A College Freshman Survival Guide

College freshman preparing to enter school for the first time have a lot to look forward to and a lot to consider. You face a list of interesting choices and critical decisions. Much of what you do over the next four or five years will project due dates. It means being responsible and taking responsibility for choices. If you’re not bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 8 a.m., you should opt for an afternoon class schedule. However, keep in mind that most full-time jobs are some variation of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so if you’re working you’ll have to schedule around work. College Freshman Survival Guide A However, don't focus exclusively on peers. It's important to get to know your academic adviser - the primary person who can help with class conflicts or with selecting a major – and your professors. These are the men and women who can help when things aren't clear in a class or if you need leads on future employment opportunities. Be Prepared to be Self Sufficient Without parents or high school teachers guiding you, many first-year college students find it difficult to have a large influence over who you become as an adult. Develop Lasting Relationships and Find a Career College is the time to build those life-long friendships. Clubs or student organizations are a great place to find people with similar interests. Participation can easily form the foundation of a future career. Be Sure To Strike a Balance When you’re away from home for the first time you can easily fall into bad habits. That may mean eating too much fast food, not getting enough sleep or exercise, underage drinking, or any number of other problems. meet their commitments. It is vital that college freshmen develop good habits including taking responsibility for going to class, on time, and meeting course requirements and For example, if you’re interested in a career in politics tryout for the debate team. Or run for an office in student government. If social work is your calling, join a volunteer program. Whatever your career plans, there is likely a What are the top five obstacles to academic success? Stress, colds/flu, sleep problems, concern for friends/ family members and depression/anxiety. 10 CELEBRATE GRADUATION related association or group.

Ever heard of the "freshman fifteen?" It’s really easy to pack on additional weight. You need to find the right balance between taking care of their mental, physical, and emotional health.

Keep an Eye on Spending

Never had a debt? Never had a credit card? Never had to worry about a budget? All that can quickly change when you’re on your own.

College students are easy targets for credit card companies because most figure that if a student defaults the parents will pick up the slack. Instead, while students are busy budgeting their time, they need to make sure to budget their money wisely, too. You should avoid credit cards and only spend what you have. That may mean forgoing a favorite item, but with less debt on graduation day, it will be worth it.

College is about learning, not just from books, from new friends and the overall experience. This requires you to put in the effort. For the uninitiated, - those college students just starting out - that means being prepared and utilizing these five guidelines.

Q: Considering Study Groups? A: Do It! Q: Invited to Orientation? A: Do It! Q: Campus Tour? A: Do It! Take Advantage of All

Opportunities

It is important to become involved with campus activities, too. To avoid feeling homesick, join a student organization, club, or sports team. To meet new friends, you could pledge a sorority or fraternity. Through these types of opportunities, you’ll make new friends quickly.