Each fall, public interest in higher education revolves primarily around admissions. The media inundate us with information about selectivity, enrollment targets, Ivy League admissions, financial aid packages and—particularly this year—the use of race and other considerations in admission decisions. Unfortunately, we hear less about how students can successfully transition to and succeed at the institutions they’ve chosen to attend. We want students not just to get into the best institution for them but to thrive and complete a degree on time. So, what steps can new college students take to enhance their likelihood of success?
The importance of the transition to college has been noted by higher education scholars such as Vincent Tinto, Daniel Chambliss, and Christopher Takacs. Tinto’s research on student retention is premised on the idea that to succeed, students must integrate academically and socially with their new institution. In their 2014 book, How College Works, Chambliss and Takacs emphasized the importance of “entering,” noting that if it doesn’t go reasonably well, “all of the well-designed courses, the carefully planned majors, and the exciting extracurriculars won’t matter at all.”
At Connecticut College, we conduct an annual survey of graduating seniors, covering various aspects of their college experience. One question asks: “What’s one piece of advice you would give to a first-year student this fall about how to make the most of their time at Conn?” The 2023 senior survey had a 60% response rate and 166 responses to the “one piece of advice” question.
Five or more students mentioned twelve specific pieces of advice, which we’ve consolidated into the following areas:
Get involved
The most common piece of advice by far was to actively engage in campus life. Students recommended trying different activities, joining clubs, organizations, teams, and attending numerous events. Comments included, “clubs are the best way to get involved and make friends” and “get involved with groups on campus. It will give you a lot of opportunities [that] you may not realize.” It was suggested that new college students “find as many different activities and interests on campus as you can your first year, then decide what is important to you and focus on just a few of those for the next three years.” Similarly, others said to “pick a few clubs to start in and don’t be afraid to drop the ones that aren’t for you or don’t bring joy.”
Foster friendships
Another key theme was the importance of meeting new people and establishing solid social and support networks. Chambliss and Takacs noted that “friendship is so strong a factor for most people as to be, for practical purposes, virtually a prerequisite for success in college.” Institutions can and should do several things to ensure students find one another, but students need to do their part and “put themselves out there.” Advice from our seniors included “reach out to people even if you’re nervous about it. I am sure they want to do things and go to events with someone, too” and “push yourself out of your comfort zone often.”
Some seniors advised first-year students not to get worried if they don’t find their best friends right away; that will come with time. One graduate wrote that “everyone finds their people here even if it takes a while and that’s honestly the best thing about this place.” Others noted that students should re-evaluate relationships often and move away from those that aren’t working for them sooner rather than later.
Do what makes you happy
The survey revealed that prioritizing personal happiness and well-being is fundamental to a fulfilling college experience. Students suggested that first years “have fun and enjoy your time. It goes by fast” and “remember to take time aside to do what makes you happy.” Taking care of oneself and prioritizing one’s mental and physical health were also mentioned by many seniors. “Always prioritize your physical and mental health while in college because it will affect your academic performance and overall college experience” and “find what you love and immerse yourself in it. Be present and be kind to yourself!”
Use your institution’s resources
Many seniors stressed the importance of taking advantage of the institution’s resources, often specifically highlighting the Hale Center for Career Development. “I would say that [new students] should establish themselves in the career center to talk about internships early on. I think the best way to figure out if your major is for you is by seeing the application in the real world,” said one student.
Students also mentioned other academic support offices and the importance of engaging with staff who are there to help, saying to “utilize as many facilities as possible – the Academic Resource Center, writing center, student counseling services, and the Hale Center are all here for your benefit and are extremely helpful. DO NOT feel embarrassed about using tools that are made available to you.”
Cultivate relationships with faculty
Another common suggestion was to develop strong connections with faculty members. Students wrote “connect with professors. They are the ones who will help you in times of crisis better than your friends (who are probably going through their own crises) and have been in your shoes” and “all efforts to connect with professors and peers alike go a long way. You never know how a contact may benefit you in the future.”
Explore a wide range of academic fields
Academic-related advice came in several forms. The most common was to investigate a wide range of academic disciplines. This is consistent with Connecticut College’s mission as a liberal arts college that exposes students to a wide range of academic fields through its general education program, called Connections. Students advised, “take advantage of Connections and just try out a variety of subjects. You never know what major would fit you unless you try.” Another said, “register for classes that make you excited and nervous! Try something new. That’s what liberal arts are for! You don’t have to get started on a major yet.”
Be resilient
Lastly, graduating seniors shared general advice that centered on resilience. “It’s going to be a big change and a lot of figuring stuff out on your feet. There’s this expectation/romanticization of college life as if you enter college – and bam! instant knowing adult skills! But that’s not true. It’s okay to stumble, to seek help, and to figure things out as you go,” said one student. Another said, “it’s going to be tough at first, but it would be anywhere. Put yourself out there and trust the process.”
