College is a whole new ball game. The stakes are much higher and the rules a lot more complicated – not to mention the pressures of juggling classes, assignments, lectures and keeping up with your peers socially! It’s no wonder that many first-year students struggle to adjust. That being said, there’s nothing quite like having the support of fellow freshman in your corner. Your first year of college is an exciting yet challenging time in your life. From registering for classes, to finding ways to fund your education and making friends who will help you succeed; there are plenty of things you need to know about this new chapter in your life. This blog post is meant as a guide for anyone who’s about to begin their freshman year or just thinking about it. Here we cover everything from what you should bring with you (and what not), how to choose a major and which clubs might be right for you based on your interests,

What to bring to your Freshman Year of College #

Before you go off and pack your bags for the big move, there are a few things you need to take care of for your first year of college. Here are some essentials: –

A Laptop or Desktop Computer – You’re going to need it for your classes, papers and assignments. Plus, now that you’re in college, it’s a great idea to start getting into the habit of building a professional online presence.

A Good Backpack – You’ll spend most of your time walking around with this on your back so it’s best to get a good one. Your backpack is where all of your books, binders and notebooks live, so it’s important to get a durable one with lots of pockets and compartments so you can easily find what you need.

Comfortable Clothes – When it comes to how you dress, your general rule should be comfortable yet classy. You want to be able to wear the same clothes on a daily basis and still feel good about yourself. Avoid clothes that are too baggy or too tight, and instead opt for a nice, somewhat neutral color palette.

A Weekly Planner – This is your new best friend. You’ll use it for everything, from keeping track of your assignments to making a grocery list for your dorm. Make sure to pick one that’s the perfect size for you.

How to pick a major #

Picking a major is one of the first big decisions you’ll make while in college. It’s something that you’ll likely be thinking about and talking to your friends about all the time, so it’s important to make sure that you’ve really narrowed it down and know what you want. Here are some tips for picking a major:

Do some soul-searching – Spend some time really thinking about what interests you. Make a list of things you’ve always been interested in or have had a passion for, no matter how silly or weird they may seem.

Make a pros and cons list – Once you’ve got a few subjects in mind, write them down and next to each one, make a list of the pros and cons that come along with each one. This will help you to really narrow down the best choice for you.

Talk to your friends – One of the best ways to find out more about potential majors is to talk to your friends. Your friends may have a major that they can’t shut up about, or they might have changed their major multiple times already, so they’ll be able to give you a realistic look at what your life would be like with each major.

How to find the right classes for you #

You’ve made the decision on what major you want to study and now it’s time to pick your classes. While there may be certain requirements that need to be fulfilled, you can also add classes that appeal to your interests and hobbies. Doing this will help you to get a better sense of what your college years will be like and also provide you with extra knowledge and skills that you can use in your future career. Here are some things you should keep in mind when picking your classes: –

Your class schedule – It’s important to make sure you’re staying on top of your class schedule and assignments. There are plenty of tools out there to help you keep track of everything, from online calendars to mobile apps that send you reminders.

Your professors – Professors can make or break your college experience, so it’s important to find ones that challenge you while also being approachable and friendly when you need extra help.

Your textbooks – While it’s important to find classes that interest you, you also want to make sure that you’re in a class that’s manageable. Avoid picking classes that are super easy or too difficult, and instead find a happy medium.

Where and when to meet your professors #

Professors are people too, and they want to get to know you. Getting to know your professors will not only help you to get better grades, but it will also give you an extra edge in your career when you enter the real world. Here are some tips for meeting and making friends with your professors: –

Get to know them during office hours – You’re not the only one who has to figure out how to navigate the ins and outs of college, so take advantage of your professors during office hours. You can use this time to exchange contact information, set up coffee dates or invite them to your club meetings.

Attend their office hours – Professors are busy people, so it can be hard for them to remember the names and faces of their hundreds of students. If you want to get noticed by your professors, make a point to attend their office hours so you can get their attention. Plus, office hours are a great way to get some extra help and catch up on any missed lectures or readings.

Meet them at the beginning of every term – While you can certainly try to make friends with your professors throughout the term, it’s best to make a point to meet them at the beginning of each new semester. This way you can make an impression, and they’ll remember who you are when they’re grading your papers and handing out grades.

Tips for making friends in college #

Making friends in college can be tricky, but here are a few ways to make it a little bit easier:

Join clubs and organisations that interest you – Clubs are a great way to meet new people and make friends. Not only do clubs provide you with a way to get involved on campus, but they also give you a reason to talk to other students that have similar interests. You can find a list of clubs at your school’s student union or online.

Invite your friends from high school to visit you – You may have friends from high school that are itching to visit you on campus. If they’re close by, make a point to invite them to visit and show you around. This is a great way to meet new people and make friends in your new environment.

Get involved in social activities off campus – While it’s important to focus on your schoolwork during the week, you also want to make sure that you’re having a good time. Try to make plans for the weekend, or even better, attend a party that’s happening close to campus.

3 Steps to Take Care of Yourself During Your First Year of College #

Making friends, studying and keeping up with your extracurricular activities is a lot of work. It’s easy to get caught up in everything that you need to do, and before you know it, you’re burning the candle at both ends. Here are a few ways to take care of yourself during your first year of college:

 Get enough sleep – You’ll never be able to truly succeed if you’re running on empty. Make sure you’re getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

Eat healthy – College is the perfect time to try new recipes and experiment with different types of food. That being said, it can be easy to fall into the trap of eating out a lot and eating junk food, so it’s important to find a healthy balance.

Exercise – Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, clear your mind and help you to sleep better. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make friends with people who share your interests.