Advice from Colloquium Peer Advisors to new students
Don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know your professors. We're lucky to have such small classes, so utilize it!
When you see signs for interesting LAB events, sign up! Some of the activities are a once in a lifetime chance (at an awesome discounted price). For example, last year there was bungee jumping!
Once you get to Linfield, you will be assigned a faculty advisor. Take advantage of going to such a small school and get to know your advisors and professors. This is the best way to see what you may be interested in and how to accomplish what you want to get done! Talking to my advisor right from the start helped me realize what I really wanted to study, and I am very happy with what the direction that they helped me find. This is my favorite part about attending a small school- the willingness of the professors to help students individually.
Take at least one class a semester that really interests you. It may be tempting to take all your general requirements the first couple of semesters, but try to mix it up by trying something different.
Pack light when coming to college; shopping is a great bonding activity.
Wait to buy your books until you get your syllabi, and then only buy the ones you need immediately at the bookstore, buy everything else online.
Find the happy balance between play time and study time once you get settled into college life. With the big schedule changes from high school to college, it's easy to get caught up in the freedom you have to do whatever you want with your time. Just remember to give yourself plenty of time to get work done so you're not overwhelmed on Sunday nights!
Don't let preconceived notions of what's "cool" dictate what you get involved with at Linfield. Do what you like and are interested in rather than what your friends from home say you should do. You will have fun and meet tons of new people!
Leave your door open (while you're in the room, of course)....you never know who will stop by and who you'll meet.
Take advantage of living in the dorms...you will never get another opportunity like it and it can be incredibly fun. Have movie nights with people in your hall, organize activities together, pour cold water on each other in the showers...whatever it takes to make it as memorable as possible. Some of the best college memories you will make are from times in the dorms.
Get involved. Linfield is great with catering to students interests. If you have a passion for something, Linfield probably has a way for you to get involved in that activity. Being involved not only brings the Linfield community closer but also allows you to have the best possible college experience you can.
Stay up on your school work. Don’t get behind. If you put a lot of effort in at the beginning of the semester you will be able to have more fun and be less stressed at the end of the semester. It is the worst feeling to have to play catch up in a class and have to get a 100% on your final to get the grade you want. If you put the effort in at the start of the semester, you will stay semi-sane during finals week.
The professors at Linfield are awesome. They are willing to talk to you and help you in any way they can ... you just have to ask. Treat them with respect and you will get respect in return.
Even if you're not a football fan, try to go to at least one game: it's part of the Linfield tradition.
Dorm life is wonderful. There are so many amazing people you will meet and relationships you will build within the dorms. Just keep an open mind and you may be surprised that the weird person down the hall may become your best and closest friend.
Once you get to Linfield, you will be assigned a faculty advisor. Take advantage of going to such a small school and get to know your advisors and professors. This is the best way to see what you may be interested in and how to accomplish what you want to get done! Talking to my advisor right from the start helped me realize what I really wanted to study, and I am very happy with what the direction that they helped me find. This is my favorite part about attending a small school- the willingness of the professors to help students individually.
Find the happy balance between play time and study time once you get settled into college life. With the big schedule changes from high school to college, it's easy to get caught up in the freedom you have to do whatever you want with your time. Just remember to give yourself plenty of time to get work done so you're not overwhelmed on Sunday nights!