Going into college freshman year can be crazy and terrifying, you do not know what to expect and you're new. I just finished my freshman year of college and I have learned a lot. Everything listed here is things I didn't know going into college because nobody told me or I didn't believe it. Below is a list of things I wish someone would have told me before I entered freshman year of college.
1. READ YOUR SYLLABUS
Keeping your syllabus is very important. It is there for a reason. It basically helps you pass the class, don't ignore it! I used my time to copy upcoming due dates into my planner which was so much easier. Read it and Reference it.
You may not think you need it but the course objectives are listed in there which tells you what you should expect to get out the class.
Your professor's office hours are listed in there (usually on the first page) for when you need to discuss anything such as grades, an assignment or getting help with that specific course.
There will be a course schedule/outline that will provide all of your assignments such as quiz and test dates, projects and reading or writing assignments. and it'll let you know when assignments are due.
Points needed for passing the class will be on there also.
2. There is so much I've learned in college that I didn't learn in high school
How to study - In high school, there wasn't serious studying all day every day like it is in college.
How to deal with FAFSA and student loans - In your last year of high school, you start to deal with FAFSA which is just a little experience but in college, there will be people that will be able to help you if you need it.
How to save money - Saving money in college has to be the hardest thing to do but you'll learn how important it actually is.
How to manage stress - You cannot compare high school stress and college stress to each other.
How to stay organized - A few months in, you start to realize what it truly means being a "full-time" college student. You have quizzes, exams, readings, social activities, and important meetings all on top of each other. (Check out my last blog post "The Unknown 16 Pitfall's of College.")
How to effectively manage time - Make a plan with assignments, social activities and studying time. Do your homework on time, there aren't parents or teachers to stand over you. Learn to focus: College isn't social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat). Learn to focus without breaks and additional stimulation.
How to end poor relationships and create/maintain good ones - Relationships are tested in college whether its friendships, family relationships or romantic relationships. When you leave for college, that is when you realize how people are. They begin to show their true colors.
There are many more if you ever want to know anything such as tips or information as far as college, Feel free to email me or contact me on social media below.
3. Join a Club/Organization
We tend to overlook some opportunities that come with the beginning of the semester. Joining a club in college is key as long as you make the decision worthwhile.
You're able to connect with people that you share the same interest in. You're surrounding yourself with people who like the same thing and become friends.
It can be a great resume booster. There are events and major networking opportunities that can help later on with internships and careers once you graduate.
You're trying something different!
Have fun. It could be beneficial to you by providing you with experience, networking connections and confidence. You get to be apart of something you enjoy and invested in.
4. Don't fall behind
There will be times where there are about 3 weeks left until the semester is over but bad because you feel as though you are falling behind. Dealing with 7 classes, being a part of 2 organizations and having tons of papers to write can be a lot to handle. If you ever find yourself struggling, help it there.
Don't wait last minute to ask for a deadline extension
Use the weekends to catch up on work
Stay organized
Set earlier deadlines than the actual deadline
Make time for yourself to relax
5. Studying is important
Achievement of high education is not possible without studying in college. College is a bundle of knowledge. Students become more confident, responsible knowledgeable and independent.
6. Select professors instead of courses
Utilize ratemyprofessors.com This is the best advice I have to offer. The first semester I wasn't able to do this since I signed up for classes with my advisor. The second semester my advisor helped me choose my classes but I was still able to choose my professors. I only took classes with highly rated professors and if I didn't see a professors name on their, I went to my schools "IUP 2021" Facebook page to ask students suggested professors for a specific class. I enjoyed every single one of my classes besides some of them being difficult. Good professors are important in ensuring a positive college experience.
7. Study groups are helpful
A lot of people have different studying habits - some like studying by their selves while others find studying with other classmates helpful. Be careful of who you let in your study group, some people can be a distraction.
8. Go to class
There have been times where I've wanted to skip class and just sleep all day but I always ended up going to class. I was always glad I did because there would be in class assignments as soon as class started instead of attendance. Not once have I missed a class unless I was sick. Since education is being paid for, don't let it go to waste!
9. Benefits in college
Honestly, college is expensive (I'm not just talking about tuition.) Once you receive a student college ID, you can save money on a lot of things since you'll be given student discounts almost all the time.
Visit Unidays.com
10. GO TO EXTRA CREDIT
It could really boost your grade depending on how many points you are able to receive from extra credit. The way grades are calculated in high school and college are very different. Even if you feel as though you don't need the extra credit, DO IT!
11. Meet Professors
A lot of people make sit there and complain that professors don't care about you or your grade but 9/10 that isn't true. Don't wait until something serious happens to meet them. Make sure they know who you are. At the end of the semester you may find yourself not doing so good, chances are they'll be more willing to help you out if they know who you are.
12. Don't buy your text books from the bookstore
It is a waste of money. During my first year, I didn't realize my school had an "Indiana University of Pennsylvania 2021" page so I wasted at least $300 on books. The beginning of my second semester, I was able to use my school facebook page to find old textbooks that I needed for class.
Suggestion: Look to see if your school has a facebook page: Students go on there to look for help, selling clothes, equipment, books and much more. If you can't find the book you need there, check online on websites such as Amazon.com, Chegg.com or VitalSource.com. You'll find yourself saving $200 by just renting a book instead of buying.
GOOD LUCK FRESHMANS!
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