#3 Know WHO to ask

Know WHO to ask

One of the scariest things about being on your own at college is losing that safety net of mom and dad or whoever took care of you back home. It is very important to find trustworthy adults in your new setting who can help you navigate any challenges that arise.

Let's say you totally ignore #1 and #2 and you've gotten yourself into a hot mess financially and you missed so many classes you can't catch up. You need people who can help you face those challenges but also be kind and patient enough to show you how to correct your path. Not everyone has this skill. Your roommate most likely does not have this skill. So it is important to use wisdom and find out WHO can help you while you are experiencing these growing pains into adulthood.

Of course, your mom and dad will always be there for you, but there may be issues directly pertaining to college classes and finances or roommate issues that require you to consult with someone with a certain set of skills.

Someone in academia may be able to help you navigate those challenges better than a parent at home. So while I still 100% suggest you continue to let your parents or loved ones love you and speak into your life, you need another person, on the ground so to say, to help you out. And we all need help, so be humble. The worst thing you can do is pretend you know it all and have it all together because you don't. And neither does your buddy who keeps updating their 'gram.

That ain't real.

We all need allies

We all need alies, so find yours on your college campus and use their brain and experience, and expertise! It's invaluable and it's available to you if you just ask!

Where do I find these people?

Office hours and advising. Your professors have office hours. Get to know them while you are getting help for class. Your professor has so many students. Help them put a face to your name. Also, most schools have a Student Success office or counseling services, whose job is literally to help you succeed in college! Your tuition is paying their salary, so use their services!

In college, it is not only important that we know what to ask, but WHO to ask. Have support to help you succeed. No successful person ever got where they are alone.