We talked to members of the Class of 2019 to see what advice they wish they knew four years ago. This is what they had to say.
1. Get those Zzzs.
From Sabrina D.'19: "A good night's sleep gives you energy and focus for the following day. You may be tempted to stay up that one more hour finishing your work so you're ahead or lay in bed scrolling on your laptop for another 15 minutes, but seriously: Your body will thank you if you just Go. To. Bed."
2. Build relationships with professors.
From Emma R.'19: "You know how the syllabi your professors hand out on the first day of class list their office hours in the lefthand corner? Take advantage of them anytime you can! Go knock on your teachers' doors to say hi, or ask for help with classwork you might not understand, or with a paper topic you might need a little inspiration for. Teachers are your educators, sure, but they're also guides and confidants for the classroom—they care about your wellbeing, and they want you to succeed."
3. Be smart with your $$$.
From Maya P.'19: "Having the skill of being able to balance your money well is one that will benefit you even after you finish college. 1 a.m. Redbubble laptop sticker shopping is a force to be reckoned with, but keep saving and you will be in good hands. (But okay, buying one sticker won't hurt you)."
4. You'll make new friends all four years.
From Celia W.'19: "I don't know about anyone else, but I know that since Day 1 in college, my parents have consistently told me to keep expanding my horizons and jumping into new experiences. They were 100% right. As much as familiar comforts may seem like the only (read: best) option, it's important to branch out; it's amazing what it can do for you. So join three clubs (one you did in high school, one you've heard of but never done, and one you've never heard of) at the activities fair, grab lunch with the person next to you in one of your classes, or even switch your major if it suits you. Being open can make your college experience even greater."
5. Leave time for coffee (if that's your thing).
From Lauren S.'19: "Any time I walk into the campus center from the morning to the mid afternoon, there's a line to coffee and bagels before class. Sometimes you can catch the line when it isn't too busy and make it just in time for that 10:30 a.m. Why risk it, though? Set a few minutes aside so you're able to achieve full bagel and coffee status at your caf and get to class on time to score those grades."
6. It's never too early to network.
From Alyssa V.'19: "At Fairfield, the Stags4Hire online job portal sends an email with the subject—yes, in all caps—'THIS WEEK AHEAD IN ACADEMIC AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT.' They lay out upcoming seminars/events/etc. that can help you launch your career, as well as available part-time jobs and internships. It's easy to push that email to the backburner (especially if you get a lot of emails), but I highly recommend you don't. The career emails your school sends can offer great events, or jobs where you'll meet someone or have a professional experience that could kickstart you into something incredible. No matter your year, it's always a good time to plant the seeds that grow connections for your future."
7. Remember your umbrella. (Really).
From Theresa B.'19: "This one might sound silly, but weather can be deceiving. One second it looks like sunny skies for the rest of the day, and then? Monsoons. And when you're out of your room for a few hours with back-to-back classes all over campus, the last thing you want is to look like you just walked in from the front row at Splash Mountain. So always stick a rain jacket or tiny umbrella in your bag, just in case—better safe than sorry."
8. Do your best, follow your path, embody the person you want to be, and you'll achieve just that.
From Bronwyn K.'19: "People always tell you to follow your dreams and your passions, especially in college. It's so true. Make your majors and minors things you absolutely love. Take classes you're passionate about, and that will help you make your passions a reality down the road. Aspire every day to be the best of who and what you want to be, and with hard work, it can happen."
9. Your college years fly by. Take in every minute.
From Ricci G.'19: "I find myself at least five times a day saying/thinking to myself how I can't believe that I am a senior already. I can still vividly remember everything from my freshman year orientation as if it literally was just yesterday. Your time in college goes by SO fast and in the words of Ferris Bueller, 'If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you'll miss it.' Granted, FB is talking about life here, not college, but what he's saying still rings true. Savor every moment, and soak in every single minute of your college life."
