It’s common for incoming college freshmen to worry over their first year of college. When you reach sophomore year, however, the learning curve is far gentler because you’re already familiar with classmates, teachers, and college policies. It’s still important, though, to remain intentional about the way you navigate your sophomore year. The following suggestions can provide you with a sense of what to consider as you plan your second year of high school.
During freshman year, a wise student will reach out and get to know as many people as possible. The vast array of new faces awaiting an incoming freshman presents a ready group of new friends and acquaintances. Sophomores, however, should begin to identify the particular friendships that they wish to invest significant time in cultivating. A sophomore who spreads their time too thin, on the other hand, can fall into a pattern that will be difficult to break as high school draws to a close. Students should think about what kind of person they hope to become and find people who share some of those interests (although it is also beneficial to diversify your friendships to learn about different life perspectives). Additionally, students should ensure they do not spend time with peers who may negatively influence them or distract them from their goals and aspirations.
Sophomore year is a chance for students to delve deeper and explore what they truly desire out of life—before the questions of what college or university to attend and what major to choose bombard them in their junior and senior years. Cast a wide net, and become involved in various activities that have the potential to lead you to a desired career path. This will double as preparation for those pesky college questions, which will soon become frequent.
Sophomore year can be one of the best years of your college experience. Rarely again will the opportunity to explore the world so thoroughly present itself. Approach this opportunity intentionally, keep a long-term perspective, and have fun! Going off to college for the first time can be one of the most rewarding, yet terrifying experiences of your life. You may be moving to an entirely new place with a lot of unfamiliar faces while learning to live completely on your own. Sometimes the best way to overcome your inevitable first day of college anxieties is to reach out to students who’ve already been through the awkward and scary transition to college for some guidance. Don’t know many upperclassmen you can turn to for advice? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Five rising sophomores sat down with me to reflect on their first-year college experiences and give some words of encouragement to incoming first-year students.
Before college, you attended a very small private school with about 50 people in your graduating class. Regardless of these circumstances, the transition even to a very large public school was great. Despite class sizes, professors made their courses feel intimate, and since everyone pretty much needs to begin from scratch, you found it easy to make friends with your fellow classmates.
The biggest difference between what you were expecting and the reality of college was the fact that you initially expected to view college as school and to view your house in Long Island as home. But a few months into the year, you found yourself referring to Cornell and your dorm as ‘home. you wish you had known that even though you have so much more free time in college because classes don’t last the whole day that you would still be really busy with work outside of class and other activities. Therefore, managing time is essential.
The biggest surprise was the freedom. You know that college is the time for independence and freedom, but doing things like going out for frozen yogurt at midnight and inviting people over without having to ask anyone for permission always threw them for a loop. After having someone dictate practically every moment for 18 years, it’s a little overwhelming to say, ‘you want to do this and you are going to do it’ and not have to fight for permission. Doing your own laundry was as much of a downer as you expected though. The transition was harder than you expected. You didn’t expect to be hit with such loneliness at some moments, where you really missed home the place that you were so desperate to run away from after graduation. But there’s something to be said for living on a floor with other freshmen, because we all found our way together and built a support system that kept me focused and happy throughout the year.
Don’t bring too many things. “At the end of the year, you have to pack everything up, and it’s not fun to have ten boxes you have to store somewhere.” Stay healthy. “Getting sick takes you out of class and social stuff. It’s probably the worst thing that can happen to you in college. So, take care of yourself. Eat well, get sleep, and be happy.” Leave any baggage from home at home. “Don’t bring problems, burdens, and all that kind of stuff with you to college. It’s a time to start over and leave all that behind because it will help create a more positive, focused energy for your first semester.” Consider the “essentials.” “Bring a therapeutic mattress pad, and bring Halloween costumes. They’re so expensive!” School of Work nearby. “I know money is a big issue. Some of us might worry about how to pay for those movie tickets or going to Pan era constantly. There are dozens of on-campus job opportunities that are very rewarding and can really ease your money pains.”
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