The most exciting class I took at college was ENES100 Introduction to Engineering. I was surprised to find out that the whole class was essentially one big project. My team had to build an Open-Terrain Vehicle that could navigate through obstacles and complete specific missions on its own. I discovered this class because it was required for my major, but it turned out to be one of my highlights of the semester. I learned a lot about how to use computers and electronics, but the most important thing I learned was how to work well with other people. Even if you aren't an engineer, I think everyone should take a class like this. It is a fun way to build something hands-on, and it is also something that students can put on their resume. Incoming students should try new classes to learn more about different majors, not just their own.
I also worked hard to get to know my teachers. My greatest success was building a relationship with my Statics professor. Even though I am not in her class anymore, I still talk to her and ask her for advice about my future and chat whenever we cross paths. The biggest obstacle to building these relationships is that college classes are big, and so it can be hard to get the teacher to notice you. It is challenging for a professor to remember you when they want to get to know everyone else as well. To fix this, I suggest speaking up in class or staying after the lesson to ask a question. Making that small effort can help portray you as a curious person.
My friends were the biggest reason I was able to handle the move to college. Having a good group of people to support me made the school feel like a home away from home. We do everything together, like eating dinner in the dining hall, studying in the library, and going to the weekly farmers market.Having good people around you is the best way to combat loneliness. However, it wasn't easy building relationships at first, though. During the first few weeks, I had a hard time finding a group where I fit in. I had to be brave and go to club meetings by myself. Because I did that, I got to meet so many new people that I still connect with to this day. I think incoming freshmen should step out of their comfort zones and attend as many events as possible, even if they have to go alone at first.
The thing that surprised me most about college was how much I had to be my own boss. In high school, people often tell you what to do. Teachers remind you to complete assignments, coaches tell you to run laps, and parents tell you to wake up for school. But in college, discipline is a skill that you need to have. You have to decide to wake up early, go to the gym, and ask for help from TAs when you are stuck. No one is going to force you to stay on top of your studies. Although having independence is refreshing, it is also a big responsibility. I recommend that new students start practicing being independent now so they are ready for the responsibility when they get to campus.