Freshman year of college can be a scary new step in life. New school, schedules, people and freedom. There is no one to say when to go to bed or when to do homework. No one is there to say when to eat and no one to make you do whatever you don’t want to do.
So much responsibility is thrust upon a student when, for the past 18 years of their life, someone was dictating to them how to go about their day.
Here are some tips on how to ensure a successful freshman year.
1. Go to every class
Start this college career with good habits. It may seem easy to miss a couple classes here and there, but falling into those bad habits won’t help in upper division classes. College is fun, but education comes first.
2. Get involved
There are many events and clubs on campus. Take advantage of these opportunities. “Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people,” junior Hailey Knox said. “Find something you love to do and get involved because that will make your college experience so much more fun.”
3. Know the places to eat on campus and their hours
The cafeteria hours won’t always line up with all class schedules so it is important to know other places to get food and when it’s open- especially late at night.
4. Manage time wisely
There is a lot going on so it is important to be able to know personal limitations of commitment. “Spend less time at parties and more time figuring out what you really want to do career wise,” sophmore Nate Sirdofsky said. “After you figure that out, it’s all about time management.”
5. Take your time getting through
College is a different schooling experience. This is the time to make memories and have some fun. Don’t rush through and max out every semester in credits. Take some wiggle room and enjoy the next couple of years. It’s okay to take more years to graduate.
6. Take some P.E. classes
Take a class, just for fun. It’s a great way to just take a break from all the school work and have something to look forward to when the coursework starts to get heavy.
7. Don’t underestimate any relationship
You never know when those connections will be handy. Even if someone is driving you crazy, be polite and stick it out. That goes for professors as well. Four years down the road you may not feel the same way.
8. Take advantage of campus resources
The university offers many resources for students such as the Writing Center, the Career Center, tutoring and so much more. Help is available; just don’t be afraid to ask for it.
9. Use the Rec Center
It’s included in tuition so why not? The “freshman 15” can be a real thing, but it may be more like the “freshman 20” or more. Intramurals, Outdoor Program and the Rental Center can be found in the SRC as well.
10. Have fun
No matter how stressful the year can get, don’t forget to have fun and have no regrets.
College is an experience. You will get out of it what you put into it. This is your home for at least the next four years. Make the best of it and don’t give up even in the darkest of times. There will be some low times and high times. Make this your university.
Kaitlyn Martin can be reached at [email protected]