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Viviana Smith/Fourth Estate

BY VIVIANA SMITH, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Entering a new environment can be a difficult task. Without a strong foundation to build from, you’re bound to have many questions about all that is “new” — new faces, new opportunities and most importantly, a new you.

When we try to figure out the “new” by ourselves, we often make mistakes. However, with the right guidance, it can become easier to face unfamiliar challenges head on with confidence. 

As a Mason senior, I’m reaching out to the largest incoming freshman class with top 5 “need to know” tips to make the most out of your college experience. 

1. Find a buddy in each class

Throughout my time at Mason, I constantly heard the complaint from other students that making friends on campus was too difficult. Many students on this campus are commuter students, which explains why so many people make a beeline to the nearest parking lot right after class ends. Due to this, it can be hard to find the time to connect with peers. 

My advice is to get close with at least one person in each class. You may not become best friends with all of these people but it may help fulfill that social need for the rest of the semester. 

Additionally, if you reach out to those in your class, you will have another contact besides the professor to assist you with assignments. No more wondering if you’re the only one who doesn’t understand the homework… chances are, they don’t know either. At least you won’t be alone. 

Hopefully, beautiful friendships can blossom from simply reaching out to those around you and they may even last  throughout college and beyond!

2. Find a mentor

Just as I wish to advise readers, there is someone who would love to advise you personally. Reaching out to those around you, especially those who are wiser, can help guide you through your toughest questions. 

Many professors, advisors, faculty members, student leaders and even other classmates can provide resources of knowledge in more than just academics. 

Finding a mentor can be highly beneficial to your professional and personal development. Speaking with your professor that has experience in a career field you are interested in can help you navigate which steps you need to take to pursue that same career or at least one that is similar. 

If you become an intern for a job you’ve always dreamed of but aren’t sure if it’s for you anymore, don’t be afraid to ask questions to your seasoned co-workers who can give you further insight. 

Finding someone who can guide you through life’s many challenges can help curb the stress that uncertainty causes. Some situations are harder to go through alone so try not to avoid connection with those who may be a key to understanding your true potential.

3. Figure out your academic routine

While this seems like an obvious one, it’s usually forgotten by week two and regains importance 12 hours before your first midterm.

Getting into the habit of studying and completing all assignments by 11:59 p.m. is rarely an easy task; however, it’s better to establish a routine sooner rather than later.

To avoid a mountain of work to catch up on, set a designated time every day that adheres to your schedule where you can dedicate your full attention to your academic work. During this time, use special study techniques such as the Pomodoro technique to try to eliminate distractions. 

Couple this with a scheduled “Do Not Disturb” feature on your smart devices and you’ll allow yourself organized time to get all your academic work taken care of. 

4. Set aside some “you time”

What’s most important about the previous tip is that study time remains within its allotted time and doesn’t carry over into well-deserved “you time.” 

College is stressful. On top of the class work, extracurriculars and other obligations, we often get distracted by the bulk of our busy schedules that we miss the pockets of time we can use for ourselves. 

If you are able, set aside time that is dedicated to the activities you love. Even if it’s only for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow yourself a moment to catch up on a few pages of your favorite book or comic, a short YouTube video or to take a brisk walk while enjoying nature. 

While taking time for yourself, it’s easy to feel “guilty” for not using time to be productive; however, a car with an empty gas tank can’t make it to the gas station– remember to replenish your own “tank” by taking care of your own well-being. 

5. Get involved… reasonably. 

As a bright-eyed freshman, there’s probably many activities, groups and events that have caught your eye. With student groups such as Student Government, volunteer organizations, Student Media and many more, there are plenty of options on campus that expand your horizons professionally and assist you in building long-lasting communities for the rest of your time in college.

However, beware of your own ambitious nature. While you don’t want to lose that spark for growth and learning, you don’t want to over rely on it either. Though you may want to join several clubs, it’s best to start slow with one or two. As you join these clubs, get a deeper understanding of how the club works, what kind of activities usually take place and how much of your time is needed to participate. 

If all of these factors work with your schedule, then pursue that opportunity. If making the commitment seems unrealistic, don’t be afraid to decline or tell your club members that you need a break. 

Allow yourself grace with hard decisions such as leaving a club  or choosing one passion over the other, as you can only be in so many places at once. Try not to spread yourself thin– a jack of all trades is a master of none. 

There is not a right or wrong way to get through college. Everyone’s journey looks different, even if you are studying the same major. Life throws many curveballs and your path can change in an instant. All you can do is try to implement structure to the part of college that you can control, seek a helpful community and prioritize your mental and physical well-being. 

I hope these tips are valuable to many of you and that the next few years of your college experience are your best.