Let's face it. Going to college is a big deal and the transition from high school to college can be difficult, but it's nothing to be afraid of. You just have to know how to handle it. So here are 10 helpful tips that will help make your transition much easier and really help you nail the college life!
1. Make Friends
"I'm so sad my best friend in the whole world isn't going to the same college as me!" Guess what, IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD! I promise. Even though you may not see your best friend every day of the week anymore, you guys are still going to text all the time, and when you do see each other it'll be like nothing ever changed. But you still need to make friends at your new school, or you'll be miserable. Try to make friends who have the same major as you. You'll have something to talk about, you'll have a study buddy, and someone to have lunch with.
2. Bad Grade? Get Over It!
Okay, I know this sounds harsh but trust me, one bad grade is not the end of the world. So you were a straight A student in high school, well college is a little different. You're going to have to work harder and study more, but guess what, it's freaking college for goodness sake! It's okay to get a B. So you fail a test, or you got a C, life will move on, you will not drop out, and your parents will not kill you. If you are that worried about your grade, just talk to the professor. Almost every professor will offer some form of extra credit throughout the semester, sometimes more than once.
3. Syllabus Syllabus Syllabus
"It's in the syllabus". You will hear these words 10 million times throughout your college career. Syllabi are basically like bibles in college. Everything you need to know about a class can be found in the syllabus. Homework assignments, due dates, attendance policies, and late homework policies. Because of this most professors are not very lenient if you accidentally miss an assignment. "But you never told us about any assignment!" "It was in the syllabus." Seriously people, make sure you know your syllabus!
4. It's okay to be indecisive
So you're in college now and you still don't know what you want to do for the rest of your life. It's okay! That's a really big decision to make. As long as you have a general idea of what field you want to go into (such as business or art) you'll be fine. Many majors in the same field have a lot of the same class requirements. I have a friend who has already changed his major three times, and we haven't even finished freshman year!
5. Have a life
Even though college can be tough, that doesn't mean you have to coop yourself up and study 24/7. If you do so you are going to be seriously stressed all the time. So have some fun! Make some friends, see a movie, join a club, relax once in a while.
6. Go to class
Well duh, you're paying all kinds of money to go to college, of course you're going to go to class. Think again. Sometimes those morning classes are so tempting to skip. Especially those 8AMs. If at all possible, try not to schedule classes that early, it just increases the temptation to skip.
7. Get to know your adviser
I know what you're thinking, "I don't want to be a teacher's pet". But trust me, getting to know your academic adviser will be one of the best decisions you have ever made. If you're struggling in a class, have an issue with a roommate, or you wanna change your major, talk to your adviser. They can help with everything.
8. Save your money
Let's face it, college is expensive. Whether you are living on campus or you are commuting, every penny counts. While it may be tempting to go out every weekend and spend your money on goods and food and all kinds of things, you must restrain yourself. If it helps, make a budget to monitor you spending methods. And don't forget to use your student discount everywhere you go!
9. Get some sleep
College is stressful and you will need to work on time management. Staying up until 3 AM to finish an assignment is NOT smart, and don't forget, the occasional nap is not a bad thing. Everyone needs a little refresher. So maybe you take a small nap everyday, just remember not to over do it or else you're just going to get further behind in your work.
10. Seek employment
Like I mentioned, college can be expensive. So find a job! Not only is it great to have a little extra cash, but jobs and internships are great resume boosters and can really help you explore your options if you're one of those indecisive people.
So if you're nervous about moving away to college, remember these 10 helpful tips and you'll be sure to have an awesome freshman year!
