Posted on by Rachel

The Student’s Guide to Campus

UW Bothell and Cascadia College sign at the main entrance of campus.

As I am a senior and graduating this quarter, I wanted to give back by sharing all of the knowledge I have gathered about the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia College during my time here. In this blog post, I will provide a complete overview of essential services, ways to get involved, things to do, and helpful tips to make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. I loved being on this campus and hope that you can takeaway some of my advice, so that you can also have the best college experience!

Where can I find…

Homework Help

University of Washington Bothell

If you are a UW Bothell student in need of help with your assignments, you will likely want to visit the Academic Learning Commons in UW2-030.

It is home to the Quantitative Skills Center (QSC), which offers FREE academic peer tutoring both drop-in and online. They tutor in most STEM courses/majors, such as Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, Math, or any other course that requires quantitative reasoning. They also offer support in using different software and technology, test preparation, and test anxiety.

The QSC also provides a range of different equipment for students to check-out, including calculators, textbooks, molecular modeling sets, whiteboards, and more. Just be sure to bring your Husky Card!

Academic Learning Commons room filled with many tables, chairs, students, and staff. Image is focused on a student working on a laptop and iPad and tutoring staff is showing them something on their iPad.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

Also in UW2-030, is the Writing and Communication Center (WaCC). If you’re looking for assistance writing a paper, creating a presentation, or writing a personal statement, this is the place to go. You can make an appointment via the Navigate Student app, their appointment form, or drop-in online through Zoom. The WaCC is super helpful and will provide you with feedback on your work no matter what stage of the writing process you are at!

Another resource on campus is the Open Learning Lab (UW2-140). Not only is this a space for all students to access and use computers (both Windows and Apple) with pre-installed software, such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe, ArcGIS, and more, but the Open Learning Lab also provides drop-in tutoring on all of these tools listed, as well as general digital media software help.

And, one last tip – don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors for help on your assignments. Take advantage of their office hours to go over the homework or ask questions. Remember they are here to teach and support you!

Cascadia College

For Cascadia students, you will want to visit the Bock Learning Center (CC2-060). There you can get free in-person and online tutoring, computer services, calculator rentals, as well as general workspace. This is also where you can acquire your Cascadia student ID card. Tutoring is available in subjects, such as math, chemistry, writing, and even public speaking. You can also print and scan documents here.

Two students working together and writing in a notebook.
Photo credit: www.cascadia.edu

Career help

University of Washington Bothell

Are you looking for an internship, job, help with your resume / cover letter, or interview prep? Visit Career Services in UW1-160!

Career Services aims to guide Huskies in their career journey by empowering them in their interests, helping them build their skills, and connecting them with professionals and employers. They offer appointments via drop-in and online in a variety of areas, such as resume/cover letter review, mock interviews, LinkedIn profile review, job/internship search strategies, and graduate school application prep. 

I personally have submitted my resume for review at Career Services when I was in the process of applying to internships and they provided valuable feedback in under 2 days. One time a Career Services staff even came into one of my classes to do a workshop on salary negotiation, which I learned A LOT from. They gave our class so many tips and actionable items that will help us now and in the future, so I definitely recommend checking out their services. 

Career Services also provides a schedule of career-related campus events. They host workshops, career fairs, and information sessions that you can attend to build your professional skillset and network. I recommend taking advantage of the career fairs, which are hosted each quarter, because there is no better way to get your name out there, connect with employers, and explore different companies all in one place! They typically have a general career fair, a STEM career fair, and sometimes virtual fairs. 

Large event space filled with many people and booths for a career fair.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

Cascadia College

For Cascadia students, you can visit the Career & Transfer Office (Kodiak Corner, CC1). They offer assistance with planning for your future careers and with the transfer process. The Cascadia College “Career Exploration” website also has a page for all things career-related, such as job searching, career assessments, major info sessions, application help, and any upcoming events. This is a super helpful resource and includes a lot of useful information and tips for students who are currently looking for jobs or want to build the skills needed to pursue a certain career.

Kodiak Corner front desk with multiple students in-line and having conversations with the desk staff.
Photo credit: www.cascadia.edu

Study Spots

Campus Library

Though I may be a bit biased because I work at the library, I think one of the best study spots on campus is the library! It has three levels worth of study area for students – the first floor is best for group collaboration and zoom calls (normal chatter level), the second floor has lots of comfy chairs as well as bigger tables for group work (lower chatter level), and the third floor is perfect for quiet studying with many individual study carrels, study rooms available for reservation, and our silent reading room with a beautiful view of the wetlands through the floor to ceiling windows (quiet-silent chatter level).

I really like using the study rooms when I need a quiet space to call into a Zoom meeting or want to study with friends. The study rooms can be reserved online for up to two hours. You can only have one active reservation at a time and you can book two weeks in advance. Each study room contains a projector/TV, whiteboard, scratch paper, and writing utensils.

Room dimly lit by table lamps, floor to ceiling windows along every wall with sunset in the background, and many wooden group tables and wooden chairs.
UWB/CC Library 3rd Floor Silent Reading Room, Photo credit: sites.uw.edu

Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)

Another great place to get work done is the ARC. The top floor (ARC Overlook) is a big open space filled with lots of tables and chairs, as well as a video game alcove and gaming tables if you ever need to take a break during your study sessions. This floor is also lined with giant windows, so you get some natural light and a nice view!

They also have meeting rooms available to students that are first-come first-serve if they are not already booked by student clubs/organizations.

Large open event space filled with many circular group tables and chairs. Floor to ceiling windows along far side of the wall.
ARC Overlook, Photo credit: scout.uw.edu

Zoom Pods

A new addition to the campus are Zoom Pods! There are several located in the UW2 building on the first floor near the cafe / Gold Brew. They are individual pods available on a first-come first-serve basis with a limited use of 90 minutes. These are a great option if you need to quickly jump on a call or join an online class.

Photo credit: Taken by me

Study Alcoves and Other Resources

Each building on campus has study areas and alcoves on most floors. I’ve used these spaces to do a little homework or review for an exam before my class begins. It is super convenient on days I have classes, because I don’t have to account for the walk time to the classroom after my study sessions.

Building lobby with several circular tables with four green chairs around each of them. Floor to ceiling windows along one wall of the lobby.
UW1 Second Floor Lobby, Photo credit: scout.uw.edu
Lobby with multiple gray couches, orange cloth chairs, tables, and large rolling whiteboards.
Discovery Hall First Floor Lounge, Photo credit: scout.uw.edu

Another really useful resource is the Scout website. It lists in detail every study space available at UW Bothell. You can scroll through each building, look at photos of each spot, and find where on campus works best for you!

Food and Drink

Terrace Dining Pavilion

Over the past couple of years, the campus has been undergoing many renovations and changes, one of which includes the construction of the new dining hall! This is super exciting, because the campus has never had an official dining hall before. It is located next to the new residential and dorm building on the north side of campus (near the bus stop). The dining hall has multiple spots for different types of food, lots of seating on both floors, and to-go and online ordering options.

Exterior of the Terrace Dining Pavilion - a stone building with large windows, wooden panels, and seating outside.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

The lower level has FoodLab and Clean Plate, which are two a la carte options. FoodLab has a variety of to-go bowls that rotate each week. Clean Plate has acai and create-your-own bowls, and is great if you’re looking for a more allergen friendly option.

The upper floor has Urban Kitchen and Market Bar, which offers to-go burgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches, as well as “all-you-care-to-eat” options including a buffet and salad bar. There is also The Drop, which features burgers, chicken, burritos, and fries. They open in the evenings, so it is the perfect place to satisfy your late night cravings!

Top view of a bowl of food containing different types of vegetables, fish, and rice.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

The POD Market

The Market is right next door to the Campus Library and sells a variety of small food items and snacks. They have candy, chips, refrigerated drinks, traditional household essentials, as well as Alki Bakery sandwiches, parfaits, and pastries. If you’re looking for something quick to eat or need to grab a little food in between classes, the POD Market is the place to go.

Inside of the Market - multiple black food stands filled with fruit, snacks, and refrigerated items.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

Gold Brew

Gold Brew is the campus cafe! It is located on the first level of the UW2 building. They serve Starbucks coffee and tea and Alki Bakery sandwiches and sweets. Gold Brew also has a selection of other refrigerated drinks, such as RedBull and juices. There is a lot of seating in the cafe area where students eat their lunch or study with a yummy drink in-hand! Fun fact: Gold Brew has microwaves that students can use to heat up their food.

Image of Gold Brew - coffee shop showing counter, menu, and refrigerated case.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

Husky Pantry and Kodiak Cave

An amazing resource on campus for both UW Bothell and Cascadia students is the Husky Pantry (ARC-120) and Kodiak Cave (LB2-006, right next to Campus Safety), respectively. They are both food resource centers for any student facing food insecurity. Whether you’re in between paychecks or need a little extra help to get through the week, Husky Pantry and Kodiak Cave are there to meet your needs.

Husky Pantry offers grocery staple items, seasonal products, hygiene and toiletry products (all non-perishable). Kodiak Cave offers both perishable and non-perishable items, such as kitchen essentials, breakfast items, soups, frozen fruit, frozen and canned meat/proteins, dairy, and more. Both centers function as a “choice pantry,” so students can walk-in and pick the items they need.

For additional food and wellness resources or questions, visit the Health and Wellness Resource Center (HaWRC) in ARC-120 or view their website.

Getting Involved & Things To Do On Campus

Events

The best way to be more involved on campus and feel like a part of the student community is to attend campus events. There are not only educational events, such as career fairs, workshops, and seminars, although there are many available to students, but the campus also organizes fun recreational events, too. For instance, I’ve seen events for open mics, movie nights, and even prom! There is also a Welcome Week at the beginning of each academic year for both new and returning students to participate in fun games, win school swag and prizes, and meet new people. Usually, at many of these events they provide free food, as well, which you can never pass up!

Campus promenade outdoor event with purple and gold balloons and decorations. Many people standing and checking out the booths.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

For more information about upcoming campus events, visit the UW Bothell event calendar or Cascadia event page.

Clubs

Another great way to get involved is joining a club! UW Bothell and Cascadia have a variety of clubs in a number of different categories, such as academic, cultural, religious, political, recreational, and even some that might be related to your favorite hobby. For example, we have STEM clubs, business/marketing clubs, student associations, book clubs, dancing/singing clubs, gaming clubs, and many more.

If you don’t know what you’re interested in or want to explore more about the clubs on campus, a club fair is hosted every quarter where you can walk around to their booths and get to know what their club does. There is also fun activities you can participate in and swag you can win if you visit enough booths. Most club tables have some goodies you can take with you, too!

The clubs themselves host lots of events and meetings throughout the year that you can attend regularly. I think finding a community of people who share the same interests as you is the perfect way to make new friends and feel more involved.

Three people and the UW Bothell husky mascot with their arms up releasing a string of flower balloons for a club event.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

I have personally joined and am an officer for the Bothell Women in Science and Engineering Club (BWiSE) and love interacting and spending time with other students who have similar goals and passions. Although we all get quite busy with school, I think it is so beneficial to be involved in extracurriculars or dedicate some time towards things outside of classes as it will help you feel more fulfilled during your time at college and it allows you to surround yourself with people who you know will support you.

To view a full list of all the clubs and organizations, you can visit the UWB club directory or CC club directory.

Activities & health and wellness

Video Game Alcove

On the first and second floor of the ARC, it has a video game alcove, as well as games that students can get from the front desk to use. The library also has a selection of video games for multiple different consoles that students can check-out and play at the game alcove. It is a great space for socializing with friends and a fun activity that you can do while on campus!

Fitness Center and Classes in the ARC 

The ARC also has a fitness center on the lower level with a bunch of different types of gym equipment. No need to pay for an expensive gym membership elsewhere – students can use the campus fitness center for free! It’s open 8am-10pm on most days.

They offer group fitness classes almost every day, such as yoga, pilates, indoor cycling, and more. This is definitely something to take advantage of while you’re a student here, so that you, again, don’t have to pay for those classes, and the location is also super convenient since you’re already on campus anyways and you could even sign up with one of your friends/colleagues here.

Inside the fitness center - lots of equipment and a few people in workout clothes scattered standing near them.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

To view all upcoming fitness classes, go to the ARC calendar.

Intramural Activities / Sports

Another thing that the ARC organizes is intramural activities, where students have the opportunity to gather and play traditional team sports or other leisure activities regardless of skill or ability at no cost. This includes leagues, play-offs, and tournaments. Some examples of the activities are basketball, flag football, soccer, card games, board games, and alternative gaming.

Basketball court with two teams playing against each other in blue and neon green jerseys/shirts. One person is shooting the basketball into the hoop.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

This is a good way to be part of a team, meet new people, relieve stress, and even obtain leadership roles. To sign up for intramural activities, you can go to their website sign-up page.

Outdoor Wellness

UW Bothell and Cascadia have a super cool community group called “Outdoor Wellness.” They offer outdoor programs, events, and trips, including activities like hiking, indoor rock climbing, camping, snow sports, and many more! For information about their upcoming events, check this schedule.

Several people with large backpacks on walking on the beach rocks with a sunset in the background.
Sunset on an Olympic Coast backpacking trip, Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

Don’t worry if you’ve never tried any of these activities or feel like you’re still a beginner, because they have trip options for all skill levels. Also, if you don’t have your own gear or equipment, you can rent some at no cost at the Nest Gear Shop (lower level of ARC) for 14 days. They have a variety of gear, such as backpacks, camping essentials, clothing and footwear, climbing/snow/water gear, and much more. You can also use the gear for your own personal outdoor trips! It is first-come-first-serve, though, so be sure to plan in advance by contacting the shop early about gear availability. To find more information or view a comprehensive list of gear offered, you can visit their website.

Two people talking with pieces of equipment on the counter. Different colored hiking backpacks hanging on the wall behind them.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

Also related to getting outside, the campus has a beautiful wetlands that you can visit by walking along the paved sidewalk on the perimeter of the wetlands or go down the boardwalk into the wetlands (just be sure to stay on the path/boardwalk – you will need a permit to explore further). It is located past the ARC building and next to the sports fields (see map). Going outside and being surrounded by nature is the perfect way to clear your mind and de-stress, especially during the hustle and bustle of your school days. When visiting the wetlands, please remember to be respectful by keeping noise to a minimum, not leaving trash, and not disturbing the plants or animals.

Top view of the wetlands and the boardwalk. Many green trees and a marsh.
Photo credit: www.uwb.edu

If you’re the kind of person who likes more of an exercise though, the same trail you cross to get to the wetlands is also called the North Creek Trail where people can bike, walk, and run. It is an easy route to follow and is usually very peaceful as you won’t encounter many other people. It is super accessible for those on campus and is a great place to take a break while getting in a little exercise.

Side view of a heron-looking bird with white and blue feathers standing in the river.
Photo credit: www.google.com/search?q=north+creek+trail

Visit the Collaboratory

Another cool space on campus that recently got renovated is the Collaboratory (DISC-152). It is a creative and open environment that provides a range of equipment and materials in which students can use to work on academic or personal projects, prototypes, art/design, and fabrication. They have machines, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, cricuts (computer-controlled cutting machines used for cutting paper, felt, vinyl, fabric, and more), button makers, modeling softwares, and more, as well as materials, such as printing filaments, woods, plastics, and metals. These resources are all free to students, however since they have limited materials they do ask that you try to bring in your own supplies after your first few visits.

Before your first visit, it is required that you complete their Collaboratory Orientation by filling out this form if you plan to use any materials from them. You can also go there in-person and speak to a staff member who can walk you through how to use the equipment – they are always happy to help!

Coming to the Collaboratory and getting creative is a great way to spend time on campus, especially when all the supplies are already provided to you. One of my coworkers made a beautiful personalized keychain with her own custom print and last time I was there I watched someone 3D printing a piece of their Halloween costume!

Five people in the Collaboratory sitting around a table discussing. There is machines and equipment behind them.
Photo credit: www.washington.edu

Visit the Mobius Art Gallery

Another wonderful thing to check-out on campus is the Mobius Art Gallery located in the CC3 building. There is always an amazing exhibition on display and they put out a new one every couple of months or so. Currently, an exhibition called “Where We Are” by Sarah Dillon is in the gallery with a theme of self-reflection, creativity, social analysis, and human interaction. To see information about the current exhibition, as well as previous ones, you can check out the gallery’s website.

Similar to being outside in nature, I think visiting the art gallery is a great space to find relaxation, inspiration, or reflection. I find that putting myself in a quiet, peaceful place and viewing art can help calm my body and mind. It is also fascinating how art can elicit different feelings and emotions, and even help in sparking creativity. The Mobius Art Gallery is definitely a must-see during your time here on campus!

Three people admiring the colorful artwork hung up on the wall.
Photo credit: www.cascadia.edu

“Did you know…”

    • The new STEM building, Innovation Hall (opened Winter 2024), is shared between both the UWB and Cascadia College campus.
    • The Campus Library offers a 24/7 live librarian help-chat for all your research and library needs.
    • The Campus Library doesn’t just have textbooks! They have a large selection of recreational books and other items available for checkout (fiction books, graphic novels, comics, video games, and more).
    • Students get 6 FREE 45-minute counseling sessions per academic year in the Counseling Center (UW1-080).
    • UW Bothell alumni within 3 years of graduation can schedule an appointment with a career coach at Career Services (UW1-160).
    • The WaCC doesn’t just offer services to current UW Bothell students, but also to anyone who is applying to UW Bothell or is a UW Bothell alumni.
    • Campus Safety offers safety escorts for anyone that ever feels uncomfortable, fearful or apprehensive about walking alone between points on campus.

 

Posted on by Jolene Truong

Effective ways to stay attentive and productive throughout the day

I definitely struggle to stay awake during lectures and motivated to complete everything I planned out for the day. Every now and then, I treat myself to a Starbucks coffee when I feel like I have a long day ahead of me. Here are some other ways to help you stay awake and alert throughout the day:

  • Caffeine

    • Coffee
      • Like I mentioned above, coffee is my go-to drink for when I’m feeling drowsy. My usual coffee order is a caramel macchiato with an extra espresso shot. That roughly equates to 150mg of caffeine. Over my years of being a sleep-deprived student, I’ve found that I’m quite susceptible to caffeine so I used a caffeine calculator to make sure that I don’t consume above my limit. Consuming too much caffeine may result in dizziness, headache, insomnia, other symptoms, and should not be a replacement to natural rest.
    • Tea
      • If you’re not into coffee, many teas have caffeine as well! Black tea contains 60-75mg of caffeine per cup. The amount of caffeine is also dependent on how long you steep the tea so steep longer for more caffeine. Drinking tea also has some health benefits like lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and overall calmness. My usual cup of tea consists of green tea with a little bit of honey.

infographic_caffeine
– Image found here

  • What you can eat

    • Start the day with a balanced breakfast
      • Surprisingly, to help you stay awake throughout the day, waking up early and giving yourself adequate time to get ready can help you in the long run. Common breakfast foods like eggs, oatmeal, and yogurt are full of nutrients and vitamins to start the day. Although grabbing a quick cup of coffee or a sugary pastry saves time, it might make you crash earlier in the day if you do it too often. Building this habit will help you approach the day with a better mindset.
    • Carry snacks
      • Speaking from personal experience, getting hungry in the middle of the day can definitely throw off your focus and make you lose motivation! Most of the time, it’s because we are running low on energy. I find a banana, sliced fruit, and carrots with hummus to be good pick-me-ups throughout the day. Also, granola bars, trail mix, and fruit snacks are some of the best snacks to have with you at all times because they’re non-perishable and are still okay after being smacked around the bottom of a backpack or bag.
    • Stay hydrated
      • This is so important! Drinking enough water throughout the day really does wonders. A symptom of dehydration is lack of energy, which can lead to sleepiness. Definitely something you do not want to feel in the middle of the day. Although this amount is different for each person, a good guideline is for adults to drink 8 ounces of water 8 times a day. This can easily remembered by the “8 by 8” rule.
      • Be eco-friendly and carry a refillable water bottle when you’re out on walks and running errands!
    • Lifesum
      • I use a free app called Lifesum to track my meals/snacks, water, and exercise. I really like how it’s easy to use and the user interface is really appealing! You can also sync the app with your mobile device so that it can track your steps. By using Lifesum, I was able to manage my diet and make sure that I build a habit of keeping my energy up throughout the day. Lifesum is available on iOS and and Android to download.

giphy (1)
– .gif found here

  • Lifestyle Changes

    • Optimal sleep and nap time
      • Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy life. It is recommended that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Here are some of the things that happen during a sleep cycle:
        • Tissue growth and repair
        • Energy restoration to the brain and body
        • Growth hormones essential for development are released
        • Support for daytime performance
      • Naps can reduce feelings of sleepiness, but be careful not to overdo it. An ideal nap duration is 10 to 30 minutes. You should consider other factors when deciding to take a nap, such as not napping for too long or too close to your bedtime. These will impact your regular sleep schedule and how you’ll feel after the nap.
    • Mindfulness Techniques
      • What exactly are mindfulness techniques? They are simple practices you can do to focus on what your body is feeling and sensing in the current moment by doing simple breaths and stretches. According to the Mayo Clinic, these techniques can benefit you by reducing stress, pain, insomnia, and other conditions discussed on their website.
      • This video, “5-Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere” by Goodful is quick and easy to help yourself reset and destress.
    •  Exercise
      • There are many benefits to exercising including improvements in your physical and mental health. By including daily exercise into your schedule, it will greatly improve how you go about your day.
      • Morning workouts: Exercising in the mornings sound dreadful, but once you build the habit it can help you establish a routine. Just the fact that you took the time before your usual schedule to exercise gives you a sense of achievement and with this mindset, it will motivate you to tackle your day of to-do’s. Morning workouts will also force you out of bed so that you do not oversleep and feel groggy.
      • Evening workouts: This is my preferred time to exercise because it is the last thing I do before I get to go home and relax! I get to exercise the built up stress from the day away and have some self-reflection time while I’m running on the treadmill. Exercising at this time is great for night owls, like myself, who have trouble sleeping at night because it’ll tire you out just enough that you’ll fall asleep easier.

giphy (2)
– .gif found here

These are just some of the things you can do to stay attentive throughout your day, but more importantly, it is dependent on how you set yourself up before the day even starts by building healthy habits and doing things in moderation. Hopefully the content I’ve written above helps you get through the day in a healthy and productive way.

Posted on by vuukat

What I Learned throughout my First Year in College

College, where students strive to discover a major, find a job, and develop new experiences and skills to keep. Last year, I came into the University of Washington Bothell as a first year student and believe me, I was not prepared to face the reality of college. Throughout that whole year, I learned so many things that I never expected to hold onto, whether if it was academically or personally. And I decided to share with you some of the main things that I have held onto ever since!

Disclaimer: Everyone has a different experience with their first year in college. These may not apply to your personal experiences but can be useful to keep in mind for the future.

 

  • Time really does go by fast

Although Freshman Year was as long as any other school year, it personally felt like three whole months to me. And it sounds crazy to say that college can go by so quickly. If Freshman Year felt like three months, I can’t imagine what the rest of my college journey would feel like time wise. Depending on the person, some people would think a year of college is more like a century while others think it is more as a few months. So do remember to make the most out of your time in college!

  • Adjusting to college schedules takes time

When comparing high school schedules to college schedules, the number of differences are endless. If you were a full time student or did not do Running Start in high school, then it can take a week or so to get used to your college schedules. Unless your classes are a part of a series, it is difficult to “reset” your mind for new schedules. What I suggest is to have an idea of where all of your classes are before the quarter starts by going to the area(s) where each class will be held in.

  • Making connections on campus is more exciting than you think

It is not initially easy to get used to a college environment so what I highly recommend is to make connections, big or small, around your campus and see what opportunities there are for you to look at! Because I work in the library as a Circulation Student Assistant, it is easy for me to make connections with the library staff as well as the patrons who often check in and out items. Outside of work and class, I am a member of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). I feel like when you join a club, you get a lot out of it; you are able to make new friends, bring dedication or commitment, and experience what it’s like to be in a group with similar interests!

  • It’s okay to not know what you really want to do when you are in college

People expect college students have a plan set for a specific major that they’d want to fulfill, even before you set foot in your college journey. Having this expectation in your head can result in a lot of pressure and anxiety, if you ask me. I have seen a lot of my friends second guessing themselves or worrying that they have made the wrong decision towards a major. Sometimes, it’s hard to try to fulfill one major and follow through with it until the end of your college career. No matter what, it is 100% okay to re-think your plan and revise it in a way that will make you happy!

  • Always. Have. A. Planner.

Keeping track of ALL important academic dates is a HUGE priority to keep in mind. So for me, I like to keep my planner and a few pens in my bag in case something comes up in my schedule. For some people, it’s hard to find time to organize what you’re going to do every single week. So what I like to do is find some time at the beginning of every week and write down any upcoming assignment due dates or event dates that I know and then list out what things I need to prioritize first during that week.

  • Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary

Although I consider myself as a social butterfly around people, I was once someone who was so shy that I couldn’t even make eye contact with anyone. Becoming more out in the open is not a trait that you can obtain immediately; it takes small steps to really develop an open mind towards making new friends. I find it simple to make new friends by initiating small talk (a “how are you” or a “how’s your day?” can make an impact towards someone!) and find common ideas or ask questions to make a conversation!

  • Take advantage of your free time

In college, you’d think that you don’t have to worry about anything and you would have plenty of time to do things. Well, those expectations are false. As a matter of fact, it’s even hard to find time to settle down and study, especially if you’re up on your feet going to your classes or have an active job. So when you have some free time, make use out of it! Cherish that amount of time by doing something you don’t normally do, such as catching up on your TV shows, or reading a book. It’s okay to take a break because overworking yourself can cause a lot of stress on your shoulders.

  • Make as many memories as you can!

I learned that once you get out of school, it’s hard to find time to spend with your friends and family, especially since you might have a job or continue your education somewhere else. So when you do get a chance, go out and make some fun plans (i.e. admire some aesthetic outdoor views or have a movie night at someone’s house) with those who you love! Not only does it help you relax from all that college stress, but it also makes you realize that it become harder to find time to be with people close to you. Be sure to find a way to capture the moment by taking photos or writing about it in your notebook!

 

To all upcoming first year students, my personal advice to you is that college will not be as easy as you may think. But don’t let that restrain you from living your life! There is always a way to find balance between your life in college and outside of college, and not many people realize it. Everyone has to discover that balance on their own since we are different from one another. The various things that you learn in college can help in your career, such as expressing your communication skills, or using your leadership skills in a team. College is a great place to practice any professional skills, while keeping that balance of social skills and fun when exposed to a variety of people with different backgrounds, ideas, and values. So remember to have fun exploring and learning new things throughout your college journey!