Whether you are a first-year or transfer student, it can be difficult adjusting to a new place, new
lifestyle and new people. I hope this list of “Do’s” and “Don’ts” will help make that transition
easier, and allow you to enjoy and thrive during your time at Washington University in St. Louis.
Do:
--Make a difference. Are you a total tree hugger? Do you enjoy tutoring or mentoring children?
Research shows that volunteering improves health and self-esteem, so pick that issue or cause
that means the most to you and get involved with it. The Wash U Community Service Office
offers a wide variety of programs to choose from, and there are many clubs that raise awareness
of issues, such as the CSC’s Pax Christi or Wash U’s Environmental Justice Initiative for
grad students. In addition, these programs and clubs provide another way for you to meet
people who share the same goals and ideals as you. CSC extra: Contact Cynthia Enghauser at
enghauser@washucsc.org to find out about service and social justice opportunities available
through the CSC.
--Budget your time and money. Without Mom and Dad constantly nagging you to get your
homework done, it is easy to fall behind and perhaps lose that scholarship you need. While
you are supposed to enjoy college, it is important to remember that the main reason you are
here is to receive an education and prepare for the future. A great way to stay on-track is to set
up a rewards system: if I read fifty pages from my English novel, I can watch half an hour of
television. The same system works for budgeting money: if I do not eat out this week, I can rent
that DVD I wanted to see. If you have a reward or treat to look forward to, it makes it much
easier to save that money or get that homework done.
--Find a “study buddy” in every class. Sometime during the semester, the inevitable will
happen when you will, for whatever reason, be unable to make it to class. This is where
the “study buddy” comes in handy: at the beginning of each class, find out the name of that nice
girl or guy who sits beside you, and add them as a friend on Facebook. Then, when you cannot
make it to class, you can easily get the notes or homework assignment from your “study buddy”
instead of needing to contact or track-down the teacher. CSC extra: The CSC offers a ton of
great rooms for study session groups, including our library and dining room. The building is
accessible 24/7 with the key code (contact a staff member) and has free Wi-Fi.
Don’t:
--Put yourself on overload. Going to college is like traveling to another country: there are
so many things to see and to do, and you want to experience and participate in all of them.
Unfortunately, this can get you over-committed and cause you much un-needed stress. Do not
join every club or sorority that solicits you; attend a meeting or activity of all the clubs or groups
you are interested in and then decide which most excite you. Make sure you understand the
time and work commitment expected of you in each activity, and figure out how that will fit it
with homework, job and class commitments. Finally, make sure you save room for “me” time
and relaxing: you are not an asset to anyone else if you are completely frazzled from being on
overload. CSC extra: Relax with us! The CSC offers Mass on Sundays at 11am and 9pm in the
CSC Chapel, as well as Adoration on Wednesdays from 8-9pm.
--Hesitate to contact your teachers. Do you have some kind of mental or health condition that
may interfere with class somehow? Be straight from day one: send all your teachers an e-mail
describing your condition (I have diabetes, which is this, and means I have to do this) or conflict
in your life (my parents are getting a divorce, my grandpa is dying) and how it may interfere
with the class. If you let the teacher know ahead of time what issues you might be facing, it
makes it easier for them to understand if you do need to miss class and lets them know that you
are not lazy or “skipping.” Always let your teacher know if you are going to miss class, and try
to get the homework ahead of time if possible. If you are having trouble understanding a concept,
set up a time with your teacher to explain it: believe it or not, but the majority of them do not
want you to flunk their class.
--Stereotype others. High school has an uncanny ability to put labels on people and organize
them into groups. There are the jocks, the nerds, the preps, etc. Leave those high school
stereotypes behind, and look at each person as an individual, not a member of a group. If you
do not limit others, they will not limit you, and you are much more likely to discover true
friendships than if you stick with your specified group. College gives everyone a new beginning,
and by broadening your horizons you may discover a side of yourself that you never knew you
had.
--Skimp on sleep. Research shows that sleep deprivation negatively affects mood and decreases ability to pay attention and retain information. You might have a great time making a midnight Taco Bell run with your friends one evening, but when you have to wake up at 8 A.M. the
following morning it can negatively affect your entire day. Always plan what time you need to
go to bed in order to get the recommended eight hours of sleep you need each night. Include
plenty of time to get ready for bed, fall asleep, and get ready in the morning. Arrange midnight
rendezvous with your friends when you do not have class early the next morning. If you
do have to stay up late one night, schedule time on the following day for a 30 to 45 minute
nap, and make sure you can get to bed on time that night. For more information, check out
www.sleepfoundation.org.
Overall, college is about balance. Learn how to prioritize and organize your commitments
now—it will help you succeed both in college and in the work force.
On behalf of the Catholic Student Center staff, welcome to Wash U!
