Without guidance, stepping onto a new campus could present challenges and struggles for incoming Lancers. Some of these challenges include finding the perfect time to eat, building a social life and developing study habits, and California Baptist University has resources for all three.
Nathan Chillin, sophomore kinesiology major, shared how he was unprepared for the amount of work he received as a first-year student.
“The amount of workload that I had apart from studying was too much for me to handle,” Chillin said, “and I wasn’t as organized in the beginning. That made it tough for me to stay on top of my work and study.”
Seasoned Lancers shared their thoughts on transitioning into college life with incoming students. William Simonton, senior mechanical engineering major, emphasized the importance of staying on top of work. He said the effort students put into current classes laid the foundation for future success.
“If you try your best in your classes right now, you will do better in your later classes,” Simonton said.
While it’s helpful to develop study habits early on, it is also important to engage in the social aspect of college. Helpful information could go beyond study tips and habits, and finding balance between social and college life is essential.
Brennan Bagley, sophomore creative writing major, explained how students could step out of their comfort zone to build community.
“During your first semester, leave your dorm, because that’s when I actually met people,” Bagley said.
Joining a club, meeting new people around campus and participating in the student section of sports games are all great ways to explore campus, step outside your comfort zones and meet new people. A good social life expands the college experience and created new friendships along the way.
Philip Damer, senior business administration major, shared the importance of dining out early on campus compared to later at night, especially when it comes to meeting new people.
“A lot of provider locations are closed by 7,” Damer said. Therefore, the best times to go out and eat would be earlier in the evening to connect with others and enjoy a good dinner.
Going out to eat and interacting with other students is crucial for a college experience, and tips like these are valuable pieces of advice passed down from current students to new ones.
The insights of students who previously went through their first year of CBU created helpful tips that could support incoming students. Having a positive attitude toward studying and giving your all in classes are just some of the advice seasoned Lancers have to offer.
Helpful information goes beyond academics; finding that perfect balance between social and student life is just as important. Learning from seasoned Lancers is an impactful experience, giving new students the opportunity to grow by hearing how others overcame similar challenges.
