During the first few weeks of the freshmen year, college students commonly feel out of place, overwhelmed and unsure of themselves. The sooner they get acclimated to the school, classes and campus life, the sooner they begin to feel comfortable. Colleges often offer new student orientations, which might involve a few days of social activities, campus tours and games to help students get familiar with the school. Attending social networking events can also help meet new friends. Personal connections can make a major difference in your first impressions of a school.
Students who succeed during their freshman year usually seize control of their schedule, time and commitments from the beginning. Colleges typically distribute handbooks and planners at the start of the year. Maintaining an organized schedule of classes, study time, work and social commitments helps students balance demands. Meeting with professors and marking down critical deadlines from course guides helps you avoid missed assignments and test dates.
Whether or not you had to study intensely to succeed in high school, college usually brings an escalated level of academic rigor. The general rule of thumb is that you will have to spend two to three hours outside of class studying for each hour of time in class. Along with going to class, scheduling study time in a quiet place, like the library, makes it easier to avoid common distractions, such as parties and social outings. Students can also take advantage of academic support centers that help with study skills, test preparation and reading effectiveness. Many offer workshops throughout the year as well.
Stress and anxiety can creep in when students don't find the right balance among school, work and social activities. Feeling the crunch in class can negatively affect your mental and physical health. Eating right and exercising can positive affect your mood and offer stress relief. Embrace social experiences in a safe way. Finding friends early helps in getting past homesickness and allows you to build a support system for personal and academic challenges. Avoiding excessive partying is also an important factor in maintaining good overall health and wellness during a freshman year.