How to Survive Your First Year in College?

So, you are going to attend college or university soon? The first year in college is going to be both stressful and exciting. The reality is that you are about to find yourself in situations you’ve never faced, meet new people, and getting into some troubles from time to time. But there’s nothing wrong with it. That’s how adult life far from home looks like.

Freshman Year in College: 8 Recommendations to Survive

If you want to ensure that your freshman year in college is as enjoyable as possible, then make sure to take some simple steps. It doesn’t matter if you’re not sure about joining some on-campus organization or you simply need to ensure that you’re going to get along with your roomies because this guide will help you feel more confident as you enter your academic experience.

1) Choose Classes that Interest You

It’s no doubt that you’re going to be required to take a bunch of classes. However, when you will be provided with a chance to choose majors and minors, make sure to look for the disciplines that you’re interested in or passionate about. Even if the chosen class is not related to your major focus, you won’t believe how much you can learn in a class that you’re genuinely interested in.

It is important to make your academic experience as personal as possible. It’s up to you to decide what you’re going to learn, take control of the process, and change your choice. If you do so, you’re going to find your freshman year more enjoyable. After all, attending college or university is your choice. In other words, there should be no “I have to…” but rather “I choose to…” and “I’d love to….”

2) Academics – Social Life Balance

Undoubtedly, your active social life is going to get in the way of your academic progress. Nonetheless, you have to make sure to stay on track no matter what. Poor academic performance will only hurt you eventually. Fortunately, you can always approach online professional writers at the companies like AdvancedWriters.com to help you with the assignments that you fail to accomplish on your own. However, it is better to miss out on that party to be able to focus on your college work or study for midterms.

Experts say that students have to study up to three hours for every credit hour that they take. Make sure to finish every other home assignment within the deadline because your tutor is not going to provide you with the desired grade even if you are one day late with your essay or report.

All that being said, it is important to take time to have fun as well. After all, being a college student is not only about writing term papers and studying for tests. Obviously, you should focus on your studies, but you still need time to relax and recharge. Finally, your mind will be able to absorb and digest academic materials faster and better if you make sure to sleep enough and have time to socialize.

3) Make Your Dorm Homey

Moving to a dorm room is something that most college and university freshmen worry about. After all, you’re going to leave your sweet parents’ home and live in a completely different place with a stranger. Since you will be living there for the next couple of years, make sure to make it feel like an actual home. For instance, buying a nice rug or putting on posters will make a huge difference. What is more, you’re welcome to bring some things from home that will make you feel like you’re in your cozy room. The reality is that you’re going to miss your family, which means having some souvenirs from home is a must.

4) Meet Your Advisors or Counsellors

Your college counselors or advisors are there to help you on your way to your diploma. Your task here is to make the most of your relationship. Approach them on a regular basis to discuss your short and long-term college goals, as well as ask tough questions that you can’t find answers for on your own. Your counselor will help you create the best possible schedule, choose the most suitable classes for a quarter or semester, as well as pick extracurricular activities that will help you socialize and reach your academic goals.

5) Study Long Before an Exam or Test

At first, the workload of college or university might feel like you can’t handle it anymore. However, studying before a test or exam rather than the night before will 100% take all stress away, especially during your freshman year. Undoubtedly, you will form your own study habits that will work best for you. But make sure to start by studying for a while for your class. Do not hope that you will be able to absorb all information the night before. One of the best ways to remember to study for a test or exam is to check your notes right after class. If you do so, you will help your brain keep academic materials. As a result, the process of studying will get much easier. It is also recommended that first-year students take organized notes that will become their “road maps” when it comes to the test or exam.

6) Stay Healthy

Many first-year students tend to eat unhealthily, have problems with weight, and lack a good night’s sleep. Don’t just eat chips and burgers every single day. Make sure to give preference to a well-balanced diet that includes loads of vegetables and fruits. Work out on a regular basis, go for long walks to get some fresh air, join some sports activities, and enjoy dancing on Friday nights. At the same time, make sure you get adequate sleep at night, at least 7 hours if possible. When you’re having a day off, it is recommended to catch up on your college homework and rest. As a result, you will find yourself more successful in your academic routine.

To go along with this, stay hydrated, keep away from junk food, and do your best to take care of yourself both mentally and physically.

7) Take Your Time to Take Care of Yourself

While studying before the exam is a must, ensure that you also have time to relax and have some rest. Whether it is watching your favorite Netflix show or reading a book, don’t forget to take care of yourself. This will help you stay on track and avoid the anxiety that is known to interfere with the academic success of first-year students.

8) Budgeting

Many first-year students find themselves out of money before the semester ends. If you believe it’s time to look for a part-time job, it means you’re right. As a rule, there are many small jobs are available for freshmen on campus, whether it be at some local café or admissions office. Not only will your job help you boost your financial situation, but it will also provide you with some valuable work skills that will serve for your future career.

When it comes to budgeting, make sure to stay focused on your checking account. Regardless of how much money you spend, ensure to keep at least a hundred dollars in your bank account. You never know what tomorrow may bring to you. If you think it’s the right time to get a credit card, make sure to get one. However, it is important to spend 20% of your bills on your credit history. Make sure to do so only if you can pay it off on a regular basis.

All in all, your freshman year in college is the best time to make the most out of your life. Study hard, but make sure to balance your life between work and play. What is more important, exert every effort in order to submit your essays and prepare for tests always on time. It’s no doubt that college is hard, but retaking a course is a real disaster. Good luck!