15 Tips to Help You Thrive in Your First Semester at McKendree
Beginning your life as a first-year student can be daunting, especially if you move
far away from home. You might feel nervous and wonder what your classes will be like,
if you’ll get along with your roommate, or if you’ll be able to juggle your academics
with your social life. Even though this time might seem a bit stressful, don’t worry
– there are a few simple things you can do to enjoy your college experience to the
fullest while being successful. Here are our 15 favorite tips to help you not just
survive but thrive during your first year at McKendree!
Get Curious
As Dr. Alewine, professor of mathematics, says, “Ask lots of questions, about everything.”
We feel like this is a great motto to live by! Don’t know the answer to something?
Ask! Make sure you know exactly when your assignments are due and what your courses
require of you. If you don’t understand something from class or you’re struggling
with an assignment or paper, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors! Professor
Kniepkamp can attest to this. “Reach out to your instructors via email. Ask questions
and make sure you understand what’s required of you,” she said. “Make sure you specify
what you don’t understand so we can better assist you.” Finally, take advantage of
your professors’ scheduled office hours – they are there for you to stop by and ask
any questions you might have about your assignments. The faculty at McKendree care
about you and are here to help you succeed!
Go to Class
Pretty obvious, right? It needs to be said, however, because sometimes slamming that
snooze alarm can be way too tempting when you have an 8 a.m. class. Remember that
you’re here for a purpose – to get an excellent education, which will pave the way
for your future success. Attend your classes to receive all of the information you
need from your professors. Pay attention, take notes, ask questions, and work hard
to earn grades that you’re proud of.
Get to Know Your Roommates and People Living in Your Residence Hall
It can be so easy to close your door and shut yourself off from the rest of the world.
If you want to squeeze the most out of your college experience, take it from us –
leave your door open (literally). It’s one of the easiest ways you can meet new friends.
Besides, other first-year students are going through the same thing as you. Sharing
your experiences and emotions can help you form an incredible bond with people who
may wind up becoming your best friend or even your future spouse!
Stay on Campus as Much as Possible
We know it can be tough living far away from home, even if it’s only half an hour
away. Do your best to stay on campus as much as you can, though. Why? Not only will
you get to know your hallmates and classmates, but you’ll also get to attend several
entertaining activities and events. There’s always something fun to do at McKendree
– even on the weekend! This same advice applies to first-year commuters, too. Staying
on campus can cultivate a sense of belonging and will make McKendree feel like your
home away from home!
Find Your Perfect Study Spot
Whether it’s at your desk in your dorm room, in your residence hall’s cozy study lounge,
or nestled in a quiet corner in Holman Library, it’s so important that you have an
ideal study spot that you can rely on. Find the place that helps you zero in on your
studies and avoid distractions as much as possible.
Get Organized
When you were in high school, your teachers probably helped lead you through your
homework and due dates. College life is quite different. Your professors will post
assignments and expect you to be prepared. Take the time now to organize yourself
for the semester. Buy an organizer, use a giant wall calendar, or stay on top of your
workload with an app. Do whichever method you like best to ensure that your assignments
are finished and turned in on time.
Don’t Procrastinate
You might want to wait until the last minute to finish your assignment or paper, but
trust us – it’s better to start working on it as soon as you can. Deadlines might
seem far away at first, but they tend to sneak up pretty quickly, especially if you
have a busy social life or are taking a lot of classes. If you want good grades, take
it from us – set reasonable deadlines for yourself and stick to them.
Put in the Effort
Cutting corners on your assignments, papers, or tests might seem like a good idea
at the time, but at the end of the day, you’re cheating yourself out of a learning
experience. Put in the effort to finish your assignments. Don’t be afraid to go the
extra mile and put great thought, care, and detail into whatever you turn in. Your
professors will notice your efforts!
Stay Healthy
Now that you’re away from home, you might feel more like staying up late, binging
your favorite shows, and indulging yourself with an extra helping of fries, pizza,
or sweets from Ames Dining Hall or the 1828 Café. To stay healthy and avoid putting
on extra weight, do what’s best for your body and mind. Stick to a regular exercise
regimen. Eat a whole, nutritious, well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables,
and lean sources of protein. Get to bed at a reasonable hour. This will help you stay
on track for success! While you’re at it, don’t forget to listen to current CDC protocols
and mask up in indoor locations to avoid COVID-19 as well.
Get Involved on Campus
If you want to beat homesickness, love your time at college, and forge friendships
that last for a lifetime, become more involved on campus by joining a few groups,
including student organizations, clubs, sororities or fraternities, or sports teams.
These groups give you the unique opportunity to make new friends who love the same
things that you do, learn new skills, and help you feel even more connected to McKendree!
Make Time for You
Amidst classes and time dedicated toward your studies, sports, and extracurricular
activities, it’s imperative that you find some time for yourself – just you – every
single day. Relax, de-stress, and give your mind a much-needed break by reading, taking
a walk in the park, writing in your journal, or watching a show that makes you laugh.
Even carving out 15 minutes can make a world of difference!
Manage Your Time
A skill that you’ll learn and develop as a college student is time management. You
probably had to do some time management in high school, but college is a whole new
level. Don’t worry – you can do it. Stick to your deadlines, study hard, and find
ways to sprinkle in a healthy amount of social activities as well. Striking a balance
is the secret for a successful and rewarding college experience!
Be Brave – Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Moving away from home or even commuting to your college classes each day can be a
big, overwhelming leap outside of your comfort zone. It might feel uncomfortable at
first, but you’ll soon relax into your new surroundings and you’ll find that becoming
a Bearcat was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. Look for new opportunities
that come your way to try new things and attend all sorts of events on campus. Pushing
yourself past your comfort zone can give you a huge confidence boost, allow you to
learn more deeply, and help you grow more than you ever could have imagined!
Learn When to Say “No” or “I Need Help”
We know that we just told you to step outside your comfort zone, but you never have
to say “yes” to everything. Be honest with what you can handle. You might not be able
to go out with friends on Friday night if you need to write up a paper or finish assignments
for Monday. And don’t forget, the faculty and staff at McKendree want to do everything
to help you succeed, which is why we provide you with a student success center, career
services, tutoring, spiritual activities, counseling services, and more. If you feel
like you’re falling behind in your classes, you only need to ask for help – the earlier,
the better to get yourself back on track. You never have to go it alone!
Don’t Feel Pressured to Rush Into a Major
It might feel as if all of your friends already know what they’re majoring in. Maybe
you don’t – and that’s okay! Sometimes students won’t know for a while or will wind
up changing their majors once, twice, or more until they find their passions. If you
are unsure about your major, take your time and explore your options. Discover who
you are, what you really love, and what you’re good at. You can also talk to the amazing
staff at Career Services or your academic advisors as well!
You did the hard work of becoming accepted into McKendree University. Now is your
time to shine as a first-year Bearcat! Work hard, reach out to your professors when
you need help, connect with new friends, and be yourself. We guarantee you will get
the most out of your college experience by doing the above things!
