Healthy Transitions is a series in which College Lifestyles will explore the transition from high school to college and the healthiest ways to handle it. From happy, to stressed, to depressed, College Lifestyles has been there and wants to help you navigate the awkward phase known as growing up. Check every week for a new post!
College orientation is nerve-wracking, exciting, and overwhelming all at once! It is a happy time as it gives you the opportunity for a fresh start, but it can also be difficult as it is your first true college experience. As a receptionist in the residence halls where orientation is hosted at Michigan State University, I have seen thousands of co-eds in all types of situations go through orientation and come out alive. Read on for tips on how to successfully complete your orientation.
Courtesy of talknerdy2me.org
Be yourself, first and foremost. Many ladies are so focused on being “cool” they don’t truly let themselves out or experience orientation to the fullest. This is absolutely the most important to-do at orientation, no exceptions. If you’re at a larger school, you’ll be able to meet others that you’ll mesh well with, and thus start making a home at your new school. If you’re at a small school and find that you don’t fit in well there, then you may want to reconsider attending. As devastating as it might be to find out that it isn’t for you so late in the game, it’s a vast improvement over deciding that halfway through your college career. There’s nothing wrong with you, so be vibrant, confident, and genuine!
Attend all of the activities. Even if they don’t seem fun, try not to miss any activities. For a lot of co-eds, overnight orientations are the first time they have ever been away from home, and this realization may cause loneliness. By getting involved at orientation, you’ll be surrounded by others in the same situation and won’t feel like you’re on your own. Try to be enthusiastic and attentive and you may find that you’re actually having fun!
Eat. Orientation days are often very long and jam-packed with things to do. Make sure to eat properly so that you have plenty of energy to get through it all. Additionally, this is the first time you’ll get to try your school’s food, so be sure to sample everything that’s offered!
Courtesy of hercampus.com
If you feel sick, tell someone. Getting sick at orientation is not uncommon. If you don’t feel well, there are two things you should do right away: 1. Call your parents or guardian and let them know of the situation. 2. Alert the orientation staff. If you’re very sick, it might be best for you to go home to feel better and avoid making others sick. Depending on the school, you may not have to come back for another session of orientation.
For tips on how to look fabulous and poised at orientation check out the latest fashion trends!
Hannah Borland, a senior in Dietetics at Michigan State University, is a Health and High School Writer for College Lifestyles. Road trips and hiking are her favorite parts of summer!
