What Not To Do This Back To School Season

By Bryce Rioux

Every year as August rolls around social media is flooded with videos and posts about what you should do/should bring to college. While these videos definitely helped me guide me through my first move in last year, I wish I had someone tell me things I absolutely should not be bringing and doing as well. So, here are my three things you should absolutely avoid doing this move in season. 

1. Do not overcommit 

Yes, I know this goes against the typical join as many things and get as involved as possible narrative that is pushed onto college freshmen, but I found that this totally set me up for failure. My first few weeks of freshman year were jam packed with things that I did not love doing and everything ended up becoming an obligation instead of being enjoyable. 

I ended up cutting a lot of my involvement down and sticking with a few clubs I knew I could really dedicate myself to. So my advice to incoming freshmen would be to explore possible involvements but do not get overambitious, you can always add more later. 

2. Do not compare your experiences to anyone else’s 

A big part of college is learning that everyone is different. Some people thrive is social settings while others are most comfortable when excelling with academics. Either way, comparing yourself and what you are doing or how you are feeling to other people will never end well. College is an extreme transitional period and not allowing yourself to grow as you want to by trying to measure up to someone else will rob you of the fulfillment this period brings. This is the best time to explore who you are without judgement, take advantage of that!

3. Take Syllabus Week seriously 

I know, these are not the words you are probably wanting to hear as an incoming freshman about to experience real freedom for the first time, but hear me out. Syllabus week sets the tone of the rest of your semester, and making sure you are caught up and set up for success is vital.

My best advice is to optimize your day. Between classes, set up your calendar for the school year, organize your school supplies, pick up textbooks or whatever academic related things you can to get yourself organized. I’m not saying you should focus solely on academics this week, but getting ahead and easing yourself into the school year is the most helpful thing you can do for yourself, and I promise you will not regret it. So use your day wisely, and leave yourself worry-free for nighttime fun. 

Back to school, especially when you are going to college for the first time is incredibly overwhelming. Do not stress too much, you will make mistakes,  you will also grow more than you ever have before. So hopefully my lessons I learned my first year of college I’ll help you avoid some rookie mistakes, and set you up for an accomplished year.