Freshman Year can be stressful for some students, especially if they aren't prepared. Relax and think ahead. Try to get yourself ready for the fast-paced life of college before classes start so you don't get too stressed out! Here are some tips and advice that will make your transition from high school to college a lot smoother.
1. Get Involved.
Make the most of your first year of college. There are so many different organizations and clubs to get involved with. Being social and getting involved will help you meet new people and make some friends. Don't spend all your time in your room. Start making memories!
2. Form Study Habits NOW.
High school and college are very different. The coursework is harder and therefore the exams are more difficult. Make sure you have solid study habits that will help you excel on these exams.
3. Be Organized.
Organization is key. College is great because it gives you more freedom, but you need to be organized to maximize your time and energy. Prioritize! Use that planner or agenda that you always claim to need but never actually keep using!
4. Live in the Residence Halls.
Yes, live in the residence halls. Why? It gives you the real experience of college life. It also helps you meet new people which is important during your first year in a new place.
5. Go to your RA.
Don't hesitate to go to your RA if you need anything. They are there as a resource to help you. Your RA wants you to succeed and will do anything they can to help you excel. Remember, they are students too and have also been freshman before, so they probably had some of the same problems as you.
6. Don't Live with Someone you know.
This one may seem strange, but it's a legitimate concern. I wouldn't recommend living with someone you're close with if you still want to be friends with them when the year is over. Living with someone and being friends with them are two completely different dynamics. You and your friend may have the perfect friendship, but do you think you can handle being roommates with them? What happens if you have differences of opinion when it comes to the way you each want to live or handle the room? There are the few exceptions to this rule and I applaud those who are able to navigate both relationships. I had a random roommate and she was the best! It's because we were roommates that we are still friends today. Just remember if you decide to go the "non-random" route, there is the possibility that you may not get along with the friend you've decided to live with.
7. Work hard your freshman year! Don't blow your grades.
Some people see freshman year as the time to be crazy and let their "freak flag" fly, but this is one of the most important years in college. It is the foundation of the rest of your years in college. Start strong. Chances are, your first-year classes will be general education classes that aren't too difficult, at least not compared to the classes you may be taking later on. Do well in these early classes so when you get a C in that chemistry or calculus class you struggled with, your GPA won't get hit too hard and you'll have better grades to help cushion the blow.
Just remember to work ahead and be organized as much as you can. You don't want that test or paper to sneak up on you. Most importantly, make the most of your first year of college because before you know it, you'll be graduating!
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