College is a stressful, confusing, amazing and crazy ride. The toughest part about it is understanding what is going on. Everything is so new and can be quite over whelming in your first year. Everything will always be changing which makes it hard to get into the swing of things.
1. You will always be confused, and that's all right.
You will think that will time college will become easier to navigate. It will not. Something new will always come up and a new twist will be thrown your way. There will always be questions you have and that's okay.
2. Look at your graduation requirements now!
I know it seems like a million years away. But... start looking through everything you need to graduate. Whether that be internships, tests or whatever else have lists and be aware of all that now. You don't want to be in your last few semesters stressing to get everything done.
3. Take a few classes in things that interest you.
I know you don't want to waste money or throw you off graduating quick. But, you also don't want to get into the end of your junior year and wish you picked another major. Take your freshman year and explore a little, just to make sure you are confident in your choice.
4. Get to know your professors.
There will come a point where you need a favor or a letter of recommendation and your old professors are the best people to go to first. There are here to help and are very willing to if they remember you.
5. Back up EVERYTHING.
Either a professor will need another copy because they lost it, your computer died and whatever else happened, use a platform like Google Drive and back up all your work.
6. Become friends with other students in your lecture.
Or at least get a few phone numbers. It is so much more convenient and quick to ask a classmate for help with an assignment than try and play email tag with a professor.
7. Take breaks.
Actually, schedule them in or at least be aware that you need them. I know 15 things are going to be due and your going to have back to back tests. But, you need to take a break. You will think more clearly and produce better work if you step away from it all and de-stress for a minute.
8. It's okay to fail.
There are such high stakes when it comes to college. We think perfection is the only option and nothing less. If you need to retake a class or study harder for the next test it will be okay. Your career isn't ending and it does not define you as a student. It's all a learning experience.
9. Don't not get consumed comparing yourself to others.
In college, this always ends up happening. One of your friends will graduate before you, someone will get a better internship and whatever else. You are not them and they are not you. College isn't meant to be a race. The fact that you finish is all that matter not how quick.
10. Have fun!
You will always have time to study and a lifetime to work. Obviously, take your studies seriously but make sure you go out and have new experiences. College is a great time to start discovering yourself, take advantage of that.
Hopefully some of these tips help and you have a fruitful college experience! Good luck!
