Starting off as a freshman in college can be extremely difficult. There are so many changes that most young adults have never experienced before happening all at once! Often times, it takes students an entire semester to truly adapt to and fall in love with their school’s environment. Here are some tips to make your first semester an awesome one!

1. Be as easygoing as possible

College is a huge learning experience not only inside of the classroom but also outside of the classroom! Do your best to put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to join a few clubs, talk to people you don’t know in your classes, and get to know the people living on the same floor as you. Meeting tons of people will help you truly discover yourself, and your passions. These people are all struggling with the same changes you are so having this support system can really be beneficial! It is super important to have an open mind and be open to trying new things, college is a whole new world of experiences that you can learn a ton from.

2. Get to know your professors

Knowing your professors is extremely important. Professors are a major resource for students and are almost always more than willing to help you when you need it. On the first day of class, it is important to introduce yourself to your professors and establish a relationship with them. This relationship could benefit you in the future when asking for recommendations for additional schooling such as Law school, Medical school or Graduate school etc. Professors can also help you search for a job or internship which could greatly benefit your career!

3. Keep on top of your schoolwork

I know this seems like a really easy task to complete, but it’s so easy to fall behind especially at the college level. It is important to check your email, and teacher’s websites every day for missed assignments, or updates from your professors. It’s also extremely important to check your grades regularly to make sure everything was put in the grade book properly. College classes are much different than high school classes. If you don’t complete an assignment, your professor isn’t going to chase you around looking for the assignment like they did in high school. An assignment that isn’t turned in will be an automatic zero, no questions asked.

4. Study and study hard

Again, College isn’t like high school. You aren’t going to be able to walk into an exam without studying and expect to pass. It is important to establish a study group or find a quiet place to study on campus or in the library. Studying the night before may also not be a good strategy for success. Making sure to study at least a few days in advance plays an important part in receiving good grades. Remember, you pay a lot of money to go to school, so make It worth it!

5. Use your resources

Starting at a new school can be really hard especially when trying to navigate around. It can be very overwhelming to know where each building is, and the purpose of all the buildings. There are so many resources on campus you probably don’t know exist, that are covered by your tuition. It is important to research everything that your campus has to offer. Often times your school will have a gym, gym classes, a doctor’s office or clinic, therapy sessions, and academic enhancement centers. Schools usually offer free tutoring, and writing centers to help critique your essays and research papers. Again, these awesome services are included in your tuition, so why not use them?