Dear New College Freshmen,
I'm so excited for you! Going away to college for the first time is one of the most exciting, but stressful experiences you'll ever have. Yes, it's so much fun to finally complete freedom, but don't forget that you're at college to learn. Luckily for you, I am here to enlighten you with my six biggest words of wisdom on how to succeed academically, despite your new found freedom.
1. Go to class.
No matter what the attendance policy is, just go. You'll thank yourself come finals week.
2. Take notes.
Another no-brainer. Just save yourself the hassle of searching through your textbooks for what your professor said in yesterday's lecture.
3. Make your schedule YOURS.
Don't pick a class or a time slot because your friend is taking it. If you're not interested in a course, you're going to have trouble with the first two tips. These problems may also occur if you pick a time slot during which you know your brain does not function at its highest capacity.
4. Get some sleep.
Whether it's a nap between classes, or just going to bed a little bit earlier on Sunday night, you will be glad you got some extra shut eye when you're writing that paper at 2:30 in the morning.
5. Manage. Your. Time.
This also means starting things before the night before they're due. Just because your term paper isn't due until December, doesn't mean you should starting working on it in December.
6. Establish your workspace.
This is much more important than you might think. The whole key to getting your work done well (and efficiently) is knowing where you work best. If going to the library makes you want to rip your brain out, don't go to the library. If you fall asleep trying to read in your bed, don't read in your bed. Do what works for you no matter what works for your friends, and reap the rewards.
I know what you're thinking: "Duh! I obviously know this stuff." But, I was once as naive as you. I thought I knew this stuff. However, during my very first semester, I did not follow these rules all too closely... and, although it worked out, second semester was so much easier following these six simple tips.
I know that so many people have told you these pieces of advice, but I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to FOLLOW THEM. It's so tempting to stay in bed all day and just tell your mom that you went to class, but you'll regret it in the long run. Remember, your laziness comes with a hefty price tag.
And with that, I wish you the best of luck in your crazy freshmen endeavors. Be safe, make good decisions, and study hard.
You got this.
