How-To Guide
How to survive at UC.
We all have struggled from time to time while enrolled at school. Three of the biggest problems we face are succeeding academically, making friends, and getting home sick. Well our group has presented the problems and described potential solutions. So if you find yourself facing tough times at school, read on and we will guide you toward success and happiness.
I am Jacob. I am the group’s primary instructor for the “Academic Success” field. Rereading the previous sentence makes me chuckle. I have never seen myself as a role model for “Academic Success”, and find it humorous I am responsible for showing others how to do what I have struggled with in the past. Personally, if you are looking for advice that holds any serious weight in regards to how to stay “on top” of your college academics, I suggest you take this section with a grain of salt. Regardless, I will do my best, because I know in theory anyone should be able to do this. Maybe this can suffice as a personal “self help” guide.
Habit is the single most important key to success. If throughout high school, you studied for all your exams and did your homework, you probably aren’t having as much trouble as me and a select few. If you learned to scrape through high school without ever doing much, you are the one who needs my help. You have to get into the habit of reading over class’s material for the day. You have to get into the habit of studying for the exam more than one day in advance for you exams. You need to get OUT of the habit of partying. That’s what high school was for. Now, it isn’t going to get you anything but a hangover. This is when you need to begin exploring yourself as an individual with personal wants and needs. In other words, college is a place for self-discovery. Kids will go into college thinking it is expected that they have already set a direction for which to travel. Nobody knows what they want to do when they are eighteen. NOBODY. (except those weird virtuoso kids who are playing concertos at the age of 5. Those guys don’t have much choice.) I am 20, and only now am I starting to map out the route I want to take to “success”.
All I can say is remember the kid you resented? The one who got straight A’s and sat in the front of the class, giving apples to the teacher? Well, now is the time to BE THAT KID!
The next common issue that we feel should be addressed is many students’ lack of a social life. Having a social life at a large University can be challenging, most college students have to work while going to school full time, which makes having a social life even more difficult. The University of Cincinnati has tried to ease the burden a little by introducing students to one another at orientation, and putting up different activities on the University web-site. Listed below are ways to make having a social life easier your first year at college.
From the internet you can find many different activities, and social clubs to join on or around campus.
· Go to the University web-site www.uc.edu
· click on current student
· On the right side of the page you will find Campus life and beyond
· In this area there are multiple links to click on which include
· Bearcast radio
· Campus Rec Center
· Ethnic programs
· Main street
· News radio
· Video
· Leadership development
· Student activities
· Student organizations
· Student government association
· Volunteering in the community
I feel that anyone can find at least one thing they are interested in under one of these links. If you are not computer friendly, or just do not have internet access, then here is a different list for you.
· Student orientation introduces you to other new students
· Student orientation gives you a short walk around campus to get a feel for where things are at
· Look at the signs in the hallways of the buildings, there are always postings for student activities, and other things to do such as parties
· Make friends by talking to the people sitting around you in class
· Join a fraternity
· Go to college sporting events
· If all else fails look for the parties and go there
Not everyone needs a social life, for many people school and work will keep them too busy for friends. Usually it does help relieve the stress of school and work if you have a social life, in the end only you can decide what is right for you.
Lastly, we must address those that you can’t see while you are away at school. You remember it so clearly:
With tears in her eyes your mom waves goodbye to you and your father stands solace. You hug them both and then you are free; you’re a college student! Now a few weeks have gone by and you have started classes, made some new friends, and started to realize that mom and dad are not here. They won’t be there to do that huge pile of laundry that’s growing exponentially in your dorm room, or make dinner, it all lands on you. I know scary, but remember those friends you have been making, well guess what they are in the same boat. But that’s not all, you also miss your best friend from home. Well, if you are in need of some comfort, here is my advice to you.
1. Laundry takes forever, and forces you to stay close by this is a great opportunity to do some of that studying you have been neglecting. It is also a good time management tool, which is what half of college is all about.
2. Get involved in an extra curricular activity not only will you make more friends but you will be amazed how well some of your friends cook. Dinner party are always fun.
3. Thanksgiving and Christmas are closer than you think this is also a great opportunity to take home some laundry and you will get your fill of the family. This is also a good time to catch up with old friends and make plans for them to come visit you at school.
4. Facebook and myspace are also awesome tools to keep in touch with old friends don’t forget to utilize these.
If you follow these simple and basic ideas I believe it will make your college experience fun and fruitful. A lot of people go through the same problems you see yourself in; you are not alone. Take our advice, put yourself out there, and grab the bull by the balls. Make it happen.