As a freshman, your first week of classes at college can be stressful and difficult. On the first day, looking at the list of papers and exams for the entire semester on the syllabus is overwhelming, and you can't help but dread all of the work ahead. However, you'll learn by the end of the year that you can succeed in your classes, and here are five tips to help you along the way!

1. Get a Calendar. Whether it's a cute Lilly planner or a
monthly wall calendar, it is extremely helpful to keep a calendar with all of your important assignments written on it. Having a visual representation of your homework will guarantee that you never forget something important, and seeing a page out of the syllabus spread out over the weeks will make the entire semester seem less overwhelming.

2. Pack and Double-Check Your Bag the Night Before Class. This tip may seem totally high school, but it's as important as ever in college. Forgetting homework feels even worse when you actually did the work, and checking your bag either before you go out for the night or before bed will ensure that this does not happen.

3. Go to Office Hours. Every professor and TA offer a few hours every week to help their students on an individual basis outside of class. This is a great opportunity to go over material and get to know the people who are grading your papers and exams. Professors want to see you succeed, and they always love when their students show initiative.

4. Schedule Tutoring Sessions. The College of Arts & Sciences offers free, individual, appointment-based tutoring in biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, and foreign languages. Additionally, the Writing Studio, located both in Alumni Hall and Commons Center, provides free and confidential writing support for any type of written assignment. These resources are an excellent way to keep up with or get ahead in your classes, and should definitely be taken advantage of.

5. Build a Relationship With Your RA. This tip is less scholarly than the rest, but important for your emotional health, which contributes to your success in school. Most people do not go through their first semester away from home without a mini-mental breakdown. When you are feeling overwhelmed with studying, hanging out with your hallmates, and attending club meetings, taking a step back and talking to your RA can help put things in perspective. Becoming an RA on Commons is a selective process, and every RA is there because they want to better their residents' years and are good at what they do.

Following these tips, along with studying hard and attending your classes, is the perfect recipe for a successful first semester at Vanderbilt.