How to survive my first year of college? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things Every College Freshman Should Know By February At The Latest

I thought I had college all figured out until I actually got there.

1505
10 Things Every College Freshman Should Know By February At The Latest
Personal Photo

In This Article:

Going through such a big transition can be hard, so here are some tips on how to navigate it all.

1. Don't stretch yourself too thin

You have four years to get involved in your school, so don't jump right into doing all the clubs you're interested in, trying out for sports teams, volunteering, interning, etc. while you're still balancing your class load. College classes are an adjustment and those should be your priority, especially during your first year while you are figuring out how things work. Getting involved is exciting, but can make your first year overwhelming rather than a fun adventure.

2. Do not study the night before an exam, no matter how well it worked for you in high school

High school was very easy to me and it was shocking coming to college and actually having to work hard for my grades. I got my first C+ in college because of my bad studying habits, so don't make the same mistake as me! Even if it's just an hour a night, start studying a week or so out from a big exam. It will make such a huge difference in your grades and really reduce your stress when it comes to studying. Cramming the night before will not only stress you out, but you will probably end up staying up all night, which is not helpful for your brain during an exam.

3. A healthy sleeping/eating schedule is so important

upload.wikimedia.org

My sleeping habits were so weird my first semester of college. Sleeping in a room with someone else with noises I wasn't used to and a weird bed made it hard for me to sleep well at nights, so after awhile I stopped trying to go to sleep at a decent time. This made me too tired to function well throughout my day, which ending up making things worse for me in the long run classes wise. Not to mention, it made it a whole lot easier for me to skip my morning classes. Keep a consistent sleep schedule as much as you can because sleep may be the one thing that keeps you sane and it is so important to fuel your brain.

I had days where I would completely forget to eat at all because I was so busy. Some days, all I did was eat a lot of junk food and microwaveable snacks instead of real, decent meals. I have never had my face break out the way it did my freshman year, mostly because of my nasty eating habits. It is so easy to forget to eat when you have so much to do, but eating, and eating healthy, is also very important to fuel your brain and your body to the point it needs to be to keep you at your best for your classes.

4. GO TO OFFICE HOURS

c1.staticflickr.com

I was always too prideful, and afraid, to go to my professors' office hours. I wouldn't admit when I was struggling and needed help until it was too late to get it. Plus, professors outside of class are just really intimidating. But they have these office hours to help you, IT'S THEIR JOB! And most professors will appreciate you making the effort to get help when you need it. It gives you an opportunity to get more help in a more personal setting. I have yet to have a negative experience with professors' office hours.

5. You will meet so many people in college, don't stress over friendships that don't work out

c1.staticflickr.com

Oh, man, did I freak out when the group of friends I hung out with the first couple of weeks parted ways. I thought I would never have anyone to go out with again or eat lunch with. Boy, was I wrong! College is like an endless sea of friendships, there are so many opportunities to meet new people and even some that share the same interests as you. Don't fret over lost friendships because there are so many more around the corner.

6. One failed exam doesn't mean you're screwed

c2.staticflickr.com

Yep, I cried the first time I got a failing grade. For days. But it is really NOT the end of the world. Go to office hours and talk to your professor about where you went wrong, learn from your mistakes so you can do better next time. It doesn't mean you will fail the class or fail out of college. Sure, it sucks, but definitely view it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. But don't make it a habit and think you can get out of it every time! Too many failing grades will affect you negatively in the long run.

7. Talk to your parents every night

c1.staticflickr.com

After a bad day, talking to my mom could be my saving grace. Your parents may be far away, but it's important to keep in touch with them throughout your journey. Not only will it make you feel better, but it will make them feel a whole lot better too.

8. College isn't meant to be all about work

c1.staticflickr.com

Yes, it's very important to focus on your classes and get good grades while you're at college. But it's also supposed to a new adventure. You are on your own for the first time, all the decisions you make are completely of your own will and it's an exciting new time of fun and freedom. You don't need to spend all four years of college in the library. Go out with your friends and have a good time at least every once in a while! Every college freshman needs to experience a frat party at some point. But make sure to balance fun and studies!

9. Now is the time to learn to BUDGET

c1.staticflickr.com

There are so many expenses in college, whether your parents help you or not. And a lot of freshmen won't have jobs their first year of college, making budgeting even more important. Definitely treat yourself here and there, you're working hard and you deserve it! But your days of stress shopping need to end. You have textbooks, planners, and homework access codes to purchase now.

10. It will go by so fast, so cherish it.

I am already halfway through my sophomore year and it feels like just yesterday I was moving into my dorm. These years in college are truly the best years of your life, through the struggles, finding yourself, and the adventure. Cherish living in the dorms, a few feet away from your best friends and anything you need on campus. Cherish the crazy parties and the movie nights in with your friends. Cherish the study groups, the late nights, and the victorious feeling when you get back a good grade. Don't wish it away because after college comes the real world.

Report this Content
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

3044
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2645
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments