How to College

Think of life on a college campus as an instant community, one where you’ll soon recognize the students you pass on your walk to class or beside you on the stationary bikes at the gym. You’ll share meal times and common spaces, and yes, the bathrooms. This is all a vital part of living on a college campus, and sooner than you know, you’ll feel right at home.

College wouldn’t be college without classes, but you don’t spend all your time in class. And a key piece of the college experience should come outside class. Maybe you’re an athlete and have practice. Join some clubs. Take in a friend’s theater performance. Hop off-campus with your roommate for a latte or an NHL game. Decompress with a short hike, or catch some sun on the intramural fields.

Just as you always have. A great way to make friends in college is just to strike up a conversation with the person next to you in class. Find students who share your interests through one of myriad student organizations. Be open to the idea that finding friends can happen organically. Even discussion of a favorite exfoliant has led to fast friendships, as this video reveals.

Leave your preconceptions at the door when it comes to what Greek life is like at college. Greek life isn’t for everyone, but even students who entered college certain that Greek life wasn’t for them have gone on to find a home in their fraternity or sorority. Greek life can push you out of your comfort zone in the best way. It provides lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a larger sense of purpose through philanthropy. But don’t view it as your only ticket to social life. To do that is selling yourself, and Greek life, short.

Yes, you can take classes just for fun in college. While your choice of major charts much of your academic path, there are chances to branch out, and the liberal arts philosophy, like the one that guides the curriculum at Denison, puts an emphasis on intellectual curiosity across disciplines. You might be surprised how a class in data analytics or economics can inform your studies in theatre or health, exercise and sport studies — and vice versa.

Maybe you knew your major before even arriving at college. Or maybe you just thought you knew. Regardless of your situation, choosing a major in college isn’t something you have to do immediately. And know that it is not unusual to change majors. But there are things you can do to hone your search for the perfect major. Pick classes that interest you. Reach out to career-services centers at your college, like the Knowlton Center at Denison. They can tell you what previous majors have gone on to do after graduation. Reach out to your professors and advisors for insights and advice. And remember that minors — and double majors and even triple majors — are an option.

If you can think of it, there’s probably a club on your college campus for it. There are club sports, clubs geared to volunteering, culinary clubs, cultural clubs, STEM-related clubs, investment clubs, even a yo-yo club. You can find out about them all at involvement fairs, typically held on college campuses at the start of every new year. Don’t rule out starting your own club, too.

The idea of studying abroad in college may be daunting at first, but students who choose to study abroad find it a great way to immerse themselves in a new culture and accentuate their studies. Maybe you’ll study English literature in Bath, England, or global commerce in London’s financial district. Either way, studying abroad at Denison is included in the cost of tuition.

Your call. But know that college students say meeting new people is one of the best things bout college. Also know that colleges are quite good matchmakers, based on detailed questions they’ll ask you ahead of time. Do you like to stay up late? Study in silence? They have you covered. And should you and your hometown friend decide to attend the same school, you’ll always have the chance to connect on campus without living together.

Check if you’re looking elsewhere, but at Denison there is no extra cost, and you don’t have to be an athlete to use the gym, the pool, or the other facilities. The gym is a great way to connect with people and take classes from yoga to pilates.

You sure can, through club and intramural sports such as rowing and rugby, sailing and skiing, or yard pong and pickleball. It’s a surefire way to meet new people and let off some steam.

Professors will expect a lot from you, as they should. They’ll expect effort. They’ll want you to be present, not just physically but mentally. They’ll appreciate passion and good time management skills. But just as important as all of the above, they’ll welcome your request for help. That’s what office hours are for. But don’t expect hand-holding. It will be up to you to take the initiative.