How to Survive Freshman Year of College
Senior year of high school culminates in the excitement and grandeur of graduation, but once the novelty wears off, the prospect of starting college and searching for freshman scholarships can be intimidating. As you look toward your freshman year of college, you might feel overwhelmed by the warnings you have heard from parents and friends about the difficulty of the first year in college, the rumors of gaining the “Freshman 15,” or the possibility of major homesickness.
However, with the right mindset and planning, you will not only survive your freshman year of college, but you will thrive. Here are some tips in the categories of academics, scheduling, and health to help you feel absolutely confident as you enter your collegiate experience.
How to Prepare for College Before Freshman Year Begins
Before the school year even starts, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of shopping for dorm essentials or planning social events, it’s just as important to prepare academically and mentally.
Start by organizing your class schedule and reviewing the syllabi for each course. Familiarizing yourself with the expectations ahead of time will ease your transition into college. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors or advisors with any questions about the coursework or what to expect. Planning your dorm room setup can also have an impact on your mental state; try to create an environment that is both productive and relaxing, balancing study space with comfort.
Finally, mentally preparing for the social and emotional challenges of freshman year is crucial. College can be overwhelming but acknowledging that will help you navigate through it more easily.
How to Make the Most of Academic Resources in College
College offers a wealth of academic resources that can make your experience much more enjoyable and successful. Take advantage of everything available to you, and don't hesitate to ask for help.
Get to Know Your Counselors or Advisors
Your academic advisor or counselor is there for you, so make the most of that relationship. Share your short-term and long-term academic goals with your advisor and ask questions when you have them. Your advisor can help you make a schedule that works for you, plan out which classes to take during which quarter or semester, and choose on-campus activities that will help you reach your goals.
Take Advantage of the Professor's Office Hours
This is the advice college freshmen often receive but do not always follow. Though you might be nervous to visit your professor’s office for the first time, and you might feel too busy, office hours are your professor’s way of offering extra help for students who have questions about class material. Even if you do not have specific questions, taking the time to meet your professor outside of class, especially a large lecture class, lets your professor know you are serious about your education. TAs offer office hours as well, and if you have questions about a paper or project, TAs will often be glad when you seek and then take their advice. Taking advantage of office hours could help your grade in a class, but most of all, it can help make your class experience richer and more enjoyable.
Time Management Tips for College Freshmen
Managing your time effectively is one of the most important skills you will develop during your first year of college. The freedom to set your own schedule is both exciting and daunting, but with a little planning, you can make the most of it.
Keep a Planner or Agenda
As you may have heard before, you never plan to fail, but sometimes you fail to plan. A key to success in college is to schedule every moment of your day, even free time, so you are making the most of your time—especially during that first year when you might be new to making your own scheduling choices. Whether you prefer to keep a physical planner or make your schedule on your phone or computer, scheduling the minutes of your day will help you see how you are spending your time and also ensure you make time for priorities like studying and spending time with friends.
Plan for Sleep and Downtime
When you add activities in your planner for each week, find blocks of time, whether five minutes or an entire hour, to relax. How you relax is up to you, but taking time for yourself is crucial as you navigate your first year in a new environment. Yoga, meditation, running, reading for enjoyment, watching a new show or movie, and spending time outside are all ways you can take a deep breath and recharge.
Meanwhile, planning for sleep is also important. One of the major pitfalls of freshman year is the allure of a life without parents or guardians forcing you to get to bed, and many freshmen end up sleep-deprived and miserable. Though it might seem fun to stay up late and still wake up early for class, your body and mind need sleep to function. Try your best to schedule your bedtime as if you were your own parent. You will absolutely never regret getting enough sleep!
How to Stay Healthy in College
Your health as a freshman in college is crucial because you will be at your very best when you are taking good care of your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you are worried about gaining weight your first year or not getting enough sleep, following these health tips will help you avoid some of the major mistakes many college freshmen make.
Make Smarter Meal Choices
Sure, it can be fun to eat pizza for every meal or dessert for breakfast when you are away from your parents and creating your own life, but eating unhealthy meals will eventually come back to haunt you. Remember, you are choosing to go to college to prepare for a successful life and career, so you can also empower yourself by eating healthy.
Think of food as fuel. Whatever you put into your body helps you function at the highest level for your classes and activities. Eat a balanced diet that works for you, complete with fruits and vegetables, protein, and healthy carbohydrates. Of course, you can splurge on some snacks now and then, but do yourself a favor and enjoy desserts and junk food in moderation. Your body will thank you!
Exercise Daily, Even If It Means Walking to Class
Exercising is not only important for your body but also for your mind. Taking even just 15 minutes a day to walk or work up a sweat will help you manage stress and potential freshman year weight gain. Of course, if you can manage to exercise more than 15 minutes a day, that’s great, but giving yourself manageable exercise goals will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Some days are just too busy, but you can always find an extra 15 minutes.
Get Involved in Social Events
Being social is part of a healthy life, so make social activities a priority along with your classes and study time. Meeting new people is part of the joy of college, so pick one or a few organizations on campus that interest you, and get involved! The more involved you are, the more you will get out of your college experience. Just make sure you avoid overloading your schedule. Balance is key.
How to Deal with Homesickness in College
Homesickness is a normal part of freshman year, and it can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to deal with it and make your transition to college life smoother.
Communicate with Your Roommates
If you are living on campus or with a roommate, you might have to fill out a roommate agreement form. Take that seriously. Even if you don’t have a formal agreement, take the time to talk with your roommates about what you expect in terms of cleanliness, noise at certain hours, and communication. A healthy living area is important for a healthy freshman year, and as long as you communicate, you can avoid stressing out about roommate woes and put your energy toward your classes and activities.
Make Time to Socialize with Friends and Family
Staying connected with the people you love can ease homesickness. Regular calls, letters, or video chats with family and friends from home can help you feel more grounded and supported. It’s important to give yourself that emotional connection, and you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel with a quick chat or visit.
Last Words for New College Freshman
As you make the transition from high school to college, one of the most important things to remember is to believe in yourself and remember to make your college experience your own. You know what your priorities are, and as long as you take the time to plan how you want your freshman year to go, you will be just fine! There are people on campus and at home who believe in you as well, so use them as resources and ask questions when you have them. Enjoy this wonderful time in your life and learn as much as you can!