The Online Reflector

One of the most difficult transitions in one’s life is the move from high school to college. We are removed from the safe and familiar homes and towns where we’ve lived for the majority of our lives and suddenly thrust into the real world (or something vaguely resembling it). Suddenly, we are completely responsible for our own successes and failures, our schedules and everything.

Some people suggest organization: color-coding everything from your notebooks to your calendar. Others describe hours upon hours of endless study, until you can recite the textbooks verbatim. But these obsessive habits can lead to missing out on some of the great experiences college has to offer. In moderation, they are constructive and necessary, but there is much more to the college experience than obsessive study and organization.

As important as the academic aspect of college is, much of the learning also takes place outside the classroom. College isn’t just about rote memorization or applying complicated theories and definitions to real-world situations. Nor is it solely about late-night adventures with your friends that lead to sleeping through all your classes the next day. It’s a blend of academics, fun and self-awareness. The most important education you can obtain at school is learning more about who you are as a person.

The best and most basic method of learning is through trial and error. The key is to have a multitude of new experiences and get a preview of what the world has to offer. Something as small as trying a new food, going to a cultural event on campus or signing up for a class outside of your major can help diversify your worldview.

You will make mistakes along the way, but that is the only way to learn the ropes of college, as well as life in general. College is the best time of your life to experiment and explore. It’s a blank slate and a new start, a time to redefine and rediscover who you really are when away from the familiar comfort of your hometown. Although at first this can be a bit overwhelming, the opportunities are truly limitless.

Stress, while a great motivator, can run roughshod over one’s college experience if not handled well. While stress is inevitable (particularly in college), there are healthy coping methods, such as deep breathing or long walks, that can help to deal with an excessive amount. Don’t be surprised, however, if midterms or finals weeks call for gallons of coffee and no social time: that comes with the college package. As rough as those weeks can be, they are still a pivotal aspect of college. They reveal how stress affects you, which is powerful knowledge. The sooner you know the best ways to handle stress, the sooner you will be best equipped for the rest of college and your life.

Finances are another component of college that can cause anxiety and require planning and preparation. In an uncertain global economy and depressing employment statistics, prodigious student loans are a necessary evil. Each generation has its conflicts and meltdowns, whether they are cultural revolutions or dismal economies. This is not 1930; things have been worse before. There’s ample reason to be aware of the economic ongoings and news, but beware of jumping on the alarmist bandwagon. Things tend to unfold as they should and life eventually follows a natural balance.

The first few days on campus at UIndy can be overwhelming for students who don’t know what to expect. However, this is a great time to familiarize yourself with the campus. Learn the ins and outs of the university, so you feel less intimidated once classes begin.

One of the best aspects of UIndy is the sense of community among students. If you’re lost or need help finding an office, ask a fellow student.  Remember, upperclassmen have been in your shoes before and are willing to offer whatever assistance you need.

Another option that can be extremely helpful to students new and old are the numerous campus services available. From tutoring and study groups to student government and career services, there is no shortage of programs and people to assist in your academic and life endeavors.

Stay calm: entering a new environment is scary, but the campus offers many services to help you acclimate to college life. Make a few mistakes of your own, so long as you learn from them. Work diligently, because this is a valuable experience, but have some fun, too. Remember: this is only college.

Cartoon by Jessica Stucky