With the 2024 fall semester getting started and incoming college students – once referred to as college freshman – settling in to a new campus, this once college student would like to impart some fatherly advice. These are some wise words I would have liked to have had when I entered college – aimed at the incoming class.
First and foremost, complete your academic work before doing any social activities. Remind yourself why you are there and mark down every due date possible in your tablet, mobile device, calendar, etc., and make sure you finish homework before embarking on anything fun. Yes, this includes college football games.
Furthermore, make specific times to study throughout the week. This is something I learned later in my college days but wish I'd done earlier. For instance, dedicate every Tuesday evening to completing your Wednesday and Thursday assignments. Then, dedicate Saturday mornings to your Monday and Tuesday assignments. Whatever the schedule is, dedicate a specifically scheduled time to your studies.
Second, go to places in groups. Never go to social events – especially in the evening – alone. Take someone along with you and be on the lookout for each other. There is strength and safety in numbers and this should be utilized as much as possible.
Third, call your parents on a regular basis. Keeping in touch with family establishes a rapport and doing so regularly creates a habit. This is a habit that is worth having. Because I contacted my parents on a semi-weekly rotation, I still do and it improved my relationship with them. It is, as if, every 10 days is the time to call them to see how they are and they check in with me. This is because of the habit I formed when in college. It was one of the smartest things I ever did.
Fourth, you are going to become the person you will be for the rest of your life. You will think critically, live on your own, and problem solve. These sorts of things happen in many aspects of life and it is scary to face them when you are away from home. Take solace, though, in what you learned from your family and in high school. For this is what all of the previous learning prepared you. Keep true to your values and remember to breathe deeply before making any consequential choice, and you are set.
Fifth, do not worry about what others think of you. Now that is incredibly easier said than done. It is something with which I struggle every day. But, I know my uniqueness and am confident in my capabilities that I often forget what petty thing someone said about me. After all, I bounced a tennis ball around campus and yes, people thought that was odd – they still do. It does not bother me. So I encourage you – incoming college students – to go confidently onto your path to achieve your goal in your unique way and pay less attention to the inconsequential noise around you.
Sixth, do not get a pet. College students may believe that a cat or a dog would be wonderful in the apartment or dorm. Except one thing, it is a horrible idea. When you go back to your home for the breaks, you will have to take the pet with you. In an attempt to make your life easier, you, then, relinquish the animal into the city. The pet, confused and scared, has nowhere to go. Such actions lead to animal shelters getting full and loose animals being hit by cars on the road.
While your intentions may be innocent, a pet is not a semester acquisition. It is a long-term commitment and if you cannot keep to that, then please do not get a pet.
Seventh, drink lots of water.
My eighth and final piece of advice is to have fun. There is no time like being in college and while there is much to do, do everything you can to enjoy the time.
That is my advice to incoming students.
Drew Landry is an assistant professor of government at South Plains College. His views do not necessarily represent those of SPC.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Landry: Make good choices, drink water and other advice for incoming college students
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