You’re finally leaving the nest and going off on your own! Check out this freshman advice to make the most out of your first year in college.
Freshman year is an exciting time full of possibilities. It’s also likely a huge change from what you’re used to and may take some adjustment. Follow this freshman advice to soak up the college experience healthily and happily. This year may not be as seamless as you hope, but it’s sure to present loads of new opportunities and experiences.
Freshman Advice #1: Say “Yes” More Often
College will present you with myriad opportunities you’ve never had before. This is one of the best times in your life to be open to new experiences, so say “yes” to joining clubs, trying an improv class, or joining an intramural sports team. Your fees likely include loads of activities, events, and performances around your campus as well. So, keep your eyes peeled for free movie showings, concerts, sporting events, and more!
2. Be Yourself
As cliché as it is, this freshman advice holds up. Many people have an easier time making friends in college than in high school. You may be coming from a small high school into a huge university, or maybe you’re studying at a small college with more niche majors. Either way, you’re going to a new place with a fresh start.
Being your true, authentic self is the best way to attract people who you really connect with. If you have a history of hiding sides of yourself or changing yourself to fit in with a crowd, ditch that habit! Now is the time to be yourself completely. It may take some time, but you will find your people.
3. Get Organized
Bad habits you had in high school probably won’t cut it in college. Do what you need to get organized and stay on top of things — because nobody else will hold you accountable. Get a planner or Google calendar and write down your schedule for the week.
A good piece of freshman advice: when you get your syllabi on day one of classes, write down all important dates immediately to avoid any last-minute cram study sessions.
Freshman Advice #4: Take Advantage of Your Resources
There are so many offices which are paid for by your university fees. You probably have access to a full gym membership, loads of free guest lectures, career counseling, tutoring, mental health counseling, and much more. Look into what specific resources may apply to you, and take advantage of them.
5. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Another great piece of freshman advice is to push yourself to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. If somebody invites you to a movie you’re not sure you’d like, or you see an opening for a ballroom dancing class you’re not sure if you’d be good at, go for it! College is about learning and growing — two things you can’t do without challenging yourself.
Trying new things is also great for meeting people and finding new hobbies. You get out of your comfort zone in other ways as well. Try befriending somebody in class, keep your dorm door open for friendly passers-by, take a foreign language course, or sit by yourself in the dining hall.
6. Be a Respectful Roommate
This bit of freshman advice is simple but very important. If you want a healthy and happy roommate relationship, it’s important to do your part to cultivate that. Clean up after yourself, keep your space organized, and stick to any agreed-upon rules and boundaries. Whenever you have issues, be a respectful roommate by communicating maturely and honestly — which includes setting your own boundaries clearly and respectfully. That prevents drama, pettiness, and passive-aggressive behaviors, which can be very hurtful.
Freshman Advice #7: Save Money
Looking back, most college students wished they had found more ways to save money here and there. Carpool to and from your hometown and split the gas money, avoid buying anything from the overpriced campus stores, save hundreds by purchasing second-hand textbooks, and adjust your meal plan if you’re not using the dining hall as frequently as expected.
You can save thousands of dollars in tuition if you apply for small scholarships. Look for scholarships that cover a few hundred or thousand dollars. They don’t get as many applications and can add up and save you money.
8. Get to Know Your Professors
It’s essential to get to know your professors. Not only will they provide needed guidance and mentorship inside and outside your classes, but you’ll also need these relationships for future letters of recommendation, internships, and research assistantships. Our freshman advice? Attend class every day, raise your hand, go to office hours, and work hard to do well and make yourself known.
9. Join a Study Group
Join a study group to meet people and adjust to your new classes. All you need is a few people from your major or a few classes, and you can all work together to stay organized, informed, and on top of your schoolwork. Study groups can help your classes seem much less daunting compared to studying alone. This bit of freshman advice might even help you make a friend or two.
10. Take Care of Yourself
While it’s good freshman advice, it’s also helpful for people of all ages. It’s important to prioritize your mental and physical health. Going to a new college away from your loved ones can be overwhelming, and you won’t have any of your usual people at your side to keep you in check.
You must therefore be your own number one advocate. Make sure to maintain a basic, healthy sleep, exercise, and meal schedule. You can also train your emotional resilience to prepare yourself for life’s stresses. Whether you’re partying too much or working too hard, your health always comes first.
Freshman Advice #11: Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it! It’s common for freshmen to have a hard time adjusting to their new surroundings — whether academically, socially, or mentally. Head to office hours, tutoring, or campus mental health services and ask for help or give your loved ones a call for advice. Use your resources and your support system when in need.
12. Be Patient
Many people say college is the best years of your life, which can be a lot of pressure. In reality, freshman year will likely be a tough adjustment. It can be difficult to feel grounded and at home, and that’s normal. Lots of freshmen feel lonely and scared at times. It takes time to get comfortable with your campus, meet the right people and figure out what you want to study.
Even once you’ve done these things, you may still need time to feel at home. The best freshman advice is to let go of pressures and expectations you put on yourself and just be patient.
Read more:
- Self Care: Learning How to Take Care of Yourself
- How to Make Good Choices When Facing Tough Decisions
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