Top Three Tips for College Freshmen
Start writing a post
Student Life

Top Three Tips for College Freshman

Simple things I wish I was told before college.

4
Top Three Tips for College Freshman
Unsplash

Move-in week is upon almost all college students right now. With moving in comes the panic of getting everything packed, in the dorm or apartment, actually setting things up in your space, getting books and supplies for classes, and finally going to class.

Being in a new environment can be scary and things will pop up that you never thought about before. You now have to hold yourself accountable and make yourself complete the tasks that need to get done and it can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, I can tell you that you can do it and that everything will get done.

There are many things that I wish I was told before my freshman year and I have summed them up into three, simple, and doable tips to help you with your first year!

You have to know how to manage your time.

Unsplash

Please, please, please believe me with this one. Get a desk calendar, a dry erase calendar, a planner, a bullet journal, whatever works for you, just get something that you can plan out your time on and see it daily.

It may seem like you have all the time you need during the first week of classes or even on weekends but, it goes by much faster than you think. When you get your syllabus for each class, go through and make note of when assignments are due.

With bigger assignments, like tests, papers, and projects, make time ahead of when they are due to work on them so that you are not rushing to study or finish them the night before they are due.

Leave time for you to hang out with friends and explore campus and the city your college is in too.

Independence can be more intoxicating than you think.

Unsplash

You are on you're own now. You make your own decisions. You are responsible for yourself. As fun as college can be, remember those three things and you will be set.

If you walk away from this remembering anything remember those three things.

Just because you are on you're own, does not mean you have to buy everything you want. Be smart, save your money because it will be helpful later on.

Having more freedom is a fun thing but keep in mind that your actions have consequences! That said, have fun. It is college and you are there to learn but, you are also there to grow and make memories.

Do not study in bed!

Unsplash

Under no circumstances are you to study in bed. Do not do it!! Not only will you end up taking a nap, but you will also end up not getting anything done.

Study at your desk, the library, the study lounge in your dorm, sit on the floor and study but do not climb into bed and study. After repeatedly doing this, your brain will associate your bed as somewhere work is done and relaxing is not. This will make going to bed harder and make you more tired in the morning.

You can relax on your bed all you want during the day, just don't study there when you have a desk in your room or nearby. This is the most simple tip on this list, please follow it.

A few more parting tips, do not isolate yourself in your dorm. Go out and socialize while you still have the time to. Make friends in your classes and get their numbers or some kind of social media in case you miss a class or need help.

Get involved in on-campus events! A lot of these events are free for students and you meet new people and can bond with your roommate or whoever you decide to make friends with.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, make time for both. Lastly, do not stress about school. Stressing about it will only make things worse which will cause more stress.

Take a deep breath and believe you can do it and you will do great!

I hope these tips help you have an awesome first year! Have fun wherever you are and you are halfway there!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58117
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37435
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959080
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192743
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments