First of all, let me say that I am indeed at Transfer Sophomore at *Lee University who is just about to complete her first semester here! Woot! It has been a journey to say nonetheless. However, I hope that this guideline serves a great deal of help to first-time students, or transfers as well, or just simply wherever you are in your academic walk.
 |
| Chilhowee Sunset. |
First Step: Find Your College
This is the biggest step you will take. This implies preparing yourself for the future and taking that first step. They say that the first step is always the hardest, and it almost always is! Don't let this bring you down though! College isn't for everyone, and that's okay. However, you are obviously reading this for a purpose, so in that case, I encourage you to ask yourself the following questions:
1. What do I want to do after college? - This will direct what type of major you will be looking for specifically.
2. Where do I want to study? - This guides you to which location/university you should probably be looking at.
3. Class sizes? Proximity to home? What can I afford? - This points you towards the other "little" things you should probably also be looking at. Keep in mind YOUR personal preferences. This is YOUR college education. Own it.
*Transfer Specific:*
What does this university have to offer me? - More students mean more money and colleges will often seek after transfers. Colleges WILL offer you scholarships, but be mindful of tuition cost despite this. I should also add that if you have completed a number of hours at your current school, CALL/EMAIL someone (Head of a Transfers department - if they have one) and ask about how those classes will fit into your degree plan!
Second Step: Moving In & Class Schedules
After all is said and done, you should be doing some type of preparation such as moving into a dorm or simply signing up for classes. At LeeU we have a site where we hit a button that states we agree to attend school for that upcoming semester and for me, that was the moment I felt it was real.
Moving in was no big deal for me, but it was hard when my parents planned to leave and I quickly realized I was all alone in a brand new state. It was overwhelming. Be prepared for this. Pack some tissues for mom and dad and possibly for yourself too. Give long hugs. While moving in, be reminded that this is a new life change for mom and dad too. So your mom will want to help you make your bed, or hang your clothes, and unpack, while my dad mostly just looked around the room and helped tidy up or asked if I wanted to move some of the furniture around while he was there to help. Let them. This is beneficial for you both. Also, this is a great time to get to know your roommate! Ask questions!
As for class schedules, do NOT overwhelm yourself and do NOT sign up for 8 am classes unless you are definitely a morning person. My current roommate is definitely a morning person, and I am not. I have issues waking up for a 9 am, let alone an 8 am class. Sweats and t-shirts are a staple in my closet. You are paying for this education, and you should want to be in every class either because your teacher takes attendance (which affects grades) or because you want to learn. Wake up thinking this way and do not bargain yourself out of going to class. Also, get to know your advisor very well, they will help you make some important decisions for the next few years of your college life.
 |
| Nora 2nd South praying together. |
Third Step: Community
Now, at LeeU (great school! Check 'em out here.) I live in Nora 2nd South with about 23 other young ladies, including my wonderful RA (Resident Assistant) and RC (Resident Chaplain). These women have been a beautiful addition to my friend group and I am very blessed to have them. With our community, whether we are going up to Chilhowee to watch a beautiful sunset (pictured above) while eating Hibachi, attending Small Groups on Thursday in the Apartment, going to concerts, events or simply celebrating that 3 of our hall-mates got engaged in one month, we are always crying, laughing, eating dinner, enjoying life, or hanging out with each other. Having such a loving community like ours has helped me transition from a tiny town in West Texas to a somewhat larger city outside of Chattanooga Tennessee, much more rapidly than I would have done without.
1. Find your community. - Get involved, make friends! Go to events and talk to people! Talk to your hall-mates and roommate(s)! Make friends!
2. Attend a church. - I am very big on this idea. This isn't something for everyone, but I do think that having a community who wants to see you succeed in every way possible, including spiritual growth, is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
3. Find your phone call. - My Theology Prof. once told our class a story of how she was very frazzled after a wreck, that she couldn't calm down from. She immediately called a friend and once she told him what happened, he asked her "Are you okay? That is what is most important," she then encouraged us to "find our phone call." Our "phone call" is the someone who reminds you to slow down and focus on the important things, and to simply ask you if you are okay, even when you forget to ask yourself. Find that person for yourself.
4. Make the most of every situation. - even in good times and bad times, when the paper is due the next day and you just can't focus. Make the most of it. Go for a walk, take a dance break or sit in the sun for a little bit and then refocus your energy.
Step Four: My Roommate's Advice- October and November
The first few months, universities are pretty good about making sure no one gets homesick, they want you to be comfortable and enjoy your university life. That's great! With all the events, free food, free concerts, and social events happening those first few months, no one has time to really miss home or slack off. But right when you least expect it, usually in October and November, things seem to slow down. You might start missing home quite a bit more than usual, you might slack and procrastinate and think about throwing in the towel. This isn't just a Freshman's problem. This happens even when you transfer. I predict it might even happen again to me in my third year and/or fourth. Who knows? (I'd love to hear some College Upperclassmen opinions on this). However, this creates a problem of falling very far behind, very fast. In October and November, Finals Weeks seems to be just around the corner and you want to spend as much time as possible focused on those exams, rather than how you will ever catch up AND pass those exams. Do yourself a favor and try to follow this pattern:
-Attend class
-Take great notes
-Find a friend for notes/class you miss
-Talk to your professor during office hours
-Do the homework (even if its not graded)
-Ask questions
-Do homework BEFORE its due
-Study BEFORE hand - start preparation at least a week before if you can
-Study consistently - individually or group effort
 |
| An engagement party thrown for Darcie Lee (left), Lexee Bynum (center) and Audriana Matsler (right). |
Step Five: Finding a Job & Juggling the Responsibilities
Boy, oh boy. This has probably been the most difficult for me more recently. I work inside a mall and weekends are super tough. With holidays right around the corner, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, is shopping. This could possibly go hand in hand with schedule making, but always make the best of your availability. Most employers look directly at this, and could be the thing that sets you apart from the person next to you. Always make sure you have time to do both school work and actual work at a job. Both are important, but if it comes down to it, you might have choose between one or the other. Unless there is an outstanding circumstance, take your time finding a job to work well with your schedule that is the best environment for you and make sure to communicate with your bosses well!
PSA: Working in retail, I can tell you this: You definitely want to wash your clothes after you buy them. The amount of people I have seen try on one single article of clothing is unimaginable.
Step Six: Relationships
Boyfriends, family, friends, and roommates! In the midst of working for both a paycheck and a degree, don't forget to socialize with people! Make friends, find that community, and maybe even a significant other! No pressure here though. Your value doesn't require a significant other, however, if you do find one, make sure to find time and space for yourself occasionally. Call your mom. Call your dad. Call your best friend or hang out with someone from down the hall and chat over dinner. Don't put yourself in your dorm room all day; it just isn't healthy. We all need to socialize. Even if that means sitting in a class room full of other people and not talking as much as someone else. However, being out and about isn't the healthiest option either.
Again, I emphasize the need to make time for YOU.
Here's some examples on how to do that:
Take a long hot shower.
Spend some time watching movies on Netflix
Listen to music or read a book in a quiet library
Grab some lunch and sit outside on a bench by yourself every once in a while. It helps.
Again, I emphasize the need to make time for YOU.
Here's some examples on how to do that:
Take a long hot shower.
Spend some time watching movies on Netflix
Listen to music or read a book in a quiet library
Grab some lunch and sit outside on a bench by yourself every once in a while. It helps.
Step Seven: Self Care
Now that we are talking about spending some alone time, let me emphasize something else.... School should not be so overwhelming that its importance dominants your life and/or takes away from your sleep, disturbs your eating habits, or causes concern in mental health. Yes, college is going to be difficult. It is your first time being an adult all on your own, I do not blame you if you get a little overwhelmed. However, please learn where that line falls as soon as possible. Putting off lunch by 30 minutes to really focus on a paper is one thing, but when its putting off food by nearly 3 or 4 hours or all day, there is a problem and I highly suggest seeking outside help.
 |
| Nora 2nd South for a game of Jeopardy and Tea! |
Step Eight: Surviving the Holidays
MY FAVORITE! (Both sarcasm and excitement present here.)
If going home, (dependent on location/distance from home) you might be either happy or sad. For me, I always get happy going home because I don't see my family often. Just be reminded to make the most of the situation at home even if you aren't necessarily excited about it. You won't be there for long and your parents are just super excited to have you home. However, if you end up having to stay home like I have to this Thanksgiving break, again, you are either happy or sad. I was a little upset to not be able to go home and spend it with family. Instead, I get to work all day at my job. I plan to make the most of it by catching up on homework and making plans for driving back home for Christmas break, giving me something to look forward to.
Speaking of driving, my drive is a little longer than most other's. 16 hours is a lot to take in one day, I suggest splitting your drive up in sections if you have the option and preparing ahead of time with snacks, drinks, music and even phone calls or some company so you aren't completely bored on your drive home. For flights, book ahead. Flying out on a Tuesday or Thursday is almost always the cheapest option. Check TSA requirements and with your Airline about bags or any electronics you can or can't bring along. Plan, Plan, Plan. I suggest buying insurance for your flight, however, I have yet to find the need for it, but as an overly anxious human being, it gives me a certain level of peace.
If going home, (dependent on location/distance from home) you might be either happy or sad. For me, I always get happy going home because I don't see my family often. Just be reminded to make the most of the situation at home even if you aren't necessarily excited about it. You won't be there for long and your parents are just super excited to have you home. However, if you end up having to stay home like I have to this Thanksgiving break, again, you are either happy or sad. I was a little upset to not be able to go home and spend it with family. Instead, I get to work all day at my job. I plan to make the most of it by catching up on homework and making plans for driving back home for Christmas break, giving me something to look forward to.
Speaking of driving, my drive is a little longer than most other's. 16 hours is a lot to take in one day, I suggest splitting your drive up in sections if you have the option and preparing ahead of time with snacks, drinks, music and even phone calls or some company so you aren't completely bored on your drive home. For flights, book ahead. Flying out on a Tuesday or Thursday is almost always the cheapest option. Check TSA requirements and with your Airline about bags or any electronics you can or can't bring along. Plan, Plan, Plan. I suggest buying insurance for your flight, however, I have yet to find the need for it, but as an overly anxious human being, it gives me a certain level of peace.
Step Nine: Finals Week
Now, a lot of this might sound a lot like Step Four "October and November", but Finals Week are a whole different type of torture. The week leading into Finals and Finals Week itself are usually called "Dead Week" and boy does it feel like it! STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!
That is all I have to say, other than:
-Get plenty of sleep
-Exercise
-Drink plenty of water
-Take breaks
-Find a friend
-Pull out old tests/notes
-Eat as healthy as possible
-Sleep
Sleep is there twice for a reason, make sure you get some sleep during the week.
Less coffee, more water, more sleep.
It helps with memory.
Less coffee, more water, more sleep.
It helps with memory.
Step Ten: Enjoyment and Reflection
I would love to write about this one, but I'm currently still living this one out and I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Just enjoy and reflect on all that you learn each semester. The semester never really repeats. The people you meet in class today, won't be there this time next semester.
Enjoy all the semester has to offer.
Enjoy all that life has to offer and figure it out as you go!
Thanks for reading! -- Audri Michelle (:
 |
| My feet during one beautiful Fall day on campus. |
