Going to college for the first time is an exciting step, but it can also be a scary one. There are tough classes to worry about, diverse people to interact with, and lots of brand new experiences to deal with. Frankly, it can be a bit daunting. Here are some tips for how to survive your first year with as little stress and as much fun as possible!
1. Get Homework Done Early
Every schoolteacher since kindergarten has probably said this already, but it truly is important. As boring as it might seem, doing homework at least two days before its due is optimal for keeping every day’s tasks organized. College is primarily about getting an education; that’s why you’re paying so much tuition. The thing to remember is that, even though freshman year of college promises to be full of excitement, there will be moments of downtime. If you get homework finished during the boring hours of your schedule, then you won’t have to miss out on a party (or on sleep) to finish it later.
2. Connect with New People
Meeting new friends is one of the best parts of living on a college campus. It’s likely that going to college will involve interacting with a diverse population of students. This is great, because it lets you learn about other people and about yourself. Take some time for socializing; get to know your roommates, classmates, and advisors. Attend activities to meet students who live in your building or on your floor. College life will be a lot more fun if you spend it with fun people, but you have to take the initiative to find the right ones!
3. Ask for Help
If there’s a class that is particularly challenging, don’t worry; there’s people who can help you. Don’t be afraid to seek out help from the professor; it’s his or her job to teach you the subject after all. If you’d rather avoid asking the professor, find a classmate who can tutor you or join a study group. Do not ever feel like you’re destined to fail a class. Try all of the available resources before giving up hope.
4. Try New Things
This is a biggie. Besides the obvious educational reward, going to college is primarily about growing as a person. In order to learn about life beyond your field of study, you have to be willing to abandon your comfort zone. These crucial new experiences can take place in any aspect of college life. Maybe you can get a campus job in a new field or maybe you can join a club and learn a new hobby. Colleges are perfect environments for trying new things, so don’t fight it. Don’t be afraid to try; don’t be afraid to change. It’s just a part of growing up, and this is perhaps the most important college lesson of all.
