Starting college can be overwhelming, but here are five key tips that helped me settle in and thrive at Monmouth.
1. Get involved!
Join clubs as early as you can. Coming into college, I received a lot of rather cliché advice but of all the unsolicited tips I received, this one has rung true: get involved. Joining clubs and organizations on campus is a great way to meet people with similar interests to you.
In addition to that, in college, you can have a lot of free time during your day compared to a structured seven-hour school day. I find it easy to get lost in the shuffle, sitting in your room on social media. I personally did not enjoy that amount of free time without any structure or feeling of productivity, which pushed me to join clubs.
As a result, I’ve met a lot of my close friends and explored my interests, allowing me to discover what career I want to pursue professionally.
Dr. Vaughn Clay, Director of Student Engagement, said, “From a professional and career perspective, getting involved is often an effective training ground to help students learn how lead, to manage budgets, to guide a team, to manage projects-events and much
more.”
Monmouth has over 120 clubs and organizations on campus that always need more members. I think you should totally join The Outlook, but I may be biased.
Whether it is a sport, something affiliated with your major, a hobby you have, or want to pick up, try to get involved on campus. I always say an involved student is a happy student!
2. Study outside of dorms.
Doing homework and assignments in dorms may work for some people, but it does not work for me. When I do work in my room, I get distracted, whether that be from my phone or chatting with my
roommates. If you are like me, the best thing to do is find a spot you like on campus and stick to it.
Some of my personal favorite study spots on campus include the Guggenheim Memorial Library, Great Hall, Rebecca Stafford Student Center, and the Plangere Center for Communication. I try to find quieter spots within these buildings too, to ensure I stay on task. In the Great Hall, I opt to go onto the landing between the first and second floors for a little more peace and quiet while still having the ambiance of the building.
Similarly, in the main area of the library, it can be very quiet; I enjoy renting the study rooms with friends and catching up on assignments. If you are a commuter student, these places can be great to go to in
between classes.
There are also study rooms available around campus, including in the Thomas A. Edison Science Hall and the Student Center, so make sure to check them out!
3. Network.
In college, it’s important to attend class and complete your assignments, but building connections is equally valuable for your future.
Networking helps you invest in your career path and opens doors you might not expect. It’s easy to wait until you’re searching for an internship or job to realize you don’t have people to turn to for support. That happens to many students, so don’t let it be you.
At Monmouth, you don’t need to worry about this because there are many resources to help you. Career Development is a vital resource for students and alumni, and they are there to support you every step of the way.
If you’re a first-year student (or any student) without a LinkedIn profile yet, Career Development can help you take a professional headshot, create posts, and format your page to maximize your success.
Monmouth also offers many clubs that give you great opportunities for networking.
4. Go to events.
Monmouth hosts a plethora of events on campus that you should attend. Bring some friends along and meet some new people. My favorite memories on cam- pus are not those of being in a classroom or late night study sessions, but rather doing fun things on campus like attending the campfire jam, goat yoga, the rainforest café, movie nights, and more. This is another great way to change up your days and support the clubs and organizations on campus.
Clay said, “When students make the decision to go to the many different events that occur every semester, it helps promote a greater sense of belonging and community, and it fosters an enhanced sense of campus spirit.”
He continued, “Students who become actively involved in life beyond the classroom tend to get better grades, they feel a greater sense of success, they are often more satisfied with the experience they are having at the University, and it can have a net positive effect on the students’ ability to meet people and make friends.”
Consider attending events that clubs are hosting, and if you would rather be the one planning them, join a club like the Student Activities Board. Finding where these events have never been easier either.
Check out the Student Engagement Instagram, use the campus groups app, or pick up a copy of The Outlook and check the features section!
5. Ask for help when needed.
If you find the transition into college is hard, you are not alone. If you are in this new environment feeling overwhelmed and stressed maybe because of school or feeling like you are not meeting your best friends, it will get better. There are many resources on campus you can utilize if you feel this way.
Academically, make sure to maximize tutoring services, the writing center, and math center. It is also important to reach out to your professors if you are struggling in their class and attend office hours! Building relationships is important and allows your professors to better help you.
For guidance, reach out to your first-year advisor! It’s important to utilize them and ask for help. If you ever find yourself struggling mentally and need a safe space to rant or talk it out, visit Counseling and Prevention services located on the third floor of the Rebecca Stafford Student Center.
Advice can come from anyone but as a student who lived through the adjustment into Monmouth, these tips have helped me be as successful as possible. You only get four years here it is important to try to make the most of them and maximize the time you have here.
