No matter how successful you were in high school, being at college and going through a new experience can be tough on a freshman. Being surrounded by new people and having more obligations than you’re used to is intimidating, especially after having so much fun during the summer. New students point out that they feel overwhelmed by all new classes, new people, and having too much on their plate from the first day. This is why you need to think about making your college life easier and learn how to survive your first year.
Connect with classmates
Although this idea may sound simple, this is sometimes the hardest thing about being a freshman. Having to deal with a whole new group of people and getting to know each other can be too much for those who are shy and don’t get along with people that easily. Keep in mind that you’re all going through the same situation from your first day and that you all need to find comfort and help in each other, so finding a safety net and someone to talk to will help you go through some of the toughest times. In addition to that, it’s always beneficial to have a partner for studying, preparing for exams, or going through your notes from classes.
Another major thing is to get to know your roommates and people living across the hall from you because those are the people who will be close to you if you need some help. Take time to get to know those who can help you get out of your comfort zone and spend some time with them.
Attend classes
This may sound simple and like an idea that you’ve had in mind before coming to college, but freshmen tend to avoid classes due to different reasons. Some just don’t like waking up early, and others believe they won’t benefit from attending classes.
You’ll have plenty of mandatory classes that you’ll have to attend and make sure to go, even if you don’t feel like it. Your professors will cherish that you’re actively participating and interested in speaking up, and this can help you with your final grade. On the other hand, when it comes to classes that aren’t mandatory, make sure to pick those that you’re interested in and you’ll attend because you want to gain something from them.
Always be organized
College is nothing like high school, and you’ll notice that in just a couple of days! One of the first things you’ll learn is that you need to be organized and stay on top of all of your tasks at all times. You need to start by dividing your days into those you’ll spend in classes and those you’ll spend studying and relaxing, so try to make the most of both.
It’s important to always have different deadlines on your mind to stay on top of all your workload. When it comes to preparing for classes and exams, make sure you have all the right material. If you look at the useful Warwick student resources, for instance, you’ll find materials that will be more than useful for studying, so don’t be afraid to start using them right now!
Get involved on campus
There are many interesting events and groups on campus and you can join any of them to stay connected with people who have the same interests as you. Whether you’re feeling homesick, want to connect with like-minded people, or simply need to find a group of people, join these people and you’ll have someone to talk to and share your thoughts with.
This is the best way to find new friends, learn new skills, and find new interests or hobbies. There are many different groups to choose from, including sports organizations, book clubs, and support groups that could help you show your interests and connect to people who have the same interests as you.
Find time to have fun
With all the classes and obligations that you’ll have, you need to find a moment to relax and spend some time thinking about other things than college. You need to reward yourself after having a tough week you’ve spent studying with your favorite learning apps, so during the weekend, organize a fun day with your friends or a night out.
Too many obligations are often stressful and can be a lot, especially for a young person going through major changes. That’s why it’s important to think about your mental health and have some time for yourself. Set aside time during your busiest days to boost your energy level by spending quality time with friends.
Being at college is one of the most beautiful times in a person’s life and you need to make sure you go through this experience smoothly and without too much trouble. As you make this transition and become a freshman, you’ll also become a new person who will need to face new challenges, situations, and people, so it’s vital to know how to survive these first days and months.
