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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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