Making the leap to college is stressful because there are many chances to make mistakes, whether it be overpacking, sleeping in or frivolous spending. Luckily, there’s a way to avoid most of these common problems.
When moving into a small dorm, many people worry about what to take and what to leave behind.
Aiden McCoy, Trinity High School Alumnus, is now a student at Penn State Behrend, and he shared, “I’m very grateful that I brought my Keurig. The coffee on campus can be very, very expensive so it’s nice to be able to make my own.”
Spending money on campus can be very tempting, especially when there’s a coffee shop at every turn. Having a coffee maker would be a really handy resource to have to save money and is definitely not a waste of space.
Trinity High School Alumna Ashleigh Tuite recommends not “bringing random decorations or ‘extras’ of things because they don’t get used.”
Dorms are not very large, and it’s important to maximize space and just take the necessities.
However, Tuite does suggest bringing a mattress topper.
“When I go home for breaks, I always miss my bed at school. Sleep is very, very important in college, so make your bed comfortable,” commented Tuite.
In college, it’s difficult to manage time with so much freedom and it’s easy to miss classes or fall behind on rest.
McCoy stated, “I actually have a really bad sleep schedule which makes it near impossible to wake up for early classes. I’ve skipped class before to study for exams in other classes.”
It’s difficult to balance school work and fun, but it’s necessary in order to succeed.
Tuite adds, “I have skipped classes before for a number of reasons. I have skipped classes due to family emergencies, being sick and even when it is really cold outside. I don’t recommend skipping class unless you have access to the notes. If I don’t have access to the notes, then I don’t skip class unless I absolutely have to.”
One of the first things to do at college is try to meet new people and make friends.
McCoy encourages, “I would say go to every campus event your first few weeks; you’ll make the most friends there.”
Carys Miller, Trinity High School Alumna, backs this up by saying, “The only way you will make friends is by joining clubs and putting yourself out there.”
Hanging out with new friends, paying for transportation, buying books and getting food are just some of the activities that make it so easy to fall behind on finances and spend excessive amounts of money.
Tuite shares her experience: “I do not manage money in college. You are always getting food with friends, doing something fun or ordering things on Amazon. I thought I wouldn’t have an issue but everyone does, so save a lot of money this summer and don’t spend all of your graduation party money on random things. Just for reference, my books were almost $500 my fall semester.”
When so much is happening with assignments, jobs and other commitments, it gets hard to find time to indulge in hobbies that were important parts of life back home.
Miller shares, “Last semester I was able to play pickleball and go to the gym, but this semester I have no time to do anything except go out to eat dinner after my classes on the weekdays because of all of the classes I’m taking.”
Both Miller and Tuite emphasize the importance of taking time to study for tests and that students shouldn’t go into examinations unprepared.
In college, there are so many decisions to make, and it’s even harder without the support of parents and friends. It’s important to try to do what’s best and stay on top of your schoolwork.
Tuite advises, “Just make sure you find a balance and remember why you are there. Work hard then play hard.” She also wanted to add, “your freshman year is 10 times faster than your senior year, so take advantage of every opportunity. Seniors, you know how fast senior year goes.”
As it comes closer to leaving Trinity High School, seniors should prepare to be independent and take responsibility for schoolwork, finances and their social lives, and hopefully this advice from alumni will help all make the right decisions.
