At PennWest, 70 percent of first-year students continue into their second year. This means almost a third – or one in three freshmen – have dropped out. Nationwide, about a quarter of full-time students drop out of college every year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
College is expensive and important to people, so it’s unfortunate that so many people are unprepared for college and end up dropping out. If first-year students were more prepared for college and had an easier way of accessing all the important information they need to succeed, it will not only help them stay in college and also graduate.
The problem we experienced entering college was that we were generally unprepared and needed guidance for a smooth transition into college life. We weren’t used to living independently with complete strangers for nine months. Having to get our own food, shopping for groceries, and balancing social life and education were unfamiliar and put a lot of stress and weight on our ability to succeed. Many of us felt disconnected and lonely, especially since we came from different backgrounds. This was a very stressful and hard transition from high school.
Colleges provide orientations and student welcome days to acclimate students to their new lives. Orientations can be good, but they just aren’t able to cover all the information freshmen need to be successful. Or the information just did not stick. Students are already overwhelmed with so much information they are expected to retain after multiple different meetings and activities.
PennWest sends emails to remind students to ask for help, but this is not working. It is hard to ask for support. We would rather have the information provided to us rather than bothering others.
An online freshmen kit that provides thorough and easy access to questions first-years have would positively impact them and get them on their feet faster. For example, the website could enable students to ask questions and provide responses for all students to see. Another feature could be a “Call for Help” button where students can ask for supplies, financial advice, or mental health support. This feature will provide details on mental health information, therapists, counseling services and where to locate them. It will help students get free supplies such as clothing and financial aid support.
There are so many different things that first-year students will want to know when it comes to college life. The beginning of college is such a vital time for growth and learning. When this transition process starts off negatively, it will affect students in all other aspects too. First-year kits could really make a difference. Giving students a means to easily access the information they need, especially in a stressful situation, will only benefit them. Students already have so much on their shoulders and the help will take the load off.
