Transitioning from High School to College
As summer rapidly approaches, you may
be wrapping up your final high school events while also preparing for your first year
of college. I remember being in your shoes this time last year. I was so
excited for what was ahead, but also a little unsure about what the transition
would be like. Now that I’m on the other side of it, here are a few tips to
keep in mind while making the jump from high school to college!
Go out and explore
It can be really tempting to stay in your room studying all evening or to sit
alone during meals with your headphones on, but that could make it difficult to
meet your people. Go to club callouts that interest you, check out events you
see advertised around campus, get involved with Greek life, or join an
intramural sports team! Whatever they may be, having activities to look forward
to and people to spend time with helps you take a break from academics and stay
active, social, and balanced.
Don’t abandon your hobbies
College life can get busy fast, especially if you’re juggling classes, a
part-time job, or extracurriculars. Even so,
it’s important to hold on to the things you love. You don’t have to reinvent
yourself just because you’re in a new environment. Whether it’s reading, music,
art, gaming, or working out, making time for your hobbies gives you a chance to
relax. Doing something purely for enjoyment, without the pressure of grades, is really good for your mind.
Make friends with upperclassmen (especially in your major)
At least at Purdue, it’s so easy to meet upperclassmen in your major or intended field. Whether you meet through mentorship programs, clubs, or even shared classes, make an effort to connect with them.
Upperclassmen have valuable, firsthand experience navigating the same path you’re just starting. If you’re a little unsure about what you want to do, seeing what the upperclassmen are doing in the different fields can help you gain a lot of clarity and decide. They can also offer advice on scheduling, internships, research opportunities, and more. If you build genuine friendships, they’ll also want to see you succeed and support you along the way.
Personally, some of the most helpful guidance I’ve received has come from older students in my intended engineering discipline. They’ve shared advice, helped me plan ahead, and made me feel more connected within the department. Having those relationships makes transitioning deeper into your major a lot less intimidating.
Stay connected to your support system back home
In college, you’ll meet new friends who may quickly start to feel like a second family. It’s a great thing! But don’t forget to stay in touch with the people who have supported you all along. Call your loved ones and check in with your childhood friends. Keeping those connections strong can help you feel grounded and ease any homesickness. Especially when you come home for breaks, make sure to hang out with people rather than just your pets (despite how tempting it is to spend all of your time cuddling your dog). My grandma and I have made it a tradition to have lunch the day before I go back to school, and it’s personally one of my favorite parts of breaks!
Ask for help when you need it
No matter what you’re studying or where you go, you’ll eventually
run into a topic or assignment that just doesn’t click. It may suck, but it’s
normal! Take advantage of the resources available to you. At Purdue
University, there are tutors, professor and TA office hours, supplemental
instructions, and more. It’s much better to
recognize early on when you need help than to struggle in silence and fall
behind.
And remember, this doesn’t just apply
to academics. If you’re feeling homesick, thinking about changing your major,
or struggling to balance everything, reach out. Your campus, family, and
friends can support you or point you toward someone who can. Talking things
through early is always easier than letting problems build up over time.
Go to class
In college, some classes either don’t take
attendance or have much more relaxed policies than high school. No one is going
to make sure you’re up and out the door every morning. Even so, try to attend
every class you can (aside from times when you’re genuinely sick or unable to
go).
Showing up is one of the simplest and
most effective ways to succeed. Being in class allows you to ask
questions, stay engaged, and learn alongside other people working through the
same material. While YouTube and textbooks are great resources, they should
support your learning, not replace your lectures, recitations, or labs.
A Polaroid taken on the first day of classes
Starting college is a big transition, and it’s completely normal to feel both excited and uncertain along the way. Give yourself time to adjust, be open to new experiences, and don’t put too much pressure on having everything figured out right away. Everyone’s path looks a little different, and that’s part of what makes the experience so meaningful. Embrace the change!!
Heidi Kennard, FYE '29
Women in Engineering Leadership Team
Stay Connected With Purdue WiE Program!
Facebook: Purdue Women in Engineering
Instagram: @purdue.wie
Blog: purduewiep.blogspot.com
Email: welink@purdue.edu
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