Mastering College Life: 10 Essential First Semester Tips | The Odyssey Online
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Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

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Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Your Schedule

You may have the perfect schedule that a person has ever seen...No Friday classes, no classes before noon and they all get out before 3 PM. But that doesn't mean, "party every night" cause eventually that will catch up with you.

The Library

Oh the library, its a great and magical place where you might actually do homework instead of napping or watching Netflix....but good luck getting a seat there.

Time Management

"You have 2 months to do this paper," says professor.

*inside your head* Omg I have so much time. I'll start it after I finish my season of New Girl on Netflix.

*night before it is due* OMG I can't believe I pushed it all the way until the last minute.

Trust me, it happens. You might learn after the first time or you might not.

Registration

Registration for your first semester is pretty easy. Usually, you do it at orientation so counselors are actually in the room to help you. But for the next semesters that are coming up...it's not so easy. Perfect teachers and ideal time slots will never be found, young freshmen. Hell week=registration week.

Housing

On-campus or off-campus housing is pretty nice. Just keep in mind: roommates will fight, even if it's just a little one they will happen.

The Dining Hall

FRIED CHICKEN DAY...good luck finding even floor space to stand.

Teachers

Get to know your professors. They are there to help you but keep in mind they really don't care if you fail. But they will help you if you show interest in not failing their class. Retaking a professor the next semester isn't a good idea cause they will remember you.

Clubs

First month of school is the Club Fair overload. Everyone is trying to recruit new members with anything money can pay for. Snow Cones, free t-shirts, popcorn, cotton candy. Keep in mind...recruiters for these clubs will jump outta nowhere to see if you want to join their club.

High School Friends

Try and keep in contact with your high school group of friends. "But I'm too busy to text them," you might say. Well, you text that girl from your Chemistry class every day and your sorority sisters, so you have time for them. Your high school friends are going through generally the same college experience, so reach out to them.

Finals

So actually Hell Week is here. Good luck finding a seat anywhere. But take a deep breath, take your time and actually study. Winging your exams in high school was easy, but college is very different.

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