Advice for the Class of 2023

CCU Class of 2023 photo. Photo courtesy CCU Photography and Video Production Services.

College can seem pretty overwhelming at first, but with some advice from people who have been there, done that, it can be made a bit easier.

Jada Sims, a senior psychology major, identifies what she wish she knew prior to her start at Coastal Carolina University. During her first year, she felt blind-sided by the difficulty of the varying levels of math classes.

“I didn’t know the classes were going to be like that. I wish I knew to study more and stay on top of my homework and get help,” she said. “Use Rate My Professor, go to outreach and tutoring.”

Sims has learned to network and speaks to the fact that, “the more people you know the more help [that is accessible to you].”

Sims says that while having a social life is important, making time for your studies comes first.

Madeline Lane, a junior and transfer Biology major, first struggled with finding her way around campus, but she adapted quickly. By using digital and physical maps and asking fellow students around campus for directions, Lane found her way.

She spoke on the helpfulness of networking.

“I think it’s good to make connections with upperclassmen because they know what they are doing here. You can ask them about what classes to take; just directions in general,” she said.

Lane recommends renting a bike, as they are available at HTC and a great method of transportation on and off campus.

Mia Tarallo, a junior Intelligence and National Security major, wished she had not skipped classes as a freshman. She never reached out to her professors in the beginning of her college journey, but wishes to encourage young students to start now.

She comments on scheduling.

“Don’t over push yourself and pile a ton of classes that you don’t need at once and try to space them out,” Tarallo said.

Tarallo hopes students have fun and try to remain stress free. Since programs normally extend through four years, Tarallo wants students to remember they have plenty of time.