3 Tips to Make it Through Your First Semester at College

studying-in-dormStarting off at a brand new school with thousands of fresh, new faces can be overwhelming and super nerve-racking to say the least! But don’t worry, keep your head held high, take a deep breath, and just follow these tips!

Tip #1: Meet as many people as possible.

Outside of your dorm:

A college campus has more clubs and organizations than you could ever imagine! During the first week at your new home, there is going to be a massive club and organization fair. It’s for the entire new freshman class to come, pick the clubs that interest them, and sign up! Don’t just sign up for one or two clubs. Sign up for every single one that interests or excites you! It’ll give you plenty of opportunities to meet new friends while deciding which clubs are right for you.

Inside of your dorm:

Your dorm floor is one of the best places to bond and make new friendships. Everyone on your floor will be just as equally excited as you are to hang out. So take advantage of the games and hang out sessions that your RA, Resident Assistant, is going to put on for you. It’s a fun, free, and easy way to meet all of your neighbors. You never know the neighbors down the hall could become your lifelong friends!

Tip #2: Get to know your professors

College classes are a major transition from the ordinary high school class. As a freshman, you are going to be placed into at least two lecture style classrooms. Lecture classes can be scary because you can be in a classroom that holds a range from 100 to 500 students, which means, you might feel like you’re getting lost in the crowd.

Professors will hold office hours every week and that is the perfect time for you to go introduce yourself, voice any questions or concerns, and just get to know them a little bit. I promise it will help you so much more in the long run.

Once they know who you are and that you’re serious about getting a good grade in their class, they’ll be more than happy and willing to help you anytime in the future. It is one hundred percent beneficial to your grade.

Tip #3: Let Your Hair Down Every Once in a While

The pressure and stress of freshman year can be astronomical. Not only are you figuring out your way around the campus, getting used to living with a roommate or two, making new friends, but also working extra hard to get satisfying grades for the semester. It’s a lot to take on in such a short period of time, so don’t forget to have fun!

Take a night off from the studies and stress of college to just let your hair down and hang out with your friends.

If you feel like staying in, you can have a movie-thon and popcorn night and gush over your favorite dreamy actors or have a video game competition and the loser has to put on a skit for all of the girls on your floor.

If you feel like going out for a night on the town, then get dressed up with your friends and dine at a cute, quaint, local downtown restaurant or just go to the local pizza joint, hang out, and listen to music.

Just remember, college isn’t about limiting yourself. It’s about maximizing all opportunities possible! It’s your chance to evolve and grow into the young adult you want to become in life.

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