even if a class is full, a professor will add a space for you or put you on a waiting list. The path to a high GPA and happiness in classes means that you should not end up taking the classes you register for. Add a class. Drop a class. Experiment!
- Extra-Curriculars
- Usually the first week of school features a club fair. This is super overwhelming, so check out your school's organizations website. Make a list of clubs you're interested in so you can prioritize which booths to visit during the fair. Come up with questions! Many popular organizations require applications and resumes so prepare your information beforehand.
- Housing
- Research where you'll be living.
- Do your packing!
- Figure out your roommate (or floormate, if you're in a single) situation. If you have a roommate, now is the time to bond and discuss boundaries/fun/your shared living space (I'll put up a roommates post later!).
- Greek Life/Social Life
- Greek life is a big part of social life at many schools. Research what the rush process is like and if/when you want to rush. Every school has different policies.
- Reach out to people from your high school or local alums who were/weren't Greek if you're on the fence.
- Research what percentage of your school's student body is part of the Greek system- what are alternatives if you aren't involved? Is the system open and welcoming to all students? Or can only members attend events? (I've heard of some schools where you have to be on a list to get into parties and other schools where the doors are wide open for any student to attend events)
- If your school doesn't have a Greek system, this decision is made for you...
Good luck! xoxo