Top 10 Tips for College Freshman

New friends, new city, new classes -- being a college freshman is almost like being a newborn without the naps. You've entered a whole new world where everything is stimulating, exciting, and a bit overwhelming. Yet with so many stressful changes, it's no wonder college research firm ACT found 25 per cent of college students drop out before completing their sophomore year. To avoid becoming a statistic, here are 10 tips to help you make it from freshman year to graduation day.

Exchange Numbers

Seek out a friendly person in each of your classes and exchange phone numbers. Not only will you make a new friend, you'll have someone to call for help if you miss a class or are confused about an assignment. Make sure you take good notes of your own so you can return the favor when needed.

Join a Team

Joining an intramural sports team is a fun way to meet new people outside your dorm or major and may lead to lasting friendships. Plus, running around at practice three times a week will reduce your stress level and help you avoid the dreaded "Freshman 15."

Be a Part-Time Partier

Alcohol and parties are a major part of college life -- for some freshmen. Remember why you're at college (and it's not to major in margarita drinking), and make it a personal policy to imbibe only on weekends to ensure the majority of your week is spent focusing on schoolwork and other productive activities.

Stray Off Campus

Going to college often means moving to a new city, state, or even country. If you live, eat, work, and study on campus, force yourself out of your comfortable bubble and connect with the larger community, whether by frequenting a local coffee shop or joining a volunteer group.

Find Your Space

Whether it's under a shady tree in the quad or in the corner cube on the third floor of the library, finding the right study space is essential to getting your schoolwork done. Experiment with different locales until you find the perfect level of noise and distraction to keep you focused.

Get Your Zzz's

Between homework, friendships, part-time jobs, and hobbies, finding eight hours for quality shut-eye may seem impossible. Prioritize making time for sleep, or your physical and mental health will suffer.

Reach Out to Your Roomie

While some freshmen roommates become fast friends, others never quite warm up to each other. Make an effort to get to know your roomie right away by going to dinner or catching movies together. You may never become BFFs, but if you and your roommate are on friendly terms, you're more likely to tolerate each others' foibles.

Befriend Your Professors

Professors really do want to see you succeed, and they are usually happy to go over course material or talk about their research during office hours. Your professors can not only help you with your classes now, they may also help you connect with internships or post-college jobs later.

Go to the Gym

Many naturally fit teens pack on pounds as college freshmen, setting themselves up for a lifetime of weight problems. If your thumbs get more exercise from texting than your legs do from walking, it's time to hit the gym. Whether you yearn to do Yoga or love to lift weights, your college's fitness center is a great place to stay in shape.

Keep in Touch

Technology makes it easier than ever to stay in contact with faraway friends and family so you feel less homesick.. Aside from old-fashioned phone calls, you can stay connected by video chatting, instant messaging, emailing, and texting. Be sure Mom and Dad are up on the latest technologies before you move away so they know how to return your text messages and operate the webcam.

Source:
http://www.act.org/news/releases/2004/12-13-04.html