It's that time of year again, kids. For some, they be heading back to their college dorms for a second, third, or fourth round of late night studying, snack runs and sleep deprived mornings. But for others? It's a brand new year full of new people, new classes, opportunities and adventures. Yes, we're thinking of you freshmen. After all, we used tobe you at one point or another, wide eyed and eager for what college could bring us. Move in day is only a couple of weeks away and classes begin shortly after! You must be wondering what to expect from your first year at college, you may even have some worries...but have no fear. Here are 5 tips from a fellow upperclassmen (who, was once in your shoes!) that will put your worries at ease.
1) Do plan, be organized. You will have so much going on during the first few weeks, it may be helpful to carry a planner that has your day to day events and assignments to do. It may seem easy to remember everything, but what if you forget, say, your online homework due at midnight?
2) Say "NO" to skipping class!
It may seem tempting, but try your hardest not to skip class. You could've gotten away with it in high school, but in college..it's a hit or miss. If you miss one class, your professor could cover really important material you may need to know for exams, quizzes or assignments.
3) Do Not procrastinate!
Yes, we all do it, procrastinate. However, procrastinating on your assignments can really come back to bother you afterwards. Putting off an assignment will only give you less amount of time do it, and may make you rush to get it completed.
4) DO Shop SMART!
Let's face it, college can leave us wishing if money could really grow on trees. College textbooks are priced pretty hefty, and you can usually find good deals on them on websites like (Chegg, Alibris, and Amazon). Some books you can even find for free or even $1, so keep an eye out and do some research before buying from the bookstore (unless it's not found online cheaper).
5) DO NOT sign up for 8 a.m classes unless you have no choice.
You probably are thinking "if I did it in high school, I could do it now"..red flag!
Classes in college take on a much more strenuous toll on the mind and body, the work is more rigorous and once in a blue moon people are spent doing all nighters for exams, and studying of course. Let's not forget extra curricular events, those end pretty late. Long story short, it's very hard to get up in the morning after busy days, and with no one around to tell you to get up to go to class (early in the A.M), it could get a bit tempting to sleep in and skip class.
Here are a few ways in which doing so can help your freshman year be amazing! College is a learning experience, and we all learn from our mistakes, but keeping these few tips in mind can only benefit you in the long run. Good luck with this upcoming semester, you got this!
