Thriving in Your First Two Weeks at an HBCU: A Freshman’s Guide to Success

First and foremost, congratulations for making it this far. You're here because of resilience, perseverance, and dedication. And you're entering some of your life's most exciting times!

Welcome to your freshman year and the exciting world of HBCU life!

I want to start by congratulating you on reaching this milestone before diving in. Because life as you know it won't be what you knew, and life is about to really start life'n. College will bring challenges and changes, but it also offers an opportunity to refine your character and transform into the person you were always meant to be!

Because I desperately wished I had someone to give me the game during my initial weeks, it is my duty and honor to give it to you. Shall we? Let's start with handling the business.

In these first couple of weeks, there are some very important things that you'll need to square away before indulging in the parties, kickbacks, and flexing on the yard.

I assure you that if you prioritize taking care of your business first, you can enjoy everything else with peace of mind.

The first two weeks of college are crucial for setting a strong foundation for your academic and personal life. That being said, here are the top six things college freshmen, especially at HBCUs, should consider:

1. Get your money right

You want to make sure your account is free of holds and has enough money for tuition and all fees. Speak with your financial aid advisor and thoroughly examine your school's charges, the funds you've received, and any outstanding balances. Yes, there can be a balance as soon as you start. Typically, aid is sent to schools, and the schools will directly disburse all awarded funds by semester. If you have loans that have not yet been disbursed, you can use a financial aid award letter?or sometimes a tuition deferment letter?or payment plan agreement.

These documents or agreements are provided by the financial aid office and indicate that your financial aid, including loans, grants, or scholarships, will cover your tuition and fees. It can allow you to enroll in classes and defer payment until your financial aid is officially disbursed. Please check with your school for their requirements.

If your school offers a specific form or document for this purpose, it might be referred to as a promissory note?or enrollment verification form?as well. It's best to check with your financial aid office for the exact name and process at your institution.

Also, the award amounts you see are for the full year. For instance, if you receive a $7,000 Pell Grant, you will receive half of it in the fall and the remaining half in the spring. I don't have time to get into the nuance of financial aid breakdowns (I'll do another post later in detail), but for now, to learn more about different types of financial aid, visit studentaid.gov.

Why is this important? It's important to always know your financial status in life and definitely in college to prevent being purged from the system, late starting class, or forced to drop out because you can't afford school.

Here are some action steps: Always confirm your advisor's information by reviewing your account, contacting lenders directly (if needed), printing your forms, or capturing a screenshot of your balances. Don't take your friend's financial experiences as the same for you. Always know what's going on with your account. If you are on a meal plan or living in dorms, make sure you understand what these charges are and have enough funding to cover them. You can still apply for scholarships anytime (this should be a habit anyway). Even if you don't land one this fall, consider how helpful one would be for the spring. Lastly, do not get discouraged! Remember that you are your own best advocate; no one will fight for you like you, and neglecting your business won't magically make it vanish.

2. Go to class and review your syllabus

You are no longer in high school and are expected to read, take initiative, and keep up with what is required of you, even if no one explicitly told you what to do. So, read your syllabus.

Why is this important? Attending every class from the beginning helps you understand the course expectations and sets a positive impression on your professors. Reviewing the syllabus for each course allows you to grasp the schedule, major assignments, grading criteria, and any required materials.?

Here are some action steps: To stay organized, mark all important dates on your calendar, such as exams, paper deadlines, and project submissions. Keep track of the final date for dropping a class, and add this to your calendar. If a time conflict arises, the class doesn't align with your major, or there are issues with the time or professor, you can drop the class if necessary. Please be aware that dropping classes can affect your credit hours, especially if you don't enroll in another class with the same number of hours. Btw, full-time is 12+ hours; anything under 12 hours drops you to a part-time student. This can also hurt your financial aid and status. Therefore, it's important to be cautious, ask questions, and drop classes wisely if necessary.

3. Establish a routine

Again, you are no longer in high school, and Mama, Granny, or Pops aren't going to give you a bedtime. This is where your independence, responsibility, and discipline muscles will be built. There will be parties like in the middle of the day, DJ's on the yard, and all types of distractions preventing you from creating a routine. However, having a routine is a critical part of growing into a responsible adult.

Why is this important? A consistent daily routine helps you manage your time effectively, balancing academics, social activities, and personal well-being. Establishing a routine early on can prevent stress and help you stay on track.

Here's an action step: Create a weekly schedule that includes class times, study periods, meals, exercise, downtime, and even bedtime. You can also download our free freshman-year routine here.?

4. Get to know your professors and advisors

Your professors are human, capable of making mistakes, possessing extensive knowledge, some really cool, some with weird personality quirks, and hopefully all of them passionate about teaching. Some may even be close to your age, and they are trying to figure out life, too. Most importantly, they are in charge of marking your grades. So get to know them!

Why is this important? Building relationships with your professors and academic advisors can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your college journey. They can also be helpful resources for academic help, research opportunities, and future recommendations. It's vital to have allies and people to help you on this path.

Now, let me address a trend I've seen at many HBCUs lately. There has been a surge in the number of immigrant professors at HBCUs, and I have observed both the advantages and disadvantages of this. I have also assisted students in navigating cultural differences and identifying their unique learning styles in these classes, with professors having English as a second language.

Here are some action?steps:?Attend office hours or schedule an introductory meeting to discuss your goals and ask any questions you may have. Get to know them, too. If you're having trouble understanding speech, consider recording lectures to listen back to later; sit up front and really lean into getting to know your professors; be patient; don't take things personally; and give as much grace as possible. After doing your part, if it just ain't working (which it won't always work) and you encounter difficulties with their teaching style and interpersonal engagement, you can speak with your dean for future assistance.

5. Explore campus resources

You are paying for every service on campus, including the library, student center, gym, on-campus transportation, and so on. Because you are investing your funds, please don't let this go to waste. Discover all the services your campus and department provide, and make the most of them.

Why is it important? Familiarizing yourself with the resources available on campus, such as the library, tutoring centers, health services, and career services, ensures you know where to go when you need support. These resources can enhance your academic success and overall college experience. And it's just smart!

Here's an action step: Take an organized campus tour (even if you think you know the entire campus), visit resource centers, and attend any orientations or workshops offered during the first few weeks. Ask your advisors what they know of that may be helpful for you to know on campus.

6. Building a social network

One of the joys of college is the life experiences, relationships, and exposure to diversity that you'll gain, especially attending HBCUs. Yes, there is a lot of rich diversity at HBCUs, and the energy is unmatched. It can feel like being around a family with your cousins, aunts, and uncles. However, the social aspect is only a component of college and still must be approached with wisdom, mental health mindfulness, and setting boundaries.?

Why It's Important: College is not just about academics; as I mentioned, it's about gaining life experiences as well as building connections that can last a lifetime. Forming friendships and getting involved in student organizations can make your college experience more enjoyable and provide a support system. However, it can also become overwhelming if you don't prioritize your mental health.

Here are some action steps: Do a little vetting before attending events to decide which types of crowds you want to be associated with. Literally, everyone is online and has something to say, so sit back and watch and learn. You can then attend social events, join clubs or interest groups, and introduce yourself to classmates and dorm mates to start building your network.

Think carefully about the things you will or won't put up with, such as gossip, bullying, manipulation, or intimidation from others. Consider peer pressure. You are not immune to peer pressure. I don't care how mentally strong you think you are. Many people lose themselves in college. Think about your identity, who you want to be, and the values you will or won't uphold. When you encounter individuals who trigger negative emotions or violate your boundaries, don't attempt to change them or believe you won't be affected; instead, find a new social circle.

I'm telling you, if you get sucked into letting small things slide over and over, it won't stop. Being a people-pleaser is not something you can afford; your true potential lies elsewhere.

Last thing on this, remember to take responsibility, be open to listening more than talking, and be willing to engage in healthy conflict. Look for opportunities to meet the needs of others, too.?Your life isn't just about you, and you?don't know everything. You can't always see yourself, and there's always something NEW to learn, unlearn, and give.?

Wanna learn more about navigating these college and HBCU streets?

Order your copy of College Bound right here.

Oh, share this blog with a friend!

Xo,

Coach Rahk

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