By Gloria Hubbell Corena

Editor-in-Chief

Whether you’re arriving straight from high school, returning to school after years away, or still wondering if you’ve picked the right major, one thing is almost guaranteed: you’re probably feeling a little nervous.

That’s normal.

College doesn’t come with a handbook, and unlike high school, no one is reminding you about homework every day or telling you exactly what comes next. That freedom can feel exciting one moment and overwhelming the next.

The good news? You don’t have to have everything figured out before your first day at College of Marin.

You don’t have to know your major!

One of the biggest misconceptions about starting college is that you need your entire future planned out.

You don’t.

Many students change their major at least once, and community college is one of the best places to explore different interests before transferring or entering the workforce. College of Marin offers programs across fields including STEM, business, health sciences, arts, public safety and environmental studies, allowing students to discover what genuinely interests them before committing to a career path.

If you’re unsure, that’s okay.

Take an introductory class that sounds interesting. Meet with a counselor. Talk to professors. Sometimes the class you almost didn’t register for ends up changing everything.

Your professors want you to succeed

It can be intimidating to approach a professor, especially during your first semester.

Do it anyway.

Office hours aren’t just for students who are failing a class. They’re there for everyone, whether you have a question about an assignment, need help understanding a concept, or want advice about your academic goals.

Professors notice students who communicate.

If you’re sick, overwhelmed, or confused about an assignment, reaching out early is almost always better than disappearing.

Ask questions…even if you’re nervous

There’s a good chance someone else in the classroom has the same question you’re afraid to ask.

College isn’t about pretending you already know everything.

It’s about learning.

Whether you’re asking a classmate where a building is, raising your hand during a lecture, or emailing your instructor, asking questions is one of the fastest ways to become more confident.

Don’t let perfection stop you

This might be the most important advice in this article.

Your first semester probably won’t be perfect.

You may earn a grade you’re disappointed in. You might forget an assignment, get lost trying to find a classroom, or realize a class isn’t what you expected.

That doesn’t mean you don’t belong here.

The students who succeed aren’t always the ones who never struggle. They’re the ones who keep showing up, ask for help when they need it, and learn from their mistakes.

Progress will always matter more than perfection.

Get involved…even just a little

College is more than lectures and homework.

Joining a club, attending an event, or simply talking to the person sitting next to you before class can make campus feel much smaller.

You don’t have to become the most involved student on campus. Sometimes all it takes is finding one group of people who make College of Marin feel like home.

Use the resources you’re already paying for

Many students don’t realize how many services are included with being a College of Marin student.

The Welcome Center can help new students navigate enrollment and connect them with campus resources. Students also have access to counseling, tutoring, library resources, technology support, financial aid assistance, and other academic support services designed to help them succeed.

If you’re struggling, don’t wait until the end of the semester to ask for help.

Don’t overlook Student Accessibility Services

If you’ve had an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 Plan in high school, or have a documented disability, learning difference, mental health condition, chronic illness, or temporary injury, don’t assume you’re on your own in college.

College of Marin’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with eligible students to provide accommodations that create equal access to education. Depending on a student’s needs, accommodations may include testing accommodations, note-taking support, assistive technology, counseling, priority registration, and other academic support services. Students who think they may qualify but aren’t sure are encouraged to reach out to an SAS counselor.

One important difference from high school is that accommodations don’t automatically carry over to college. Students are responsible for contacting SAS, completing the intake process, and requesting accommodations each semester. Even if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, it never hurts to ask questions and explore your options.

Give yourself time

The first few weeks can feel awkward.

You won’t know where every classroom is.

Canvas might seem confusing.

You’ll probably get lost at least once.

Eventually, you’ll know which parking lot fills up first, where to grab coffee between classes, and the quickest route across campus.

One day you’ll realize you’re no longer the new student.

One last thing

If you’re waiting to feel completely ready before college starts, you may be waiting forever.

Almost everyone walks onto campus with questions, doubts, or uncertainty about what comes next.

The difference isn’t who has everything figured out.

It’s who keeps showing up.

Welcome to College of Marin.

We’re glad you’re here.

All photographs were taken on COM’s Kentfield campus by Editor Gloria Hubbell Corena