College is a very exciting and nerve racking time in my life. I wish I would have been a little more prepared going in and there’s a few tips that could have helped me along the way. Needless to say as a junior Social Studies Education major I would say I’ve picked up a few things lessons along the way and these would probably be the tips that I would have told myself as a freshman.
1. Go to class with the intent to learn something, not with the intent to get a grade
Okay I know its freshman biology and it has nothing to do with our major, but still you can learn something interesting from it. Don’t concern yourself with the grade focus on learning and those A’s will come!
2. Ask questions
Ask your professors, a trustworthy upperclassman, or your best friend. It’s easy to get lost and confused in college (and you might not know where all the buildings are!) go ahead and ask if you need directions or if you shouldn’t take that professor
3. Sit where you like in class
If you work better in the back then go ahead and sit there or if you know you can’t concentrate sit in the front! If you’re like me go ahead and sit in the second row to avoid intimidation.
4. Know yourself
Okay I know you think you can do it all. You can be in band, make good grades, hang out with your friends at any time you want and read all the books and still have time for your hobbies and still get plenty of sleep. That’s just not going to happen. You have to know what your limits are and what the extent of your ability is. Don’t push yourself too much.
5. Have some sort of system of planning
Don’t buy a planner and never use it. If sticking a calendar on your wall and writing down important test dates is how you work then go for it. If you’re like me just put reminders on sticky notes and hang them everywhere. Just pick a system that works for you and stick with it.
6. Don’t worry about the friends you had in high school
It’s okay. It is hard to imagine that they were your best friends and know you barely talk to them anymore. You thought they we’re your best friends and they still are, but you don’t talk to them that much. Its okay, you’re going to make new friends who love you and want to keep up with you. They will challenge you to be a better person and inspire you to follow Christ.
7. Things are going to change for the better
Not everything is going to happen the way you expected it. It will shake you up a bit and leave you worried. You’ll change your major three times and quit the hobby you loved most. However, all of those activities and passions that you put aside are just to make room for the things you love now!
I know some of these tips are self-explanatory, but they would have helped me transitioning into my freshman year.