Starting college is a major milestone — a fresh chapter full of opportunity, growth and new independence. Building a strong foundation now will help you feel confident and in control as you navigate this exciting transition. These tips are here to help you find your footing and make the most of your first year!
1. Finding Balance.
College is all about being able to juggle multiple things at once: classes, assignments, extracurriculars, clubs, social life and sleep (if you’re lucky). Finding balance is going to be your saving grace, so here’s how to do it:
- Utilize a planner or calendar app: Your professors will give you a syllabus that details each due date and assignment. Write them down! Keeping track of all your assignments in one place makes it easier to divide your time and prepare each assignment. Want to know a secret? Google Docs has an assignment tracker template to help make things easier.
- Break down your bigger assignments: If you’re easily overwhelmed by a big assignment: you are not alone! The key to completing these and NOT saving them until the last minute? Create your own pretend deadlines. Break it down and have different portions “due” by certain dates, all on your own terms and schedule!
- Set (multiple) reminders: You’re going to forget a quiz is today, or that assignment was due last night… it happens! You’re juggling a lot, so preparing ahead of time to remind your future self can help avoid these situations and avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Push Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone.
Heading off to college can feel like starting over. In a way, this is true, but it is a great opportunity to meet new people. The friends you make in college are most likely to be your friends for life. Plus, everyone is in the same boat as you—so get out there and be social!
- Attend the orientation events: We know, sometimes they can feel a little cheesy and it’s easy to write them off. But they are the perfect environment to scope out your class and meet new people. The person you sit next to might just become your new best friend!
- Check out the clubs and organizations on campus: College campuses have dozens of clubs and organizations for you to join based on your interests, goals, culture, hobbies and more. They are a perfect way to freely explore things that you might not have been able to in high school. Shared interests = instant connections!
- Say yes to invitations: People might invite you to their dorms or even just for a coffee run. Whatever it is, try to embrace these new opportunities to say YES. Isolating yourself is going to make you feel even more homesick.
3. Take Advantage of College Resources.
Your tuition covers a lot more than just your classes! Your college campus has a lot to offer you to help you navigate through your college experience. Take advantage of these resources to improve your academics, mental health, career goals and more!
- Academic support: There are writing centers, labs and tutoring centers that can provide you with extra support when you need it. Don’t hesitate to attend your professor’s office hours either, they want you to succeed!
- Health and counseling: There may be times when you feel like you can’t handle it all. This is normal in college and the exact reason campuses have these resources in place. Taking care of your mental health is equally as important as your academic success.
- Gym facilities: Moving your body and staying active can help you relieve stress. Your campus likely has a gym that is free for you to attend. A lot of them offer classes like yoga, pilates, or even spin. These are great places to meet friends too.
The habits and connections you build now will carry you through your college journey and beyond. Embrace the adventure ahead — you’re more ready than you think!
