Making the Most of Your First Year
Hey seniors! As you wrap up your high school experience, I have compiled a list of some tips and advice that I wish I had known or someone had told me in my first year at Barnard.
Enjoy your summer before coming here!
This is your opportunity to do the things that you never had time for in the midst of applying to college. I wish someone had told me this, because I remember doing an internship before coming here, and didn’t really get to enjoy my summer or travel anywhere. Every summer during college, you would ideally want to do an internship or another opportunity, so you have plenty of chances to get those experiences in, so don’t worry too much about doing something after senior year. You worked hard and you made it this far, so take a break and enjoy the moment!
Imposter syndrome is real, but I want to reassure you that you do belong and you deserve to be here.
At Barnard and Columbia, you will constantly meet people who may seem smarter than you or more accomplished, but their success doesn’t take away from your own potential or worth. Everyone here brings something unique to the table, and you were admitted because of who you are and what you have to offer. Try not to compare yourself to others; focus more on your own growth and journey. Just know you’re not here by accident, you earned this!
Draw a line between studying and having fun!
Don’t miss out on events because you have to study, but don’t put off studying too much. It took me a while to find the right balance, but the key is to prioritize deadlines, and if you can, try to get assignments done as early as possible, so you have time to go out and are not stressing last minute about the things on your plate. Finding that balance takes time, but it makes college so much more enjoyable.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
I know asking for help may seem hard to a lot of you; it certainly was hard for me, however, you are not expected to know everything. TAs and office hours exist for a reason. They want to help you and are there to guide you when you’re confused. I was so lost when I took my first Intro to Computing class, but after going to TA office hours and the CS Help room, I was able to understand the concepts and get ahead in the class. Utilize those resources!
Explore what Columbia has to offer!
One of the best parts of being a Barnard student is having access to both Barnard and Columbia. Don’t be afraid to cross Broadway! You can take classes at Columbia, join their clubs, work in their research labs, attend speaker events, or just study in a different library for a change of scenery. You’ll meet so many new people and gain a wider perspective. Barnard will always feel like home base, but the Columbia community is yours too, so make the most of it!
Last but not least, take care of your mental health.
Barnard is an academically rigorous environment, and sometimes, it can feel daunting to take a break and reset. However, burnout is also real, and you don’t want to overwork yourself to the point where you’re really struggling. You don’t have to attend every event, take every opportunity, or be productive 24/7. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and don’t ignore signs of stress or exhaustion. If you need someone to talk to, the Furman Counseling Center can help you manage your stress or talk through any issues that you might be facing. Don’t wait until things get overwhelming to ask for it.
I hope some of this helps as you begin your Barnard journey. You’re about to start an amazing chapter! Remember to root for yourself, be kind to yourself, and trust that you’ll figure things out, one step at a time.
With love,
Siara