University of Southern Maine

News Releases

Tips for the Incoming College Student

June 27, 2008

A student’s early college experience can be an exciting as well as overwhelming time, both for the student and for their family members.  This transitional time is one filled with both opportunities and challenges, often lasting for three to four semesters.  Some of the common challenges facing a student early in their college career include:

    * Not being aware of which office to go to with a particular issue

    * Finding a place to “fit in” and connect with other students

    * Adjusting to a new schedule, set of demands, and way of life

    * Managing the financial pressures associated with being a college student

    * Understanding the connection between the college experience and life goals

    * Questioning whether or not that institution, or college in general, is a good fit

Based upon the research and our experience in working with students, here is our “top 10” list of steps students can take to increase their likelihood of success in college:

   1. Get to know your professors.  Introduce yourself to the faculty; meet with them to discuss your needs, and goals for the course.

   2. Build relationships with peers.  Take the time to get to know your fellow students.  Form study groups, socialize in between classes, join a student organization...all of which will help you create a sense of belonging and identity.

   3. Be an active learner.  Don’t sit in the back of the room afraid to participate.  The more you engage in your classes and apply your learning to your life, the more you will benefit from the     experience and the better you will perform.

   4. Spend more time than you think you might need on academics. Make sure to do the assignment for the sake of learning, not just to check it off the list.

   5. Set high expectations for yourself.  Challenge yourself to do well academically, and to explore and pursue new experiences.

   6. Create a healthy foundation.  How much sleep you get, your nutritional intake, the use of alcohol and other substances, and many other choices involving health can have an immense impact upon your college experience.

   7. Take advantage of support services.  Ask yourself throughout the year, “How am I doing?” and connect with the many resources that are there for you.

   8. Stay connected to natural supports.  Whether it be your family, friends, a partner, or a mentor, stay in contact with those who have helped you along the way.

   9. Get involved outside of the classroom.  The research is clear: you’ll do better INSIDE of the classroom by doing so!

  10. OWN YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE!  Take the reins and choose your          direction.  Your college or university provides the means for  success, but you must take responsibility for making forward progress.

In addition to being aware of these issues, family members and other natural supports in the student’s life can take the following steps:

   1. Talk with your student before the semester begins about these areas

   2. Maintain high expectations for your student about performance inside and outside of the classroom

   3. Check in with your student on a regular basis regarding progress towards goals

   4. If your student is struggling, remind your student of programs and services at the institution that can assist them

As a family member, your support has helped your student come this far.   Remember:  your student is not alone in college during this transition, but may need reinforcement of this message.

Paul Dexter is the Director of Early Student Success at the University of Southern Maine.

http://www.usm.maine.edu/ess/

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