Do's and Don'ts for FRESHMAN Year

Sadly, school is approaching fast! I thought I'd sit down and right a post on some do's & don'ts for those who are about to enter their freshman year of college!
Enjoy.

DO

Schedule early classes. 

Now I will probably be debated on this, because some people may say that it's nicer to have afternoon classes so you can have a morning to relax. 

I personally think that scheduling early classes allows you to have much more freedom throughout your day. You also will get all the boring stuff/hard tests, etc out of the way!

It also helps guard against procrastination - a college students biggest enemy. Ha!

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DON'T

Skip Class.

Again, this isn't a popular opinion, and some teachers may even say they don't care if you don't come to class, but you are paying for that class (or your parents are). Plus, a lot of professors are more inclined to be gracious & nice towards you if you are a diligent student that comes to class.

For instance, my Freshman year I was making a solid B in one class, but I made the effort to talk to my professor and to show up for class -- EVERY class. She ended up rounding my grade up to an A-. 
Showing up to class pays off.

I cannot tell you how many times professors have also said, "This isn't on the study guide I sent out so write down what I am about to say." Sure enough, it was on the test. So everyone that didn't show up to class that day probably didn't get that test question right.

Also, make sure to use your allotted amount of absences for only necessary things. If you use them just because you want to sleep in, you never know when you could actually need them because you are sick or because of unforeseen circumstances.

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DO

Scout your class locations out BEFORE the first day of classes.

This has been a LIFESAVER! The first day of classes is already a huge frenzy (especially for me because I commute to school. Finding parking can be a nightmare). Most of the time, you are kind of nervous your first day, you never know what would happen that morning before class, and the last thing you want to happen is not being able to find your class, which causes you to show up late. Embarrassing. Do yourself a favor - take your class schedule and find every classroom you'll be in! That way you'll be familiar with where you are going beforehand & you'll avoid feeling rushed. 

It's also helpful to screenshot your class schedule with the class location and room number just in case you need an easy access.

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DON'T

Be afraid to ask your professor for help.

This kind of goes along with showing up for class, but again, my final grade has been adjusted before and I am convinced that it was because I made the effort to reach out to my professors and ask for help. After all, that's what they are there to do. 

At the University I attend, professors are required to have office hours. Take advantage of those. 

It's truly rare for there to be a committed student nowadays, and it really takes professors by surprise (in a good way).

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DO

Keep a snack in your book-bag.

There is nothing worse than having a day full of classes and forgetting to eat or bring a snack. It makes classes feel so much longer & it's so hard to concentrate. Pack a granola bar in your book-bag and keep it in there!

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DON'T

Feel pressure to get involved in every student organization.

You have the next four years at your school. Those organizations will still be around. Use your first semester as a Freshman to get to know people around you and get used to being a college student. 

People will pressure you into being involved in stuff and it's totally ok to say no! Do what is best for you!

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DO

Get to class at least 10 minutes early.

I have struggled with this one, but this will give you enough time to get settled and not interrupt anyone by coming in late. You can also avoid the whole class awkwardly staring at you as you find your seat.

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DON'T

Wait until the last minute to submit work.

It is so much easier to just be ahead of the game and submit your assignment a couple of hours or days before it's actually due. This is especially helpful if you are using an online submission site because you never know when your wifi or computer will malfunction causing you to submit a late paper. Trust me, it's worth the effort.

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DO

Buy a planner.

It is seriously so helpful! I like to write down my class schedule and when different tests, quizzes, and papers/projects are due! It's so easy to forget about when a test is due, so this will help ensure that you are on top of everything!
Here are a few of my faves!!

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DON'T

Be worried about making friends.

You will make friends just because you are in a new place and many people around you are in the same situation. It may take a semester to get to know people, but you WILL make friends! 

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I hope this helped you as you transition into being a college student! It's such an exciting, yet daunting time. Hopefully, this will calm your nerves and get you thinking about some things you can do to make your freshman year a complete success!

xoxo

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