College Survival Guide

5 LIFEHACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN STARTING COLLEGE

The first year of college can be an adjustment. You’re on your own, away from your parents, friends you grew up with, and starting a whole new life. You want to find your place, enjoy your freedom, and just have fun. However, one thing many entering freshmen can lose sight of is that we are here to get a degree! Doing well in your college classes is important. The classes you take in college are getting you one step closer to your future career. It’s important to take it all in and do as well as you can. It can be tricky to balance it all, but here are some tips that might ease some of your stress. These are the 5 things to know before starting college:

1CHECK YOUR CANVAS CALENDAR REGULARLY Over the next 4 years Canvas will be your best friend or your worst enemy. If you utilize it correctly, it will be a helpful tool to keep track of upcoming assignments and monitor your progress. Being on top of your Canvas calendar and writing important dates in your planner will relieve your stress immensely. Also be sure to check the class syllabuses, which will usually have a schedule of when in-class assignments, projects, and exams are due. This way you will always know when things are due and won’t be scrambling at the last minute to get things done.

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ATTEND CLASS, IF IT’S COVID SAFE

Believe it or not, this can be a hard concept for many college students to grasp. Without having your parents force you to get to school, it’s easy to decide to skip when you feel like it. Even if a class seems easy, just a lecture, no in-class assignments, it is likely that your professor will prove you wrong. There will come a day when your professor will have a surprise in-class assignment, pop quiz or mention important information about an exam, and you won’t be there to hear it. Just go to class, your grades and future self will thank you.

ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

If you’re struggling with a course, get help! Go to your professor’s office hours. It can seem scary and a bit awkward, but they will most likely be happy to help. You can also check out options for tutoring or talk with other students in your class to set up study sessions. Not asking for help with concepts you can’t fully grasp will only hurt you in the long run.

GET INVOLVED

Getting involved in college is very important. It gives you experience to put on your resume and social connections. University involvement always looks good to future employers. While it can be hard to manage a lot of activities as an incoming freshman, it’s better to get immersed sooner rather than later.

DON’T FEEL PRESSURE TO DECLARE YOUR MAJOR RIGHT AWAY

Many first-year college students don’t know exactly what they want to do, and that is OK! Undeclared students at CSU receive academic advisors that will help them talk through their interest and discover what majors and potential career paths would be a good fit. There is also the option to take introductory courses within different majors to see first hand what appeals to you. If you’re unsure of which route to go, don’t declare a major on a whim. Give yourself the time to explore your interests. It’ll save you from the dilemma of having to change your major a year or two into your college career.

Helpful Resources

TILT

Free tutoring and academic support

WRITING CENTER

Free face-to-face and online writing consultations

CAREER CENTER

Drop in career coaching

CSU HEALTH NETWORK COUNSELING

5 free counseling appointments per semester