Five Tips for Planning Your Freshman Year in College

So, you have made it through high school -- congratulations. Now the hard part begins: planning for your first year in college. This first year is a real make it or break it year. Many freshmen struggle with their new freedom and their new responsibilities, and many end up falling prey to the treacherous nature of college life in general. If you want to survive your first year in college, then these five tips are for you.

Tip #1 - Take Important Classes First

When setting up your class schedule for your freshman year in college you will want to focus on foundational classes first. For example, you need to take your essay composition class your first year as well as your research methodology class. Skills from both of these classes will be used throughout the rest of your coursework and if you do not acquire them when you first start school in the fall, you will struggle.

Tip #2 - Learn to Manage Your Time

Time management is essential to doing well during your first year in college. This year is full of new things to do and new responsibilities. It is a good idea to have both a personal planner that you can carry with you, as well as a wall sized appointment calendar that you can put up in your dorm room. Make sure you write down when you have classes and when specific assignments and tests are scheduled.

Tip #3 - Find Balance

It is normal for freshmen in college to feel out-of-balance. To help make the transition from high school to college easier to do you need to find a balance between structured activities and free time. During your first semester in school keep things as simple and uncomplicated as possible. If you can get away with not working during this semester then do it. The extra time you have available will help you to figure out a study and free time schedule that works for you. After you find a balancing point you will have a better idea of what time you can dedicate to a job later on.

Tip #4 - Stay Active

Exercise is important during your freshman year in college. Not only will it help you to avoid the freshman 15 that is tradition, but it will also help to reduce your stress. Participating in college team sports and extracurricular sports both offer you a way to work out and to socialize at the same time.

Tip #5 - Set Goals

Like any journey in your life having goals will give you direction and help you to avoid making serious mistakes. As you approach the first year of college create a list of five short term and five long term goals. These goals can relate to any aspect of your life from finding a steady romantic interest to finding a great job with career potential.

References

http://www.sparknotes.com/college/life/