First Year
College Advice
Advice for First Year College/University Students
Scroll down for Page 1. To travel to Page 2, select the button below or continue to scroll down.
Page 1
Value New & Old Connections:
- The connections you build are greatly advantageous. Attend office hours, find a mentor, visit your advisor every other month/few months, and make friends with upperclassmen and your classmates. No matter the person, you could gain a different point of view, some new piece of knowledge or an idea, or simply a new friend. Regarding friendships, find a core group and stick with them! College friends are likely to be your for-lifers!
- Explore and Be Flexible
- Don’t be afraid to explore/change your major/field of interest. Regardless of what you had planned, finding a genuine interest and enjoying it is much better than being stuck in something you dislike. Do NOT be pressured by others to pursue a study/career.
- Your Bestfriend: The Syllabus
- Prioritize getting to know the syllabus in your courses. Often, the syllabus will provide you with important information such as test/exam dates, what’s expected of you, and how the class is structured. With this, it’ll be easy to plan ahead and create an effective schedule.
- Get to Know Your Campus:
- Familiarize yourself with the campus layout, including academic buildings, dining halls, libraries, and student support services. Ask for directions if needed!
- Attend Orientation/Career Events:
- Take advantage of orientation programs and events to meet fellow students, learn about campus resources, and get acquainted with college life. Everyone is new to campus just as you are, so don’t be afraid to socialize and make some friends! Also, career fairs are a great opportunity to make connections and inquire about work in your field/receiving an internship/etc.
- Establish a Routine:
- Set up a consistent daily routine that includes class times, study sessions, meals, exercise, and leisure activities to stay organized and balanced.
- Stay on Top of Assignments:
- Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and exam dates using a planner or digital calendar, and start working on tasks well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Get Involved:
- Explore clubs, organizations, sports teams, and campus activities to meet new people, pursue your interests, and enhance your college experience. It’ll be easy to secure a leadership position later by getting involved now!
- Use Academic Resources:
- As stated previously, the syllabus is your best friend! Take advantage of academic support services such as tutoring, writing centers, study groups, and academic advising to excel in your coursework. Utilizing these services can give you an edge.
Page 2
- Utilize Professors:
- Establish open lines of communication with your professors by attending office hours, asking questions, and seeking feedback on assignments to build rapport and academic support. Also, always look your professors up prior to signing up for a course. Rate My Professor is a great resource- choose the highest/best-rated professor regardless of the time. A good professor is more valuable than getting to wake up a few hours later.
- Take Care of Your Health:
- Prioritize your physical and mental health by eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and seeking support from campus health services or counseling centers when needed.
- Manage Your Finances:
- Create a budget to track your expenses, including tuition, housing, textbooks, and personal expenses, and explore financial aid options, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities to alleviate financial stress. Saving money is crucial when in school!
- Stay Connected with Family and Friends:
- Maintain connections with family and friends from home through regular communication, visits, and virtual meetups to provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
- Explore Career Opportunities:
- Take advantage of career services, networking events, and informational interviews to investigate potential career paths, internships, and jobs relevant to your field of study.
- Seek Balance:
- To avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being, find a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Burnout is very common while in school, so visit our ‘Beneficial Practices’ page for motivation support!
- Take Risks and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone:
- You should embrace new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for personal growth and academic improvement, regardless of whether they push you beyond your comfort zone. Your four years of college/university go by quickly, so act now so you don’t have any regrets.
- Practice Self-Advocacy:
- Take the initiative to pursue your academic and personal interests, and speak up about your needs. Have a strong sense of self-advocacy and seek accommodations when required.
- Reflect and Adapt:
- As you progress through your first year of college, you must evaluate your experiences, successes, challenges, and goals frequently, and constantly reevaluate your strategies, goals, and plans.
- Utilize Professors:
- Establish open lines of communication with your professors by attending office hours, asking questions, and seeking feedback on assignments to build rapport and academic support. Also, always look your professors up prior to signing up for a course. Rate My Professor is a great resource- choose the highest/best-rated professor regardless of the time. A good professor is more valuable than getting to wake up a few hours later.
- Take Care of Your Health:
- Prioritize your physical and mental health by eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and seeking support from campus health services or counseling centers when needed.
- Manage Your Finances:
- Create a budget to track your expenses, including tuition, housing, textbooks, and personal expenses, and explore financial aid options, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities to alleviate financial stress. Saving money is crucial when in school!
- Stay Connected with Family and Friends:
- Maintain connections with family and friends from home through regular communication, visits, and virtual meetups to provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
- Explore Career Opportunities:
- Take advantage of career services, networking events, and informational interviews to investigate potential career paths, internships, and jobs relevant to your field of study.
- Seek Balance:
- To avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being, find a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Burnout is very common while in school, so visit our ‘Beneficial Practices’ page for motivation support!
- Take Risks and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone:
- You should embrace new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for personal growth and academic improvement, regardless of whether they push you beyond your comfort zone. Your four years of college/university go by quickly, so act now so you don’t have any regrets.
- Practice Self-Advocacy:
- Take the initiative to pursue your academic and personal interests, and speak up about your needs. Have a strong sense of self-advocacy and seek accommodations when required.
- Reflect and Adapt:
- As you progress through your first year of college, you must evaluate your experiences, successes, challenges, and goals frequently, and constantly reevaluate your strategies, goals, and plans.
Back Up to Page 1
