It may take time to adjust to your new surroundings, but here are some tips for all of you incoming college freshmen out there:
1. Go to class
Someone’s paying you to attend those classes. You might as well go and use the money well spent. The professor might post the lecture slides online but in most cases, the professor will expand on his/her notes in class. Sure all the information can be found in the textbook, but who has the time to read the textbook when you’re taking five other difficult classes? And even if you do fall asleep in class, at least you were there and might have absorbed some information. I mean it’s okay to skip here and there but don’t necessarily make a habit out of it.
2. Don’t take 8 AM classes
Just because you could wake up early for high school does not mean you will be able to wake up early for a college class. It will take all your power to wake up for that 8 AM. Every single time you have an 8 AM, you will most regret it wonder if you should skip that class or not. 8 AM labs are actually the worst.
3. Stay Healthy
Get enough sleep. You may want to pull an all-nighter and study all day, but don’t do that. Sleep even if it’s just for a little bit. Pulling an all-nighter will only cause you to lose focus and sometimes even fall asleep while taking an exam. Don’t rely on coffee to stay awake. Also eat food. It’s important to eat food. If you keep your body and mind healthy, you will be more immune to sicknesses and will do better.
4. Get to Know Your Professors
Go to your professor or TA’s office hours. Ask for help if you’re having trouble. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors and email them if you have any questions. It’s also a good way to network for the future.
5. Join Clubs
Be an active part of your college community. Clubs will also help you get to know a lot of people. It’ll help you make friends with people who have similar interests.
6. Call Home!
I called my dad pretty much every day and I will continue to do so. It’s nice to talk to your parents once and while. You can pretty much tell them anything and also they’re great stress relievers.
7. Work Hard
My dad always told me to “study smart, not hard.” You might take some hard hits freshmen year and you may not recover from that right away. But it is important to manage your time well and study. Also, don’t live in the library. Go out and explore the campus and everything else that is offered at your university. It’s important to have fun and take breaks as well.
