If college is unlike any other time in our lives, freshman year is by far the most significant of that college experience. It\u2019s when we leave home, first share space with a stranger, and live completely independently (…except from a financial standpoint, of course). It also is the semester that, for better or worse, sets the tone for the next few years. Get it wrong, and college can feel like a massive missed opportunity. But if you take my suggestions, your freshman year can be amazing and transform your life. <\/p>\n
Even though we\u2019re a few weeks into the semester already, there\u2019s still plenty of time to make the most of freshman year:<\/p>\n
1. Jump In and Get Involved<\/p>\n
Join clubs and organizations even if you aren\u2019t 100 percent committed. This is a great way to explore interests. Find activities that align with your passions or to discover new ones. Join clubs, student organizations, or sports teams to meet people and build a sense of community. Offer to take on leadership<\/a> roles in these organizations. It\u2019s a great way to develop your skills, gain experience, and make a positive impact on campus.<\/p>\n Attend campus events even if they seem a little lame. Attend welcome tailgating events, campus fairs, and other social gatherings. These are great opportunities to meet other students and familiarize yourself with the different vibes on campus. I\u2019d also check out academic department activities. Attend guest lectures, workshops, and seminars. These events can broaden your knowledge and help you connect with professors and professionals in your field(s) of interest.<\/p>\n 2. Prioritize Academics<\/p>\n Get and stay organized\u2026immediately. Use a planner. Track your assignments, exams, and other responsibilities in a planner, and add everything from your syllabi to your Google Calendar or iCal. This will help you manage your time effectively and avoid last-minute stress. I\u2019d also set some academic goals<\/a> for yourself. Whether it\u2019s aiming for that certain GPA, mastering a subject, or improving study habits, having goals can keep you motivated (or at least focused).<\/p>\n Use academic resources and seek help before you need it. Don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re struggling to seek help. Use campus resources like disability services (if you\u2019ve got ADHD<\/a>, anxiety<\/a>, or other mental health or medical challenges), tutoring centers, writing labs, and office hours with professors to stay on top of your studies. Forming study groups is a nice way of also meeting other students and makes the class content less intimidating.<\/p>\n 3. Build Strong Relationships<\/p>\n Connect with professors by going to office hours even if you aren\u2019t having problems. Take advantage of professors\u2019 office hours to ask questions, discuss course material, or seek advice on your academic path. Building relationships with professors can lead to mentorship and valuable recommendations.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to participate in class. It\u2019s not high school anymore; many professors give participation grades. Engage actively in class by asking questions and contributing to discussions. This not only helps you learn but also helps you stand out to your professors.<\/p>\n Make friends and build a network by spreading out rather than being too selective. Make an effort to meet new people, whether it\u2019s through your dorm, classes, or extracurricular activities. Assume you won\u2019t like everyone and that everyone won\u2019t like you, but that\u2019s the cost of admission. Greek life can be a way to shortcut the friend-making process, but it isn\u2019t the only way to build relationships. Don\u2019t get sucked into thinking you need to join a frat for social survival. <\/p>\n Lastly, and this is not about being cool, connect with seniors. Upperclassmen can offer valuable advice about apartments, classes, professors, internships, and study abroad. Don\u2019t hesitate to reach out and learn from their experiences.<\/p>\n 4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle<\/p>\n Don\u2019t get fat. Take care of your health. Do this by establishing a routine your first week. Make sure to include regular exercise (five times a week for 30 minutes), a healthy diet<\/a> (e.g., the Mediterranean diet is a good one to aim for), and adequate sleep (consistency, quality, and duration), all of which are crucial for your overall well-being. Use all those campus resources you pay for. Take advantage of the gym, health center, and wellness programs to stay healthy. <\/p>\n The other big part of health is mental health. Practice self-care, not selfishness and hedonism, but actual care. College can be overwhelming, so take time for yourself and make space for quiet time and recharging your battery. Practice mindfulness<\/a>, meditation<\/a>, or any activity that helps you relax and recharge. I\u2019ve been recommending non-sleep deep relaxation for a long time because it works so well at helping reset our neurological state in a very short period of time.<\/p>\n You are not an island. Get help. If you\u2019re feeling stressed<\/a> or anxious, don\u2019t wait. Check out campus counseling services (also referred to as Counseling and Psychological Services or CAPS) or talk to someone you trust. Don\u2019t wait till the end of the semester or until you\u2019re feeling suicidal<\/a>.<\/p>\n 5. Explore and Take Big Swings<\/p>\n This is the absolute best time to try new things. College is the time to try new experiences. Whether it\u2019s taking a class outside your major, studying abroad, or trying a new hobby, don\u2019t be afraid to explore. When, not if, you screw things up, you\u2019ve got plenty of time to recover. I\u2019d even think of it a bit more extreme\u2014embrace challenges. Invite non-fatal risk into your life. Don\u2019t shy<\/a> away from difficult tasks or situations. Overcoming challenges is a key part of personal growth and development.<\/p>\n