I think my sister put it best when she said, "College is oodles better than high school!" and indeed it is-- as well as many times harder. There are more things to remember, many things to learn, both academically and about life. Mental, physical, and emotional well-being are essential for success. So, here are a few tips.
1. Get a monthly planner.
Meet your new BFF. This little thing is about 1/20th of the cost of a textbook (college currency), but it is invaluable when used correctly. As soon as I get my syllabi, I write down everything that is due-- dates, assignments, tests, reading, final exams. Getting all those things from four or so different classes into one place makes life so much easier! The little spiral-bound planners are even better than those gigantic desk calendars (get one by all means, though, if that's what you need) because I carry it to classes with me and can "edit" my calendar whenever the professor decides to make a last-minute change. Buy one... buy one now.
2. Stay physically active.
Before you skip this paragraph, note that I said "physically active," not "work out." Staying physically active could be as simple as going on a walk, on or off campus--just anything that will get your heart pumping a bit harder and move your lymph around. Although this may seem counterintuitive, those who take a break from studying to work out do better academically than those chained indefinitely to their library study spot. I've experienced both sides of this and know that life is so much better when I work out. I sleep better at night, am able to focus, and feel overall more sane. I workout because it keeps my mind and body healthy. The key is finding balance between physical activity and study time.
3. Commit.
It may be church, a club, or a volunteer organization. Find something that you enjoy or that helps you grow spiritually; something that will keep you accountable and that you can't just skip out on because you don't feel like it. Doing something for someone (or something else) outside of yourself helps to maintain your focus on life.
4. Set realistic expectations for relationships.
Odds are, you won't find your future life-long BFF or significant-other-forever during the first week--or first month, first quarter, or even first year--of college. Relationships take time, so don't despair. However, when you do find someone--a "kindred spirit"--don't take him or her for granted--relationships need food and water to grow and strengthen, so invest some time.
5. Don't take relationships for granted.
You know that your friends, parents, and siblings will always be there for you; however, that's no reason to take them for granted and neglect "spending" time on or with them, even if it's just writing a random note. I try to call my family one time a week; it's what works for me and what works for them, and it just feels natural at the end of an arduous week to spend some time with them on Skype (even if most of the time is spent venting). How long and how often varies by situation: my older sister would call multiple times each week, while my older brother called a couple times each month. One last thing: texting, while quick and convenient, is not as meaningful as a letter or phonecall-- but it is better than nothing!
6. Have fun, but don't be (too) stupid.
No explanation necessary!
College is an amazing experience and is more than just academic learning. My first year, I learned an incremental amount about life and time and priorities, more than I would have ever imagined. The above list is not exhaustive; mostly, the best way to learn is to experience it firsthand.
