Picture this: it’s May of your senior year and you have finally paid your deposit and committed to college (hopefully Cornell!). During those last few weeks of high school, it can feel like the end of a long journey, and that you have learned and done it all. But you are only starting the tumultuous yet rewarding journey of college. I spent my first year of college at a different institution before transferring to Cornell, and attending both universities brought its fair share of new experiences and challenges. From winter blues to academic independence, here is what I’ve learned so far.

Winter Tempts You to Stay Inside—But Clubs Can Help

During winter, the cold and early sunsets, coupled with the dread of upcoming prelims, can make it all too tempting to stay holed up in your dorm. It’s easy to let afternoons slip away into endless scrolling or mindless studying. Seasonal Depression can be tough, especially if you are not used to cold winters. One thing that helped me was joining clubs. And no, I don’t only mean the academic clubs that build your resume, although those are a great way to beat winter blues too! Join social clubs or clubs that share your hobbies. I’ve always loved writing and fiction; in my previous institution, I was a writer for Her Campus, which had fun meetings filled with merch giveaways and power point nights. At Cornell, I’m part of the Cornell Literary Society, which is a wonderful way for me to talk about my favorite books and keep up with my reading, another hobby of mine. Fun clubs will encourage you to continue socializing and meeting new people, even when your seasonal ennui begs to stay inside. Feeling that you are part of a caring community will help!

Academic Resources Are Everywhere

My high school did not have many resources to help struggling students besides teacher office hours and the occasional peer tutoring program. When I did not perform as well as I wanted in a subject, I assumed I was simply “not good” at that class. Cornell offers a wealth of resources to help students tackle even the toughest classes. Professors are almost always happy to go over course content with you, and their TAs may also have valuable tips. Need help writing your American Lit essay? Visit the Knight Writing Institute. Calculus or Orgo got you down? The Learning Strategies Center can be a lifesaver. I’m not even doing justice to the vast number of academic resources at Cornell, there’s always someone willing to help. Even the hardest courses are manageable with the right tools and guidance.

Attendance is (Mostly) Optional—But Discipline is Crucial

Another huge adjustment my friends and I needed to make when beginning our college journeys was flexibility around class attendance. Unlike in high school, where attendance policies were often strict; many college classes don’t require attendance. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have more flexibility. On the other hand, it's up to you to keep up with the coursework whether you attend class or not. Personally, I prefer to attend lectures and ask questions on the spot. But I have friends who absorb content from reading lecture slides at their own pace. It is a trial-and-error process, and everyone learns differently, but it is empowering to take ownership of my education.

Final Thoughts

Starting college can be daunting - it is a new school, new environment, new social setting, new challenges and risks. But as someone who has started college twice, first at my previous college and then at Cornell, it is also a massive opportunity to grow and learn more about oneself. Don’t worry, you are going to do great!