PEOPLE TELL YOU WHAT TO EXPECT IN COLLEGE, BUT WHAT DO THEY NOT TELL YOU? —

When you arrive on campus, it’s a whole new world. Goodbye to the eight hours of classes per day. Farewell to your parents who are constantly texting you asking where you are. Hello Waffle House at 2 a.m. with your roommates. But college is much more than that. When speaking to a few professors, some gave a few pieces of advice that not everyone is warned about before starting college. Dr. Charlie Bass in the chemistry department gave a few suggestions on making the transition from high school to Wofford a bit easier:

• “Get involved in some organizations, but be careful because there appears to be more free time than there actually is. Getting involved is more important because you’ll feel like you’re home.”

Getting involved in the different organizations really can help ease the tension of being homesick. The key to success in college is being able to balance. There is more to college than just classes. You may be surprised to find activities you enjoy  that you’ve never done before – like writing for the school paper! It is also a great way to make new friends, which brings me to number two.

• “Get to know your fellow students, because one day they may be your connection to a job.”

You never know what connections you can make in college. Life is all about networking, and that’s a key to reaching your ultimate goals in life.

• “Get to know your professors. I wanted to know who my students were and not just a number. We’re here because we want to help. You’ll be less shy and it’ll be easier for your professors to write a recommendation.”

The great thing about Wofford is that it is a close-knit community where the professors actually care and want you to succeed. If you are having problems, it is up to you to go see your professors for help. Participating in class and visiting during office hours shows the effort you are putting in to succeed. When they see that you are trying, they remember that and they will not leave you hanging.

• “Get to know The Space! They do amazing things for people…job interview skills, making connections, and more. But you need to go there before they can help.”

Many students have no idea what The Space is. Students graduate still not knowing what The Space is. The folks in The Space, which is located in the Michael S. Brown Village Center, help students transition and prepare for what they would like to do after college. Even if you do not know what you want to do post-graduation, go to The Space and they will help you figure it out.

• “Travel! Whether by studying abroad or choosing an Interim, learning about other cultures could be life changing.”

College is one of the few opportunities in life where you can find the time to travel and get out in the world before all the responsibility life has for you rears its head. As a freshman, you have the time to plan it ahead of time and save up.

• “Moderation! GPA is very important. Guard it, but don’t be neurotic. Keep telling yourself that these are the good days. You want to be able to tell your grandkids about more than just how hard you studied, but about the good times as well.”

As a transfer to Wofford, it still took time to adjust to the curriculum and balance outside of activities. No one said it would be easy, but it is possible and the outcome is worth it. Making good grades is very important, but remember there is more to college. You can do this!

Kelly French, a counselor in The Space, says, “There are resources all over campus. A lot of times people struggle but no one can help if you don’t let it be known.”

It is French’s job to help with resumes and help prepare for job interviews. Even if you just need to talk, she is there.

French warns, “It is easier to get involved earlier.” Some students decide to start preparing for jobs in the upper classmen years. Although it is possible, it is easier for both yourself and the staff to begin early and freshmen year is the best place to start.

Finally, French says, “Read your emails and daily announcements.” In high school, you may not have to check your email so consistently, but your parents are not here to hold your hand. Emails are the best form of communication on campus and the daily announcements give a lot of opportunities you may not see elsewhere. There you have it, class of 2018. It’s up to you now.