What You Must Do for Your Freshman Year at College

Lois Ryan
Just like high school, the freshman year at college is a new experience for college students. While it is a new learning experience, it is also a time for you to grow. Follow the advice and your freshman year will be a rewarding and enriching experience.

1. Before you start your freshman year, take a tour of the campus. Doing this will get you familiar with the building on the campus and may give you the chance to meet other new students.

2. When you choose your college classes, do it wisely. Each class is normally three college credits. That means that for each class you have, you will be spend three hours a week for each class that you take. Therefore, you should take no more than five classes per semester. This way you will be able to manage your time effectively for classes, studying, activities and socializing.

3. Get a chance to meet people and become friends with other freshmen. This is the first time you have been away from your family. By making friends, you will not get homesick.

4. Get you class schedule as soon as possible. As soon as you know what textbooks your teachers require, purchase them.

5. Know what your financial responsibilities are and create a budget around your needs and wants.

6. Stay healthy by making sure that you are eating the right foods and getting plenty of exercise and rest. Avoid the Freshman-10 by eating the right foods and avoiding the ones that are full of fat.

7. Stay safe by keeping your dorm room locked at night and avoiding walking alone.

8. Develop good study habits. The freshman year in college is one of the most stressful times. If you have poor study habits, you will struggle through the freshman year and possibly throughout the rest of your college years.

9. Always ask your teachers for help if you are falling behind in your studies.

10. If you have a roommate, give him the fullest respect. Keep your area clean and keep the noise down to a minimum.

11. Get involved in student activities. Not only will you meet new people this will reflect on your resume when you are job searching.

12. Get involved with a sport. Most college classes have one type or sport or another. This will help you stay fit, avoid the Freshman 10 and give you a chance to make friends.

13. Go to your classes. Even if you miss just one class you will be missing information that is going to be on a test.

14. Set a study schedule so you are not cramming for a test at the last minute.

The freshman year of college is a major change for most young adults. It is the first time in your life when you are independent. Still, it can be a difficult transition for some. By following the advice, you not only are setting the stage for your college experience, you are creating the theme for adulthood.

Published by Lois Ryan

I have wiorked in the manufacturing business for over 15 years. I am married and have two daughters ages 12 and 14. I recently graduated with a Masters in Business from the University of Phoenix and want t...  View profile

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