So after weeks and weeks of waiting and sleepless nights, you have finally received the acceptance letter and this is considerably one of the most exciting and rewarding experience of your life! You are officially a college student! I’m sure there are a million questions popping up in your head. What classes do I take? Will I make friends easily? How do I balance all the classes and a social life? However, when embarking on this new journey, it is important to go into it with a clear and open mind set as College is not necessarily everything that is depicted in movies and T.V shows. It’s not always about the hottest parties and the popularity contest but so much more to guarantee success. Yes, the enthusiasm is definitely contagious but at the end of the day you as a student are totally responsible for the outcome you receive and a balance is a necessity for success.

A social life is just as important as an academic life. Creating lasting friendships and relishing the new experience of being away from home can be thrilling. I will admit that sometimes it is much easier to get through tough classes or a trying subject when one has a friend to talk things over with and put the missing pieces together, however most of the responsibility will ultimately be in your hands. College offers one the opportunity to partake in many activities that facilitate the growth of new skills and talents. Clubs and fraternity groups help to make college life interesting and worthwhile. However, a balance between such activities and a healthy academic stance is important if at the end of the day a college degree is to be obtained. Time management becomes your best friend as you learn to prioritize and budget your time to ensure you have a well rounded experience and both aspects of your life thrive during the college years and beyond.

An organizer will become an essential tool in ensuring that one is always on track and aware of upcoming due dates for assignments. This will not only give you a visual reminder but will also serve as a reinforcing tools when decisions such as should I go to the party next door or pull an all-nighter to complete the assignment I procrastinated on which is due at 8am. Color coding to highlight assignments which may need more attention such as extended research is a very helpful in staying on track. Unlike high school, you have to remember that most professors will not hunt you down or give you friendly reminders and passes before due dates. It is mainly up to you to decide the grade you desire in a class.

So as you embark on this new adventure, be rest assured that you are entering this institution with a clean slate left for you to paint the picture of your future. It is all dependent on you. Your goals, attitude and your balance between a social and academic life. College is not all about an academics and no fun. If that were the case then it would not be a true learning experience. Have fun, meet new friends, go to parties but also stay on top of your academics!