10 Tips For College Freshman -done
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Tips For College Freshman -done

Your first year at college is exciting and stressful but there are ways to help you through it

Ara Knight
Aug 05, 2020
Missouri State University
8
10 Tips For College Freshman -done
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

As an upperclassman, I have learned from my own mistakes in the past couple of years in college. I see it as a trial-and-error period where now I know how to thrive in my college experience. I will share some tips and tricks for incoming college freshmen so you can survive and live your best life.

1. Go to class

This one is pretty obvious but let me tell you one thing, if it is in the morning, you most likely will not want to go. Wether it is cold weather, rain, or your bed is oh-so-comfortable, you may find yourself turning off your alarm and going back to sleep. Avoid the temptation and muster the will to go to class. One way to avoid skipping class is by not having classes before 10 am. Having an 8 am class may be doable, but there will be tough mornings. You do not want to get into a habit of skipping class which can result in a bad grade.

Befriend your roommate and others on your resident floor 

For shy individuals, this may be a difficult task, but see it as a safety net for tough times and getting through your first year. I can promise you that people at college are nicer than high schoolers. They are at college to learn and they choose to be there. You can be yourself and find friends who are like you. Start with becoming friends with those who live on the same floor as your dorm building and open yourself up to your roommate. If you do not get along, you can always change rooms.

Meet with your professors

It may seem a little odd to some people, but meeting with your professor one-on-one can be super helpful for you. Professors are mentors who are there to guide their students. You can honestly talk to them about anything you wish especially if you need an older adult to talk to. They have office hours that you can schedule in a meeting for you and your professor. It is also really helpful to meet with them during tests and finals where you can see what you need to improve on and if you have any questions.

Get involved

Being a freshman, there is no better time to get involved around campus. There are tons of clubs that colleges have available to all students. If clubs aren't your thing, try out for sports, bands, or other fun activities/ organizations that schools offer for everyone. If you do not join something your first year, you are more likely not to join anything in the future.

Always make time for you 

College can be very stressful but by spending time with yourself and relaxing, you will feel much better. Make time for yourself and do what makes you happy. This can be reading, yoga, journaling, or watching movies. Give your busy mind a break for a while.

Keep track of your finances 

Making a budget or writing down your expenses is super important and helpful. This is not a time to buy expensive things and avoid unnecessary purchases. Buy what you need and try not to use credit cards either. College is a time for self-discovery and making mistakes, but making money mistakes is something most people have a hard time recovering from.

Be organized/ don't procrastinate 

If you never have been organized, it is time to start. Buy a planner and keep track of all of your assignments, tests, quizzes, and do not wait until the day before to complete them. No one wants to experience that type of stress. Do your work when it is assigned so you do not have to worry about it later on.

Take your time deciding on a major

I can promise you what everyone changes their major a few times while in their college career. It is totally okay to not be sure with that you want to study as your major. It is a hard decision but talking to professors and your advisor can help with making that decision.

Find your own method of taking notes and studying

Not everyone studies and takes notes the same way because their are so many types of learners out there. Some people take really detailed notes while some else might just need to listen to the lecture. Find what works best for you.

Keep in touch with your family

Being away at college can cause some feelings of homesickness and it can cause some tough times. Keep in touch with your family and schedule weekly calls with them. It can help you with the separation especially if it is the first time you have been away from them for a long period of time. Plus, it will give your parents some peace-of-mind and helps you feel close to them during stressful tests and finals week.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
19160
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
297542
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
92383
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
154804
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
70943
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments