Finding Your Place | How to College | Crash Course

Summary

This Crash Course episode, presented by Erica Brozovsky, guides students on finding their place in college through extracurricular activities, networking, and community building. It emphasizes the importance of involvement in clubs, student government, and multicultural organizations, as well as seeking academic and emotional support from advisors, faculty, and campus services.

Takeaways

• 📚 College experiences, both academic and social, are essential for personal growth and building a sense of community.
• 👥 Engaging in extracurricular activities like clubs and sports helps students make new friends and network with professionals.
• 🏠 Living-learning communities (LLCs) provide opportunities for students with common interests to live and study together.
• 🌍 Multicultural and identity-based student groups offer support and a sense of belonging for students with shared experiences.
• 🏫 Community groups outside of college can help students get acquainted with their new area and meet like-minded people.
• 👨‍🏫 Academic advisors, resident advisors, and student services staff are valuable resources for navigating college life and accessing support.
• 📝 Networking is crucial for building professional relationships and can be facilitated through faculty interactions and formal emails.
• 🎓 Instructors can provide guidance on how to excel academically and apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
• 💬 Proper email etiquette includes using formal greetings and being clear and concise in your communication.
• 🎥 Crash Course's Study Hall series offers additional resources and tips for navigating college, available on their dedicated YouTube channel.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'Crash Course: How to College' series?

The main focus of the 'Crash Course: How to College' series is to provide guidance on how to successfully navigate college life, including finding one's place within the college community and setting oneself up for long-term success through extracurricular experiences and networking.

Why are extracurricular activities important for college students?

Extracurricular activities are important for college students because they help in making new friends and colleagues, provide opportunities to meet professionals in the field of interest, and offer a chance to gain advice on skills and activities that can make students competitive in the job market after graduation.

What is a living-learning community (LLC) in the context of college?

A living-learning community (LLC) is a special interest group in a college residence hall that allows students with a common interest to meet and interact. These communities sometimes involve taking special classes or working on projects with the students you live with, which can help form deeper connections.

How can students get involved in student government in college?

Students can get involved in student government by either being elected or volunteering to oversee activities, programs, and initiatives aimed at increasing student involvement across the college.

What are intramural sports and how can students participate in them?

Intramural sports are recreational sports organized by a college for its students. To participate, students can check out their campus recreation center or their school's website, and sign up for sports like volleyball, basketball, or even LARPing.

What is the role of a resident advisor (RA) in a college?

A resident advisor (RA) is a student employed by the school to live in the residence halls on campus. RAs are trained to help resolve issues with roommates, get students involved on campus, access resources for mental or emotional issues, and socialize with peers.

Why is networking important for college students?

Networking is important for college students as it helps establish and build professional relationships with people in their career field, which can be beneficial for their working life and personal growth.

How can students find support services at their college?

Students can find support services at their college by accessing a centralized resource center, which is often funded by student tuition and includes services like tutoring, study groups, peer advising, and disability services.

What are some ways students can get involved off-campus to build a sense of community?

Students can get involved off-campus by joining community groups that benefit the area they live in, participating in faith-based, needs-based, social, or arts-related groups, or engaging with organizations like Kiwanis clubs that focus on community service.

How can faculty members assist college students in their academic journey?

Faculty members can assist college students by challenging them academically, presenting research opportunities, helping them apply classroom learning to real-world situations, and identifying the best ways to study and prepare for exams.

What is the significance of using proper titles and preferred names in academic communication?

Using proper titles and preferred names in academic communication is significant as it shows respect and acknowledges the individual's identity and preferences. It also helps in establishing a professional and respectful relationship with instructors and peers.