Essential Tips for Thriving in Your First Year of College.
So…you’re headed off to college. Congratulations! All of your hard work in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the art or music room, or in the community have led you to this big moment. Maybe you’ve been speaking with others about their college experiences. Or maybe you’re a first-generation college student with no clear expectations. Either way, as you get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, here’s some insight that will help you in your first year!
There are almost 6,000 colleges and universities in the US alone, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. And, families may wonder, where do we even begin?
Be as prepared as possible.
Yes, orientations feel long and repetitive. Go anyway! Each event, tour, and info session will give you a better understanding of your school’s campus, layout, offerings, and systems (which you may need at some point). You’ll be glad you went to that orientation when you need to navigate the financial aid office, change roommates, or find the fastest route to a new building when you’re running late (which can happen frequently).
You’re in charge. Own it.
One of the biggest adjustments for a college freshman is realizing that no one’s going to keep you on track… but you. In high school, teachers might have reminded you of assignment deadlines. Your parent may have followed up if you missed something. In college, your professors will lay out the schedule and simply expect you to manage it on your own.
It’s crucial for you to get organized from the very first day. Whether you prefer a physical planner, a calendar app for your phone and tablet, or sticky notes on your dorm room wall, find an organizational system that helps you keep track of important assignments and deadlines. (This may or may not be different from what worked for you in high school.)
Homesickness might surprise you.
You’ve been counting the hours until move-in day. But when it comes, and you’ve gotten past the initial elation of being independent, you may feel let down, sad, and even homesick. Don’t panic. This is normal! According to Forbes magazine, “The 2023 Transition to College Survey by CollegeData.com found that over half of college students experience homesickness.”
College is a huge transition, and it’s okay to admit that. Leaving home (especially if you’ve had a very structured daily routine or a lot of family support) can feel overwhelming…at first. Don’t be afraid to call home or send a quick text. Staying connected can make the transition smoother.
Don’t lose sight of your goal. Academics first.
Academically, the leap from high school to college can be huge. No matter how strong your academic background is, you may find yourself needing extra help at some point. It’s okay! Colleges offer tons of support services including tutoring centers, writing help, counseling, and helpful academic advisors (find out who yours is right away). Using these types of resources isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s the smart way to stay on top of your grades.
You’ll also need to give yourself a bit of time to adjust. It’s different for everyone. Some students dig into their major right away, some need more time to figure out what you want to do. It’s important to explore classes that make you curious. And, don’t be afraid to step outside your declared (or intended) major to take something unexpected. You might discover a subject that lights you up in a way you really didn’t anticipate.
Also, while going to class might sound obvious, it can be oh-so-tempting to skip when your bed feels cozy and your Calculus class starts at 8 a.m. Don’t fall into that trap! Remember, you are in charge of you and your results.
Join a club…or two.
Getting involved and finding “your people” will make campus feel a lot more like home. Don’t overdo it (you are there to earn a degree, after all), but joining a club, intramural team, student government, or ethnic organization can introduce you to new friends and give you a sense of belonging. Your group or team helps a big campus feel smaller.
Joining a group can also help you find your “third place” environment. Finding a spot that feels like yours outside your dorm and classrooms is essential (this is especially helpful if you have any roommate issues).
Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes.
Although you’d never know it from your classmates’ Insta feeds, overwhelm during freshman year is a pretty universal experience. Between managing classes, mounds of homework and reading, exams, long-term projects, social events, sports, clubs, plus adjusting to a completely new environment and a roommate, it’s easy to feel like it’s all too much!
When that happens, it’s important to remind yourself that you are not alone. Most students feel unprepared at some point (even if they don’t talk about it). So give yourself a bit of grace and try not to compare your first-year experience to someone else’s reel. If you are down, or if the feelings don’t go away, please seek professional help at your school’s wellness center. (With years of experience working with thousands of students, there’s literally nothing they have not heard before.)
Take care of yourself.
It’s easy to put self-care on the back burner when everything is so new and exciting, but your health matters. Get sufficient sleep, eat properly, exercise, and find ways to manage your stress. Hit the gym (it’s free!). Take a walk. Try yoga, journaling, or meditation. Small, but consistent habits will help keep you grounded, healthy, and happy.
At the end of the day, college is about discovering who you are, what you love, and how you want to contribute to the world. Of course, there will be tough classes, lots of personal growth, and moments of doubt. But college will also bring you days when you’re absolutely on top of the world! It’s all part of the journey. You’ve worked hard to get here…now enjoy the ride!