The thought of college may be scary for many incoming freshmen. Senior year of high school is filled with memories with some of your oldest and closest friends. It is more about having fun and making memories. College is still like that, but there is a bigger emphasis on doing well. It is a lot of work and it is definitely stressful, but for most people it is the best years of their lives. Being able to balance school work and a social life is especially important in college. Getting good grades while still having fun with friends is how you’re going to survive. Here are some tips to help you survive your first year.
1. READ THE SYLLABUS!!!!!!!!
Everything your professor expects from you will be in your syllabus. Make sure to read it over. Anything from office hours, to the schedule for the entire semester, will be in there. If you’re lucky, you’ll be reminded of when assignments are due and when tests are, however not every professor does that. Make sure you know what is going on.
2. Plan Ahead
If you know you have a busy week ahead of you try to get some work done early. Lazy Sundays are good for the soul, but they are also a good time to get ahead in some of your classes. Getting ahead is especially helpful during midterms and finals. During these weeks your time is valuable, use as much of it as you can to study.
- Dedicate Study Time
College is about having fun, but it is also about learning. Dedicate some time each week to study. It is better to do it little by little, instead of cramming the night before a midterm, especially an 8 A.M. midterm.
- Make Study Groups
Making study groups will help not only you but your classmates as well. Making study groups with people in your class helps you understand the material you may not have gotten during a lecture. Everyone will be on the same page and it will help with review for tests, midterms, and finals.
- Join Clubs and Make Friends
Having good friends is how you are going to make it through not only your freshman year but your entire college experience as well. Joining clubs will help you make friends with similar interests and hobbies.
- Ask for Help When You Need it
Asking for help is something many people don’t do but should do. You are benefiting yourself and by asking questions you are showing a professor you care. Office hours are there for a reason, use them, they are there to help you.
- Keep Yourself Organized
Staying organized is important. You will know where everything is and never struggle to find anything. It makes studying easier and you’ll be able to keep track of all of your assignments.
- Go to Class
It seems like a drag but trust me it is worth it in the end. You won’t be behind on notes and you never know when there might be extra credit assignments or even pop quizzes.
- Keep on Top of Yourself
Freshman 15 is real. Don’t let it get to you. Continue to eat healthy and go to the gym. Of course, treat yourself every now and then. Just try to pick up healthier habits when and where you can.
- Don’t Stress
Everything will be okay.
Freshman year is a year of learning and growing as a person. It is important to be ready and be prepared but still have fun.