Graduating from high school and starting your first year of college is a big jump.  Although high school isn’t easy, I think most college students can say it is easier than college.  When you start your first year at a community college you have no idea what you’re going to expect.  The campus is brand new and foreign to you, you don’t know how much homework to expect, and you probably don’t know anyone in your classes.  All the foreign things that take place in college can be a little nerve wracking at first.  Just hang in there, wait it out and you’ll be just fine!  Read below to find out how you can get to know your community college for your freshman year.

Ask - Do you know any friends or siblings that are currently going to a community college?  If so, you have a perfect opportunity to ask all the questions you’d like.  Ask everything from how much homework they get, what are the professors like, what are the major expectations, and is it hard to find your way around?  Asking these basic questions from the beginning will make it a lot easier on you.  If you were to go in not knowing anything at all or what to expect it might make you a little more nervous than it would if you knew little bits and pieces.

Research – Since it is your first year at the community college you may want to do some research.  If you’re completely foreign to the school look up their website online.  They will give you the basic information you might want to know and even more. 

Map - Also, if you can, print out a map of the school and that will help you find your classes easier.  Simply print it out, and highlight the buildings/classrooms you’ll be going to in order.

Visit – The best thing you can do is get a friend or family member and go to the college.  Take your time, walk around, find your classes and see what the area is like.  Try stopping by the library and in some of the classes to get an idea what it will be like for you.

As you can see there are many things you can do to help you get to know your community college before you start your freshman year.  Simply follow these tips and you’ll get rid of your butterflies instantly!  Just remember everyone is there to learn, and had to start out in your shoes as well.