First Year in a College: 13 Tips to Survive Your Freshman Year
The first year of college is a crucial period for every student. It is a whole new life, full of opportunities and responsibilities. It is only natural to feel a bit stressed about it; after all, this is a huge step.
However, it is not as scary, as some people might think. There are several ways to survive and stay happy and productive. This guide will help you out during your first year of higher education.
source: https://unsplash.com/photos/b7CRDcwfNFU
Keeping Up with Studies
It is the central part of education, and it will be on one’s mind continuously. You’ve come here to study and get knowledge and skills that will be useful in the future. Keeping up with the academic schedule is crucial. Here how one can do it easier:
1. Do not miss orientation. First of all, it is a great way to meet new people. It is also necessary to learn about all the opportunities and facilities the college has. Getting to know the campus before the year starts is great. You will see where the classes will be held and what buildings you need to go to.
2. Get your schedule and make sure you’ve chosen the classes you are interested in. Some institutions require establishing major very early; others wait till the sophomore year. Make sure you are aware of every deadline and possibility.
3. Ask for help. It is only natural to be confused sometimes. If one has any questions regarding studies, courses, or papers to hand in, it is a good idea to consult with a professor. They are usually happy to help. If you happen to be overloaded with assignments or need professional advice, you can turn to EssayPro.com service for qualitative academic help. It is beneficial to have any work thoroughly proofread and checked before submitting it.
4. Set goals and follow the schedule. It is important to succeed, yet not to get overloaded with tasks. Make a list of goals for the first semester and year. Create a digital schedule with deadlines and notifications or use a paper notebook, whatever works best for you.
Staying Physically and Mentally Healthy
Another crucial thing is overall well-being. First-year students tend to have a high-stress level due to adjustment issues. Here are some tips on how to be physically and mentally well during the first year.
1. Mind food habits. You might have heard about freshmen 15. It is not a common rule, yet it has some sense. First-year students have to figure out their eating routine living alone. Try to choose healthier options, stay hydrated, and eat no more than two desserts a day.
2. Exercise. It is useful both for physical and mental health. Find out whether your college has a gym. If there is no time, try to include some exercising in your daily routine. For instance, one might choose a bike instead of public transport or just walk to classes. Some exercises can be done while studying at the desk.
3. Keep a sleeping routine. Of course, students’ schedule is rather rough. Yet, sleeping well is crucial to stay focused. Proper rest is essential for the brain’s cognitive functions; that’s why it is vital to get to bed and wake up approximately at the same time every day.
4. Be sure to care about mental health. Stress is a normal part of freshmen’s year. However, it is crucial to listen to yourself and make sure that there are no other issues. If you notice any early signs of depression or anxiety, seek professional help.
Social Life
Another critical part of college life is getting to know new people. Whether one is an introvert or an extravert, there will be much more communication with new people, so get prepared.
source: https://unsplash.com/photos/omeaHbEFlN4
1. Get to know your roommates. These are the people you are going to live with. It is better to be open with them about your routine and preferences, whether it is quiet hours or inviting friends. Work together on living rules to find the balance.
2. Join an extracurricular class or club to meet new friends. It will bring a feeling of belonging. It is also great to meet people with the same interests. And having friends in college is proven to be beneficial for the future academic success of a student. Finding mates during the first year also helps to adjust better to new circumstances.
3. Go to some parties on campus. It is another way to look around and find acquaintances. There is no need to go out every night, but a little parting will do well to anyone. After all, college is also about having fun.
Final Words
The first year in college is a fantastic turning point in one’s life. Every aspect of your established routine will change, so it is crucial to be prepared by looking into services like customessaymeister that can help you in a pinch. The secret is to find a balance between keeping it up with studies, caring for one’s health and having an active social life.
It is also essential to remember that everyone makes mistakes and can be confused, so do not push too much pressure on yourself and try to enjoy this spectacular year!
