Starting college comes with a lot of exciting firsts: moving into a dorm, meeting new people, exploring campus, and finally beginning the classes you’ve been preparing for. But with so much happening at once, your first week can also feel a little overwhelming. In a recent episode of Countdown2College, Gage spoke with EducationQuest College Planning Specialist Jasmine Brown about adjusting to college life, building relationships, and starting your first semester on the right foot.

What should I focus on accomplishing in my first week?

You don’t need to have everything figured out the first week of classes. Jasmine recommends focusing instead on settling into a new routine. If you’re living away from home for the first time, even simple things like finding your classes and figuring out your daily schedule can take some adjustment. Give yourself time to get comfortable and focus on building a routine that works for you.

What might be different from high school?

One of the biggest adjustments is how different your schedule may look. In high school, you might have spent most of your day moving from one class to the next. In college, schedules can include longer breaks between classes, lots of walking around campus, and even working a new job. Use your first few days to learn how long it takes to get from place to place and figure out how best to use the extra time between classes.

What should I pay attention to when I get a syllabus?

Assignment deadlines and exam dates are important, but your syllabus can tell you much more about what to expect from a class. Pay attention to your professor’s office hours, grading scale, and other course expectations. Jasmine explains that understanding these details early can help you see how classes and styles differ, making it easier to know where to turn if you have questions later.

What campus resources should I know about?

It’s much easier to find help before you urgently need it. Instead of waiting until problems arise, take some time in your first few weeks to become familiar with campus resources. A few places worth finding early include:

• The financial aid office.
• Tutoring or learning centers.
• The campus writing center.
• Your professors’ office hours.
• Other academic support services are available through your college.

How can I start making friends?

Don’t feel pressured to find your next best friend the first week of class. If you live on campus, try connecting with people in your residence hall or asking someone to grab lunch or dinner. If you commute, start by introducing yourself to people in your classes. Jasmine also recommends looking up from your phone every once in a while and being open to simple interactions like saying hello. Those small moments can be the beginning of meaningful connections.

What if my first week doesn’t go as planned?

Maybe you’re late to class, feel homesick, or don’t immediately connect with other students. That doesn’t mean the rest of your semester will go the same way. Think about what didn’t work, make a few adjustments, and treat your second week like another chance to start fresh. That might mean waking up earlier, reaching out to your support system, or simply giving yourself more time to adjust to such a big change.

How do I balance having fun with my responsibilities?

College brings plenty of new opportunities, but it also comes with assignments, studying, chores, and other responsibilities. Creating a schedule can help you make room for everything: specific times for homework, studying, socializing, and taking breaks. You can also use reminders to keep yourself on track or find a study buddy who can help you stay accountable while giving you another opportunity to connect with someone in your class.

What’s the most important thing to remember during your first week?

Your college experience is your own, so don’t worry about whether your first week looks like someone else’s. Everyone takes a different path through college, and it may take some time to figure out routines, relationships, and opportunities. Give yourself time to adjust, enjoy the little moments, and remember that your first week is only the beginning of an exciting, fulfilling journey.