How to survive your freshman year: Advice from a fifth year senior.

            What were you in high school? Perhaps you were valedictorian, class president, or even class clown. Were you voted “Most likely to succeed”? Were you voted for anything at all? Maybe you were drum major in the band, or dance team captain, like me. Whatever your stereotypical title was, it doesn’t really matter what you did in high school once you transition into college. Just because you were, or weren’t, successful in high school doesn’t mean that you will be the same way in college.

            Once you get into college you get your first taste of real freedom. No more curfews or, if your parents were like mine, no more designated study time. You’re finally free. However, what some college freshman don’t realize is that the decisions and choices that you make during your freshman year will have a lasting effect on the rest of your college experience. When I hear people talk about how college is all about freedom, I hear the words of my high school math teacher echo in my head. “With great freedom, comes great responsibility”.

The first week of your freshman experience is one of the most exciting, nerve racking, and important weeks of your life. College can be fun, some people even say it is the best four years, or in my case five years, of your life. Just remember that you are at college to get a degree, not party. However, on a more serious note, I have compiled a list of what I consider to be the best tips on how to survive your freshman year.

Get to know the people you live with.

These people are the ones who are going to help you through a lot of tough situations. Consider them your new family. Your roommate will be someone who you will always remember, even if you don’t get along. These people are going through the same thing you are. It is more than likely their first time away from home too. Your roommate, or roommates, will become some of your first friends that you have at college. Take time to get to know them, and allow them to get to know you. Having game nights with your roommates, or whoever else wants to join in, is a great way to have fun and get to know one another.

Be organized!

If you are anything like me, then you weren’t the best at time management in high school. In college, you make your own schedule. This is a blessing and a curse. Although you now have the freedom to make your own schedule, you might forget about certain assignments or due dates because you want to focus on other things. Being organized helps with that. Figure out what kind of schedule works out best for you. Are you a morning person, or do you function better later in the day? Being on a schedule will help you figure out what time you can devote to studying, as well as how much time you have for other activities. I suggest getting a planner and utilizing it to make sure you keep up with all of your assignments, and whatever else you might need it for.

Go to class!

You would think that this wouldn’t have to be said. It’s kind of obvious that you should go to class. Even if some teachers don’t take role doesn’t mean that you don’t have to go. Just because you can skip, doesn’t mean you should. Look at it this way, you, or someone else, is paying for you to go to that class. No one likes to waste money, especially the amount of money that each class cost. So, make sure you’re getting your moneys worth. Every time you skip a class remember this, if you don’t pass this class now, you will have to take it again in order to graduate.

Get to know your teachers, especially your academic advisor!

The professors are there to teach you, obviously, but they are also there to help guide you. All of the professors at your college care about you and they want you to succeed in their class. By asking questions and and participating in class discussions it will show them that you care about your grade. If there is any professor that you need to get to know it is your academic advisor. He or she is the main professor that is there to help you throughout your college experience. They are there to help you select your classes and advise you on what major might fit you best. Consider them your personal cheerleader.

Don’t rush into a major!

Your freshman year is about experiences and learning who you are as a person. Don’t be so quick to declare a major. During your first semester, take some entry level classes into different departments. See which ones you like best and which ones might not work out for you. For your first year, or at least your first semester, just worry about your general studies and get a feel for what you want to spend the next four years learning about. If it is the same thing that you initially wanted, great, but there is nothing wrong with changing your major one, or two times.

Get involved on campus!

This is one of the easiest thing to do during your freshman year. No matter what college you go to, there are so many different organizations on campus that you can join. If you were in band in high school, join the band in college. If you are interested in politics, then maybe your colleges Student Government Organization is something you might want to join. If you want to form a life long bond through an organization, then maybe rushing, or pledging, a Greek organization is something you might be interested in. No matter what interest you, there is an organization for you. The most important part about joining an organization is getting to know more people that share similar interest and will be positive influences.

Party responsibly!

Like I have said before, college is supposed to be fun but remember what you are there to do. Although there may be a party every day of the week, don’t fall into the trap of staying out all night, every night. Don’t give into peer pressure about going to a party on Thursday night when you know you have a test the next morning. There will always be another party. So, make sure you keep your focus on your studies and not on when the next frat party is.

These are just a few tips that I wish someone told me when I was an incoming freshman. Had I have followed these tips, I would be a lot better off in my senior year. However, I, like a lot of other students, fell into the trap of not realizing the amount of responsibility, maturity, and self-discipline it takes to make it through college. There are so many other tips and advice that I could give you on how to survive your freshman year, but there are something’s that you will just have to experience on your own. No matter what I, or anyone else for that matter, says you will do what you want. Just remember, “With great freedom, comes great responsibility”.