It's your first semester of college and there's a lot on your mind: finding your classes, trying to make friends, and adjusting to your new home away from home. We all go through the uncomfortable ups and down of the first semester of freshman year. However, it can only get better. Here are some tips to help ease you into your new college life.
1. Don't skip classes early on
2. Don't worry about how you look in class
3. Get as much sleep as possible, including naps
4. Make sure you eat regularly (trust me, you'll forget)
5. But, don't overeat (the freshman 15 is real)
6. Make friends in your classes, they can share notes if you miss a class
7. Join clubs and organizations
8. Stay updated on what's going on around campus
9. Go to every event you possibly can
10. Check out all the local hot spots (it will start feeling more like home)
11. If you have roommates, try to get to know them
12. Don't go out during exam weeks
13. Call your parents at least once a week
14. Drink lots of water
15. Go to office hours if you're having trouble in a class
16. Look into student resources for counseling if you're stressed
17. Eat at your on-campus dining places to meet other freshman
18. Go to as many sporting events as possible
19. Reach out to your adviser if you are unsure about what classes to enroll in
20. Make use of the campus gym (since you're paying for it)
21. Join your graduating class Facebook page
22. Don't be afraid to go to things alone (a lot of people are in the same boat)
23. Make note of add/drop and withdraw deadlines
24. If you live on campus, meet other people in your building
25. Go to your housing community events (free food)
26. Invest in a bike if you live far away from your classroom buildings
27. Go to all of the Homecoming events
28. If you live off campus, leave 30 minutes early for parking (at least)
29. Don't forget about little assignments (they add up)
30. Seek help for writing essays from the Writing Center
31. Take advantage of the campus pool
32. Try rushing a sorority or fraternity
33. Try things out of your comfort zone
34. Talk to others in your field of study (connections)
35. Have fun and go out with friends when you can
36. Keep an organized agenda or calendar
37. Try to avoid morning classes
38. If you have morning classes, set at least three alarms
39. Get your Gen Eds out of the way early
40. Walk by the Student Union often (there's always giveaways)
41. Go to the library if you don't want to buy books
42. If you do buy your books, get them from the bookstore so you can re-sell at the end of the semester
43. Don't be a hermit
44. Join study groups for exam week
45. Don't take it for granted (the first year is the best year)