college seems like a pretty intimidating place especially if you’re going out of town or out of state for it, but don’t worry! you got this! here’s some advice for all of those entering college:
1. schedule your classes wisely
if you weren’t an early riser before, you won’t be one now. my first semester, i had my classes start at 10am and my second semester at 8am. i was a lot more prone to skip my 8am because i was so tired from the night before. honestly, my grades reflected in those classes as well (although the classes with american government and american history respectively, i did significantly worse in my history class). find a time when you know you won’t skip and will be able to full concentrate on the subject.
2. join organizations!
i know at freshman orientation you’re bombarded with every fraternity/sorority/other organization but it’s for good reason! of course, you want to do well your freshman year academically, but you have to make sure you find time for fun. organizations are key to making more connections and friendships. there’s such a variety of organizations that there has to be one fit for you (academics, sports, art, music, student body/government,etc.)! i joined a dance organization my freshman year (since i was interested in dance before) and i can say that i’ve made everlasting friendships just from that group. go to the organization’s first meeting and if it doesn’t peek your interest then you don’t have to show up for the next one lol.
3. sit in the front for lectures
i was (probably still am) a student that lurked in the last row of the classroom playing tetris on her laptop. sitting in the back makes you more susceptible to getting distracted while in class. the professor has your attention for only 1-2 hours; the least you could do is pay attention. (if you’re not comfortable sitting in the front, then sit in the middle!)
4. do the readings/assignments as quickly as possible
i cannot tell you guys how many all-nighters i pulled throughout my freshman year simply due to procrastination. you don’t have to knock out the assignment all at once, but do a little everyday. if it helps, make a to-do list of your tasks. for me i separate my tasks by the classes that day (monday-wednesday-friday and tuesday-thursday) and even if i don’t finish whatever it is at the end of the day, i’ll at least do something.
5. do NOT buy your textbooks!!!
I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH! textbooks are so expensive and if it’s not necessary to buy the textbook(s) for that class, DON’T. if you do, there are always cheaper alternatives. if you have to get a textbook, i’d say rent a used textbook rather than buy a new one. all the textbooks that i have rented weren’t in bad condition and it saved me a crap ton of money in the end. you can rent textbooks from your off campus bookstore (if your university provides one) or off of amazon! if amazon doesn’t have the correct edition, just make sure with your professor if it’s okay to use that version (if not then make a new friend in the class who has one and share. yay friendship!!)
