The 3 Things You Need For Your First Year at ASU Freshman year is the most memorable and exciting year for college students. It represents a crossroads in many students’ lives. It’s the first time they’ll be out on their own, fending for themselves and testing their value against the world. It’s the first bit of schooling that they voluntarily become a part of, and consequently, it becomes a lasting badge of honor that becomes a part of them. The first year is also the most difficult because of the extreme change it brings. The following are three things you’ll need for your first year at ASU.
Adapting to Independence First, you’re going to need to prepare to become independent. You’re entering a new world: one without parents to help you through everything or to clean up after you. You’ll be living with roommates that hold different standards than your own. They’ll behave and live differently than you. They’ll expect different things and you’ll have to adapt. On top of the social aspect, you’ll have to learn to provide for yourself. This means three square meals-a-day, rent, textbooks, tuition, and other expenses. You’ll be a steward of your own money and be entirely responsible for your future. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities might come your way. Parents might still be able to help, but the most fulfilling times you’ll have are when you learn to be completely financially independent. You’re going to need to be ready to be independent. Prepare properly with scholarship, grant, or loan applications well before you arrive at school. Also plan how you intend to make money in the future if you need to. Many students work their way through college.
Having an Open Mind Second, you’re going to need a disciplined and open mind. Your discipline and lifestyle are about to be put to the test. Do you have the self-control to sit in a chair and study instead of hang out with your friends? If you want to make the most of your time, you’ll need to learn how to do just that.
How much of the world do you know for yourself and how much is your perception built on things you don’t believe in? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, they’ll soon be put to the test. If you haven’t disciplined or opened your mind, you’ll have quite a learning curve by the time you reach school. Remember that getting in and wearing the Arizona State clothing is just the beginning: everything else takes preparation. Finally, you’ll need a bit of school cheer to get the year started. This means you’ll need the swag and clothing of your university. Things like Arizona State clothing should have a special place in your wardrobe and your heart. You will need these for pep rallies, games, and special days on campus. If you don’t have your own Arizona State clothing you’ll soon be given many opportunities to obtain your own. Participate in events on campus and you’ll get your opportunity soon enough. You may be surprised that this list doesn’t include things like bags, pens, paper, laptops, etc. Those items are obvious, replaceable, and not essential to the success of any student. These three items are geared more to the mental, physical, and emotional preparation students can do to ensure they succeed in the competitive ASU atmosphere. They can help any freshman determine where they stand before they even arrive. Photo Credit: Merrimack College, Taylor McKnight