MPCC reps offer tips for college-bound students

It's a whole new world.

For many students, the start of college represents freedom, coming-of-age and new adventures. The key to maintaining a positive experience, according to two experts from Mid-Plains Community College, is a combination of preparation and common sense.

Heather Pucket, MPCC area advising coordinator, and Mindy Hope, MPCC area coordinator of recruiting and admissions, compiled the following list of tips to help new students navigate college life.

1. Get the paperwork out of the way

"Once that part is behind you, the rest is easy," said Pucket.

The process begins with an application to college, followed by completion of standardized tests and submission of scholarship and Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms.

"If non-traditional students attended a previous college, they should have transcripts to reflect that," said Pucket. "There's no sense wasting time and money repeating courses."

She noted that FAFSA forms can be submitted for free through the U.S. Department of Education website: https://fafsa.ed.gov/. There are other websites that will submit FAFSA forms for students, but they charge a fee.

"The paperwork part can sometimes seem overwhelming," said Hope. "Our staff is always willing to help with those steps. All people have to do is contact the financial aid office at 535-3708, or visit us online at www.mpcc.edu/financial-aid for more information."

2. Become acquainted with your surroundings

Both women recommended incoming students meet with an advisor and take a campus tour prior to starting classes. Tours are often handled through orientations or registration days.

Not only do those events give students a chance to become familiar with the campus and find their way around the buildings they will take classes in, but also, the events provide an opportunity for students to have questions answered.

"One of the most important things students can do is connect with an advisor," said Pucket. "The sooner they can get in and see us, the better. That way we can start making an academic plan for them and point them toward classes that will benefit them in the long run."

3. Know your resources

Orientation and registration days are also good ways to find out about campus resources such as tutoring, disability services or job placement.

"At MPCC, the Welcome Centers and Student Success Centers are great places to turn to for assistance with just about anything," said Hope. "The college is full of people willing to help students who ask for it."

Both she and Pucket agreed that is one challenge they see at the college -- students don't always want to ask for help.

"Andy Long [MPCC area vice president of student affairs and McCook Community College] often tells students at our Registration Days, 'Don't be afraid to fail,' and that's so true," said Pucket. "Don't be afraid to make a mistake, and don't get up and leave if you do. College is a safe place. If you fall, we're here to help pick up the pieces and guide you back on track."

4. Connect with the roomie

"Having a roommate can be one of the biggest benefits to living on campus," said Hope. "It's a chance to make a lifelong friend and also a chance to learn more about yourself. Part of that is being able to communicate, set boundaries and talk through things."

Reaching out to an assigned roommate ahead of time provides an opportunity to bond and is a good way to compare notes on furnishings to avoid duplication.

5. Socialize

The women are big advocates of students becoming involved in and trying new activities.

"Go to a sporting event even if you're not part of those programs or living on campus," said Hope. "Things like that create a sense of pride and camaraderie and are part of the overall college experience you don't want to miss out on."

Information about upcoming events can be found all over the MPCC campus -- everywhere from bulletin boards and the Student Life Office to the college's website and social media pages.

"I really encourage students not to just go back to their rooms when class is over," said Hope. "I tell them, 'Eat in the cafeteria; study in the library.' Not only is it a good way to make friends, but it also discourages isolation and overthinking things. Everyone has the same questions and concerns you have, but if you're not around them, you don't hear them say it."

6. Find balance

Engaging in campus activities can also help with another important aspect of college: finding balance.

"There has to be a balance," Hope said. "While commitment to education is always top priority, it's important to understand the value of socialization. Being involved in on-campus clubs, organizations and activities not only makes people more successful as students, but also increases their enjoyment of college and makes for a more well-rounded individual. It's all about making connections and having a support system."

7. Be accountable

While she believes in being open-minded, meeting new people and trying new things, Hope is also a proponent of knowing limits.

"Everyone is in charge of his or her own success," said Hope.

She recommends students choose their friends wisely and be careful what they post on Facebook and other social media sites.

Employers often look at the social media accounts of job applicants. Photos of drinking and partying can make a lasting impression.

Hope also recommends that parents and students talk about their communication expectations before leaving for college. Each family has to find the right balance that provides both support and room to grow and become independent.

8. Who's got the bill?

The freedom of college comes with financial responsibility. Living independently often forces people into learning how to manage their money and choose between wants and needs.

While all kinds of resources for doing that can be found online, Pucket said MPCC also offers both a personal finance class and a college success class that provide help on the subject.

More and more students are having to work while attending school, but studies show that working too many hours can have a negative impact on academic success.

"It is suggested that full-time students keep work schedules limited to 10-15 hours per week," said Hope. "That way, they don't overextend themselves. It's important to realize that sacrifices made now will pay off later."

9. Chill out

Let's face it -- even juggling part-time work, studying for finals and searching for a career after college is no piece of cake. But, it can be manageable -- so can the stress that accompanies it.

"One of the most important things students can do to minimize stress is take care of themselves," said Pucket. "The little things, like exercising, getting plenty of sleep at night and eating healthy food instead of junk are all good for physical health. As for emotional health, don't panic and don't overanalyze things."

She and Hope believe making time for old hobbies as well as trying new things can bring anxiety levels down. Going for a walk or finding a quiet place to meditate can also be beneficial.

If the stress is education-related, math and writing labs are available at the college, and the Student Success Centers offer free tutoring, controlled study environments and career assessment and planning among many other services.

10. Get organized

"Organization is a key factor in reducing stress," said Hope. "Don't procrastinate and put projects off until the last minute. Stay on top of the daily workload, be aware of deadlines and create a game plan as far as things that are due."

Important dates can be found online at www.mpcc.edu in sections such as the academic calendar. Add/drop deadlines are available at https://campus.mpcc.edu/ics.

"Use your time wisely," said Pucket. "Set aside time to go into a quiet area for purposeful studying."

Hope couldn't emphasize enough the importance of communicating with faculty.

"Our faculty is more than willing to visit with students about deadlines and things of that nature, but the students must be present in class," said Hope. "If a student has been ill or unable to complete an assignment, it's still better to be present and visit with the instructor than to skip class."

More information to help students be better prepared for the world of college is available online at www.mpcc.edu.