Navigating through the first year of freshman life is a tough road to follow. There are a lot of insecurities, and I’m trying to fit in with the rest of the crew.
It is a huge transition from high school with some of your close maters into college with strangers.
Quite often, some freshmen get reclusive and intimidated for no reason. It is a period where your anxiety levels go up while developing new friendships and bonds.
But college life is all about independence and identifying your true self. It is a space where you can mold yourself into a completely wholesome person. However, there are some obstacles you must overcome to determine your identity.
We are talking about attending parties, studying, sending assignments to MasterPapers.com, dating, getting rejected, preparing for tests, trying out extracurricular activities, or starting a side hustle for financial freedom. It’s only sometimes to wrap all these things up as a freshman. Here is a step-by-step guide to going through the first year.
Prepare for Adult Life
The moment you walk through the gates, you become an adult. You are in complete charge of your actions. There is a huge transition from childhood to adulthood. At first, there’s some excitement in knowing you’re an adult. It means you can do as you please without anyone to correct your actions from your guardians or parents.
Well, there’s also responsibility for your actions. Each action is treated from an adult perspective, not a child’s. Any misbehavior in school, such as criminal activities, can result in court trials and possible convictions. Therefore, you should understand the power of being an adult and its responsibilities.
Moreover, adult life in college means making decisions about various activities. You must decide where to live, what to eat, who your friends are, and how to interact with your fellow students. Each decision is guided by principles laid during your high school years.
Time Management
Time management is crucial for a first-year student. It can make all the difference between a successful or stressful academic year. You may find yourself with more freedom than ever but more responsibilities. These include attending classes, completing assignments, studying for exams, meeting new people, and getting involved in extracurricular activities. All these activities can prove overwhelming.
An effective way of efficient time management is keeping a schedule or planner. It helps you to track deadlines, appointments, and other important events. Therefore, you can stay on top of your tasks and avoid last-minute cramming or turning to pay for essay services. It also allows you to prioritize your activities and allocate your time accordingly.
We all tend to put off tasks that may seem daunting or unpleasant. However, delaying these tasks only adds to the stress and pressure. Instead, try to break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and work on them consistently over time.
Communication With Parents/Guardians
Going off to college isn’t a big transition only for you but also your friends, family, or guardians. They also have to cope with your absence in their lives. Moreover, college life can be hectic, and you find yourself going months without communicating with your parents or guardians.
While you may be living away from home for the first time, it doesn’t mean you should cut ties with those who have supported you throughout your academic journey. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new experiences in college. However, staying in touch with your family can help you stay grounded and focused.
Whether it’s a weekly phone call, a video chat, or a quick text message, keeping your parents or guardians in the loop will help them understand what you’re going through. Also, they can provide guidance and support when you need it most.
Extensive Reading
The transition from high school to college brings many changes to your academics. No one forces you to read for tests or exams, and your newfound freedom with your academics might get misused without control.
Therefore, it is advisable to grow a reading culture to keep up with your course material and professor. Prepare to encounter an academic workload that will eat into your time. Moreover, there are many assignments from professors with tight deadlines.
Start by creating a study environment for your study sessions. Your dorm is full of noise and distractions for a wholesome study session. Look for another spot, the library or an empty class, to start studying.
Some colleges require incoming students to read a specific book before the start of the semester during summer break. This assigned book may then be discussed in introductory courses and other forums, providing a common topic for students to explore and facilitating discussions among classmates and instructors.
While many students choose to read for pleasure over the summer, these assigned books can help prepare students for the academic expectations and intellectual discourse they will encounter in college.
Keep Tabs on the Student Portal
Another important detail to keep in check during your formative years in college is your student portal. Your portal is your all-access pass to everything you need to know about your classes, grades, assignments, and more. Logging in regularly is important to ensure you get all important announcements and deadlines.
You can access your student portal from anywhere. It means you can stay current on your coursework even when not on campus. Plus, you can use your portal to communicate with your professors and classmates, especially if you have questions or need help with an assignment.
Therefore, log in at least once a day, and don’t hesitate to contact your professors or academic advisors if you need any help navigating your student portal.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations on making the big transition in your academic life. It deserves celebration and recognition as an integral chapter in your life. However, you need to properly prepare for the new chapter, which comes with its own set of challenges to overcome. Practice these steps beforehand for a holistic overview of what awaits you in college.