I wish I’d read a list like this to keep me a little saner during my first semester of freshman year.
I had my own way of doing things, but I first had to fail at a few things in order to convince myself that I needed to make a system.
There are many factors in your freshman year, but these are a few that ought to be communicated if you’re planning to attend college this coming fall!
1. Go to class
It’s so tempting to stay in and sleep instead of going to that early math lecture that’s a twenty-minute walk away through the rain. You’ve done it; I’ve done it. But it’s so much better to save at least some of your skip days for dead week. If you go to class, you should be more prepared for final exams anyway.
2. Eat
This may seem almost silly to include on the list, but believe me, there’s a reason it’s #2. Never forget to eat during the day. Eating can boost your focus. Let’s face it; nobody can learn well during a 9 a.m. class when the last thing he ate was a Poptart at 10:30 the night before.
3. Do your homework
This will make your life so much easier, even if homework isn’t required. By doing the assignments for each class, you’ll hold yourself accountable to completing it, and it will better prepare you for tests and quizzes. If you do your homework, odds are you won’t have to study as furiously for the tests.
Which brings me to my next point.
4. Study
I can’t tell you how many people I went to high school with never studied for tests. They told me they just didn’t have to because it came naturally. Well, let me tell you something. In college, it’s different. Hear me out; you cannot go into a test expecting to know everything despite having not studied. I studied extremely hard for tests and exams, and I still don’t always do as well as I’d like. Exams usually cover a lot more material and occur less frequently than tests. Don’t assume you’ll remember the concepts you learned during the first week of the semester when you were spending all of your free time with the friends you’d just made instead of learning.
5. Be proactive
Please don’t wait until 11:30 the night before a paper is due to write it. I’m begging you. Many college students are more prone to anxiety and depression than other human beings; so don’t wait until the last minute to do assignments or extra credit. It’ll save you the heart problems later in life.
6. Take care of yourself
WASH YOUR HANDS. Don’t touch your face, don’t share food, and always try to use soap and water. Oh, and if one of your friends is sick, don’t attempt to nurse him back to health. All of these come from someone who’s experienced the worst. I got the stomach flu and spent 2 days throwing up and feeling like I was going to die. My then-boyfriend stuck by me through the whole thing and as a result ended up catching the stomach flu from me. Though this occurred during the first week of my second semester, it’s still applicable. Never touch your face after having opened a door. Do you know whose hands have been on that handle? Do you know what they've touched before? When was the last time they washed their hands?
7. Find your support
Whether this is a group or one specific person, find some way to vent or receive advice. I surrounded myself with dozens of people who I knew I could ask for help at any given moment. It’s usually best to find someone else on campus to use as this resource or someone also in college to ensure you’re getting current, credible advice. I was almost constantly overwhelmed during my first semester of college, but because of my friends’ willingness to listen and encourage me, I survived. And never, ever feel too embarrassed to seek out a guidance counselor at your school/university, especially if you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of depression. In this instance, talk to anyone you can. Don’t necessarily wait to make an appointment with someone. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, tell someone. There are people out there who are employed just for your convenience! They want to listen and help you in any way they can.
Your freshman year is honestly tough. It can be rough getting in the groove of things after having just graduated from high school. Everything is so different from what you are used to. Professors may grade tougher and push you harder, which can cause you to be anxious and overwhelmed. On the opposite end of the spectrum, classes may be easier, so don’t allow yourself to lose motivation to try your absolute best at everything you do!