How to Survive Freshman Year
You’ve been accepted to the high school or college of your choice, and you’re ecstatic. Being a freshman, though, isn’t as easy as it sounds and you have a lot to adjust to. If you’re worried, don’t be: here are some helpful tips on surviving your freshman year.
Adjusting To Your New Environment
Get to know your school. If possible, obtain a campus map. Tour the campus on your first day and find out where your classrooms are. You should also be aware of the other facilities, such as the restrooms, library, clinic and canteen.
Find a comfortable place to study. Everyone needs their own quiet spot where they can study, such as a dorm room or a corner in the library. It should be cozy and have very few distractions to let you get your work done.
As much as possible, stay on campus. Cope with homesickness (Tips on how to get rid of homesickness), and don’t leave too soon or too often.
Making Friends
freshman year
Make the first move. A lot of freshman are shy when they first enter campus, and this is very normal. Learn to be approachable and be the first one to strike up a conversation.
Find friends you’re comfortable with. You’ll have a hard time surviving high school or college without friends, but the ones you stick with should be a good influence on you. Be with people you’re relaxed to hang out with. Don’t give in to peer pressure and don’t push yourself into a group you don’t belong in.
Learn to live with your roommates. You both have your little eccentricities, which might cause disagreements. Talk and make a compromise, so you both won’t go crazy.
Accept the fact that not everyone will like you. There are people that you might not get along with, or have views opposing yours. Don’t let this bother you too much. Live and let live.
Stay away from bullies. Every school has students that finds pleasure by torturing their fellow students. Don’t be intimidated by these. Ignore them as much as you can. Getting into a fight on your freshman year is never a good idea. Here are more tips on getting rid of bullies.
Go to campus parties, but control yourself. They’re unavoidable, especially in college. Attend them, but don’t do anything stupid.
Coping With Your Studies And Workload
Make good first impressions. It’’s true, first impressions last. If you come in late to class on your first day, expect for your teacher to treat you like
Pay attention in class. Taking down notes also helps. You’ll be surprised at how helpful it will be when examinations come.
Ask your professors for assistance. Is there a lesson you didn’t understand or if you want to do makeup work, then approach them. Don’t be hesitant; you’ll be surprised at how teachers appreciate students who appreciate them.
Never procrastinate. Leaving a project undone until the last minute, or studying for a test a few hours before you actually take it can lead to dire consequences. (Learn how to overcome procrastination)
Study. Always strive for improvement. Reading in between classes, not just before examinations week, is a great idea. Joining study groups will also help you.
Extracurricular Activities
Be involved in clubs or organizations you’re interested in. Are you the jock type? Then join football, baseball or basketball. You love to sing? Join the glee club.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. It pays to be adventurous once in a while.
See if extracurricular work can earn you extra points in class. Some professors give extra grades to students who join extracurricular activities.
Attitude Tips
Stay positive. Even if you’re having the worst day, always smile and greet other people.
Never let a failing grade get you down. There’s always a way to make it up.
Consult your guidance counselor for advice. Some freshmen feel worried, stressed and depressed as they are still adjusting. Your counselor can give you tips on how to deal with these feelings.
Enjoy. Life on campus should be an exhilarating experience! Be studious, but learn to unwind every now and then.
These tips will guide you as you go through your freshman year. Before you know it, you’ll be a sophomore and enjoying the campus!