9 Tips For College Freshmen
Start writing a post
Student Life

9 Tips For College Freshmen

How to survive -- and thrive -- during your first year!

31
9 Tips For College Freshmen

Come August, I'll be entering my second year at college. As such, I've gotten plenty of questions from nervous soon-to-be freshmen searching for advice. Well, here's what I got for ya!

1. Make "Convenience" Friends

People crap on "convenience" friends like no tomorrow, but they'll end up saving your butt. Friends that live in your dorm will help remind you of dorm activities. Friends in your class will come in clutch if you miss a day or two and catch you up. Friends in clubs will often check up on you and keep you updated on happenings. Even if y'all don't talk outside of class, club, or dorm, that doesn't mean they're not good to keep around.

2. Get Involved On Campus


I cannot say this enough. Getting involved on campus will help introduce you to new people and help keep you on track. Join something that you're passionate about. Most schools have a "new student days" where they showcase their clubs. This is a good time to check out what you want to get involved in. Sign up for their email lists so you know what's going on around campus -- it'll save your life sometimes.

3. Designate "Your" Building

This one took me a while to learn. If you find a building (usually one inside your major) that you're comfortable in, stay there often. You'll meet the upperclassmen who can help you on your homework and struggle with the other people in your major. You also become more acquainted with the professors, which helps a bunch.

4. Take LAP Classes


When you take classes outside of your major, you learn about an entirely different world. Especially if you are undecided, taking an LAP(liberal arts program) class will not only fulfill your degree requirements, but hopefully help you find where you want to be for the rest of your life. It'll also help narrow down what you don't want to do, and you'll gain an understanding and respect for the people in that major.

5. Declutter As Often As Possible


College is busy and goes by quick. To keep your life neat, declutter as often as possible. Even if it's only once every few months, or before breaks, decluttering will save your sanity. Get rid of those trinkets you don't need -- and leave plenty at home -- and throw away your trash in the dumpster. I'm not saying you need to deep clean your room every day; I'm saying that getting rid of clutter will save your sanity in the long run.

6. Don't Buy The Textbook

Even if it is on the required list, most professors don't use the textbook listed. Wait until a week into class before hitting up amazon. Also, if it's not something you're looking to pursue, rent the textbook from Chegg (it sounds like I'm selling out but hear me out). And also compare prices!!!! That's massively important. People are going to try to scam you, so read the descriptions!

7. Act Broke; Stay Rich

Listen, you never know when disaster will strike. First week into college, and this girl in my class suddenly had a flat tire. If you act like you have no money -- even if you have enough to splurge often -- then you will end up having a nice savings fund for emergency. And, if you are broke, this is a good way to start saving money. "Treat yo self" is a good motto, but only if it's in your best interests.

8. Be A Teachers Pet

I'm not saying be a complete and total suck up and annoy the other students. What I am saying is positive relationships with your professors is endlessly beneficial. Show up an extra five minutes early. Ask if they need help. Ask for help before it gets dire. Sit in the front row. Just show that you're interested and engaged. It goes a long way.

9. Intern, Intern, Intern!

One huge piece of advice I got from my senior, Mason, was to apply for as many internships within your field as possible. You're going to get denied an incredible amount of times, but just keep trying! The absolute worst thing they can say is no. So, start searching now if you can!

Dream big, first years! You're going to do great.

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

87720
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
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
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

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

54087
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments