So, you just graduated high school and now you're on the way to college! Let me first say congratulations! Graduating high school is a huge accomplishment. Starting college is a time of mixed emotions for every student. Some are very nervous, while others are ready to embark on the next journey of their lives. Whether you are planning to attend a large University or a small college close to home there will be some major changes in your life in the next year. My freshman year was more of a reality check than anything.

For starters, you have the freedom to do pretty much anything you want. You won't have a professor constantly reminding you about an assignment or attending class like teachers did in high school. Food is allowed in most classrooms. In my high school, that was always a big one. Finally, there is also no dress code! If you do not show up to class; however, you will more than likely be dropped. So do yourself a favor and go to class!

But I am here to tell you that college coursework is much more time consuming than high school. Your professors expect you to spend time outside of the class doing homework and reviewing information. You might have been able to do this in high school, but good luck trying it now! My first semester I did not do that very much and I ended up with my first C. I was very upset about it, but it made me learn to study ahead and ask questions if I do not understand. Most schools offer free tutoring you just have to ask about it!

Remember to not get so caught up in school that you never have any free time. I made this mistake my spring semester and it stressed me out to the max. I took sixteen credit hours, but it was five classes. Some might think that is not a lot, but for only my second semester, five classes were very stressful. I pretty much had no social life whatsoever for the whole semester. My life was consumed with school and work. I came out of the semester with decent grades, but I never want to overload myself like that again.

I recommend becoming involved on campus. Join a club or play a sport. The school I am at is a 45-minute commute from where I live , so I am not as involved as I would like. I regret not doing anything my first year because it is an excellent way to make new friends! Also don't be scared to talk to new people , you might have a lot more in common than you think! These are just a few things that I learned during my first year of college that I think will help you. Remember to have fun!