Editor’s Note: These pieces of advice were garnered from a survey completed by eight fourth-years at the University.
With Final Exercises on the horizon, fourth-year students have officially wrapped up their undergraduate experience and are on to exciting paths ahead. Having lived and learned at the University for as long as they have, this graduating class has a surplus of wisdom for underclassmen, from newcomer first-years to veteran third-years. The following pieces of advice will help you achieve academic success and personal growth during the remainder of your college experience.
1. Own your unique path
In college, it’s important to remember that everyone is on their own journey. Even if your peers seem to have more linear trajectories, everyone’s journey is personal — “normal” really doesn’t exist. Your path comes with unique experiences and lessons that you yourself must go through to grow socially, academically and professionally. It’s not a straight shot from Point A to Point B, and you will eventually get to where you want to be, even if there are a couple of “extra” stops that you didn’t anticipate along a zig-zagging route.
2. Consistently collaborate
Don’t go it alone. This applies as much to academics as it does to social life — collaborate with the people around you. Get to know some of your classmates and tackle your classes with others. Whether you’re in lecture, completing homework assignments or studying for exams, you’ll learn faster and more thoroughly if you work in a group setting. You might be able to get away with completing the first few problem sets or assignments solo, but this is far from a sustainable or social route. This communal struggle and later success often create bonds that will last beyond the semester and potentially grow into strong friendships.
3. Go to office hours
Professors and TAs want to help you — and they often can — but you won’t benefit unless you stop by their hours. There is often some apprehension surrounding seeking out these resources, but as soon as you start seeing your professors as people who want to clarify rather than intimidate, you’ll see real payoff. There’s never any harm in asking for help, but there is in letting confusion fester. Professors and TAs can significantly assist in learning the material and provide one-on-one help, so it’s important to build this habit early before your major classes become increasingly difficult.
4. Cut the comparisons
While it’s all but critical to collaborate and connect with your peers, catch yourself if you start comparing yourself to others. Everyone learns at their own pace, and different concepts will click for different people. Remember that you might not understand everything in your classes — no matter how “easy” others may deem them. The next time you’re struggling to “lock in” to master a difficult concept, give yourself grace and know that with some work, you can get closer to understanding tough material. While there may be some topics and skills that won’t make complete sense, the effort you put forth to learn will garner the biggest gain.
5. Stay open-minded — year one through year four
You’re swarmed with a lot of immediate and what feel like permanent decisions at the start of each semester. Initially, choosing what club listservs you’re going to join at the Activities Fair and who you’re going to sit next to in your first lectures seems so important. However, these choices are more trivial than meets the eye — though college students are quite particular about the “unassigned assigned” seating. It is absolutely never too late to make a new friend, and even in your second, third and fourth years, you will meet some of the most amazing and interesting people just simply by saying “hi.” Use this same principle to find your new favorite restaurants, study spots and activities around Charlottesville.
6. Find your people over time
You’re not everyone’s cup of tea, and not everyone will be yours. That’s just how it goes. For first-years, don’t worry if you don’t jive naturally with the first few individuals or groups you meet — give it time and you will find your people. We all have different personalities that don’t always lend themselves to one another. The sooner you start surrounding yourself with people and things that make you feel good, the more fulfilling your college experience will be. Be your own best advocate and cultivate personal positivity.
7. Join clubs inside and outside of your area of study
It’s essential to get involved in college — just sticking to going to class and doing work is no fun. Get involved in a club that’s related to your major to grow connections and learn about your field while in college. While it’s never too late to join most clubs, you’re going to want to join these types of organizations early to get the most out of them. However, equally important is joining an organization that is unrelated to your studies to have a fun, possibly creative outlet where you don’t have to think about school. Consider surrounding yourself with people you wouldn't have crossed paths with otherwise to be exposed to new perspectives.
8. Go to career fairs
It doesn’t matter what year you are — going to career fairs at any point in your college experience is beneficial. Look out for these large events in both the fall and spring semesters and make a list of the companies you want to talk to. If you’re a first-year, bring a resume, if you have it. Even at the start of your college career, working out your elevator pitch and practicing engaging with employers will help you to grow critical professional skills. For second-through fourth-years, come prepared with questions for prospective employers. They won’t all lead to offers, but every experience putting yourself out there and networking is beneficial.
9. Maintain a work-life balance
College is all about learning, and that applies both inside and outside of the classroom. While your main focus at the University is getting prepared for a future career, your college years are also a time where you can form great relationships and have a lot of special experiences in the University and Charlottesville communities. It may take some time to figure out this balance, but a good way to start is to say “yes” to activities outside the confines of the classroom. While your short-term focus may be on your next project or exam — which are important — you’re going to remember the fond memories you made more than any one grade.
10. Put yourself first — it’s okay to say “no”
It’s easy to feel like you should be doing “more” in college. Specifically, if you were used to regimented days filled to the brim with extracurriculars in high school, it can be hard to say “no” to over-committing in college. It’s important to value personal well-being and academic success over endlessly chasing the things you think you should be doing. Free time doesn’t always have to be taken up with club meetings or even nights out on the Corner — you need time for you. During your four years, it’s important to make time for organizations and dinner dates, but be sure to also preserve the rituals and activities that not only sustain you, but make you feel good.
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