How to Survive Your First Week of College

An anxious-looking student frantically bounces from classroom to classroom in an attempt to find where she belongs. A grumpy parent wipes the sweat off his brow as he carries yet another box of shoes, shampoos, and pillows to his child's dorm room. A cigarette-smoking twenty-something mindlessly blocks the sidewalk to have a conversation with one of his buddies. Friends, it's a new year at college.

The first week of university is taxing on a lot of people, but especially on freshmen. For many first-years, having to navigate through a new campus with an indecipherable list of abbreviations known as a "schedule" is pretty daunting. Plus, the whole idea of being independent and self-accountable for the first time can be quite intimidating. But don't worry, the first week of school is a hump every student must get over.

To make the transition to college a little smoother, take the time to explore your campus and its academic buildings before school starts. If you know where your classes will be, try locating their rooms prior to the first day of class so you don't waste anytime on "game day." Nothing's more nerve-racking than scurrying around campus desperately trying to find your classroom.

In college, nobody is going to check up on you to ensure you're doing your homework or that you're getting to class on time. Invest in some sort of planner and jot down what your responsibilities are for each day. The first week of school can be quite overwhelming, so having your assignments and appointments written down will help you stay on top of everything.

If you've never done your own laundry, ask your mom (or dad) to show you the ropes before you head off to school. It's incredibly easy once you learn, but shrunken jeans and discolored tees are not uncommon sights during the first weeks of school. If you happen to draw a blank on how to do your laundry, ask your resident assistant (RA) for help. He or she is an expert by now.

While you may be running on adrenaline the first few days of school, don't neglect your sleep. More often than not the fatigue will catch up with you during class and it'll be a battle just to keep your eyes open. That's no way to start an academic career.

Many college students forget to eat meals during the first week because they're so busy with classes, work, etc. This is a bad idea! Food is fuel, and without it your body will slowly quit on you. Remember, you're no good in the classroom if you don't have energy to think.

Socially speaking, don't be afraid to introduce yourself to classmates and floormates. Some freshmen feel very lonely and homesick in college, but these feelings often dissipate when they make friends and keep themselves busy. Try getting involved in extracurricular activities to meet new people and stay active in the campus community.

Ultimately, the first week of college is crazy, hectic, and overwhelming for everybody. It takes a little while to get adjusted to a lifestyle that merges academics with the responsibilities of an adult. But don't worry, the desperation is always short-lived. The best thing to do is to plan ahead and use your time wisely. Be outgoing and slowly you'll develop a social circle that'll make you feel more at home. Just remember, don't freak out. A clear head will get you very far in life, and it will most definitely get you through your first week of college.