Tips for a Successful, Productive, and (almost) Stress-Free Freshman Year
Katherine Van Schaik, Harvard 2008
NSHSS Student Council Member
and Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship Recipient

As a college sophomore, my first year experience is still relatively fresh in my mind, and I’ve tried to put down on paper things I really wish upperclassmen had told me.  I realize that some of these things are a bit obvious, but it’s the obvious advice that is often easier said than done.

• Get to know one professor personally each semester.  This person can help you navigate the often-complex world of degree requirements, write recommendation letters, and usually just be a cool person to know.

• Do your work ahead of time.  This is an obvious one.  We all know cramming can be effective for certain subjects, but if you’ve got an organic chemistry test tomorrow and you haven’t studied, cramming isn’t going to cut it.  One week before your test, write out a study schedule.  For example, if your test covers seven chapters, plan to go over one chapter a day leading up to your test.  It will be less stressful for you, and the material will have time to sink in.

• If your college or university has featured speakers or lecturers, go and hear them.  These are people who you’ll probably never again get the chance to see and hear in a small, intimate college atmosphere, much less ask questions of them when they are done speaking.

• If your roommate is doing something that bothers you, tell him/her now.  No matter how awkward it is now, it will get a lot more awkward later.  Usually, if you address the matter at the beginning of the year, before anyone has formed any concrete habits, the issue will be easier to resolve.  Also, if you never say anything to the person whose actions are bothering you, he or she will never know that you are feeling annoyed or upset.

• Find out how your roommates (and you) want to be told by the others that there is a room problem.  For example, some people might prefer a quick email saying, “Would you mind using headphones when you’re listening to music?” instead of a face-to-face discussion.  Find out what everyone in your room or suite is comfortable with, and stick to it.