My name is April Coan, and I am an academic success coach and the assistant director at the Office of Undergraduate Student Success. Throughout the fall semester, I will offer tips and suggestions in The Current, which will focus on topics like success in college and taking advantage of the unique opportunities available at NSU.
College is great place to explore new experiences, learn from others and grow as an individual. As an undergraduate, your college years will offer you many opportunities to make decisions that can positively impact your future. If you play your cards right, you can gain a lot from your undergraduate college experience. To help you along the way, here’s a short list of college do’s and don’ts.
DOs
#1 DO earn an internship. In today’s economy, gaining extra experience that can set you apart from the average college graduate can really help you in the long term. With that said, internships are a wonderful opportunity for you to explore your major and experiment with what you want to do after you graduate. Plus, internships can give you a better idea if you would like to pursue your major’s field of work. If you’re interested in an internship, stop by NSU’s Career Development office and speak with a career adviser.
#2 DO study abroad. In life, there are not many opportunities to enjoy four months in a completely different country. If you’re the kind of person interested in adventure, travel and experiencing different cultures other than your own, a study abroad might be the right kind of college experience for you. Study abroad opportunities are a great way for you to expand your world view, hone your language skills and gain a unique life experience. If you’re curious about studying abroad, visit the Office of International Affairs. They can help you choose a study abroad program and explore study abroad scholarships.
DONTs
#1 DO NOT stop going to the gym. A diet of pizza, spaghetti and ramen noodles can have a disastrous effect on your body. In college, it’s easy to stop being physically active and eat way too much junk food, especially if you don’t have a kitchen of your own. The best way to curb your “freshman 15” is to commit to a weekly gym routine.
#2 DO NOT leave college without getting to know your faculty. Do not make the mistake of ignoring the importance of getting to know your faculty. Faculty can help you with more than just academics. They can refer you to occupational resources in your field, networking opportunities, conferences and give you valuable advice. Also, if you plan to go to graduate school, faculty letters of recommendation are almost always necessary in your admissions application.
Overall, college is a unique experience in which you can experiment with who you are and what you want to be. Take full advantage of this experience. College is about more than just getting a degree; it’s about designing your future.
