10 Back to School Tips for College Freshman

Students who were the most popular or academically successful in high school will find they have problems adjusting to college life. The workload alone has made many students drop out after only a semester or two.

One of the biggest problems for students is keeping up with the homework demands of their professors. There are greater expectations required of the work accepted by college professors and a lot of freshmen do not understand the changes.

New students need to knowledge and gain access to the resources available to help them become familiar with their new college environment. The Office of Admissions handles incoming freshmen students about their financial concerns.

If you haven’t already registered for all of your classes, do not schedule back-to-back classes. Get to know what is expected of you during the semester.

Listed below are 10 tips for college freshmen.

1) Stay Safe

Become familiar with the entire campus and always walk within well-lit areas, in groups of two or more people. Take a self-defense class to be able to take care of yourself without the use of a weapon.

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Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor of MSU advises students to treat the building and dorm room no differently than their community and home. Do not open the door to strangers. Always use peep holes and report all strangers loitering around.

2) Get To Know The Campus

Visit each class and familiarize yourself with their location. During the first day of class, take notes about what the professor expect from the students. Arrive at each class early to get a good seat – if seats are not assigned.

3) Get Started Early Every Day

Start with exercise, a nutritious breakfast and go over the details of the rest of your day. This routine can help you feel more alert and help you accomplish more.

4) Find Suitable Study Partners

Seek out one or two students in each class to study with. One downfall to studying with a group is the sessions can turn into leisure time. If the study partner or group begin to focus on partying instead of the books – find a new group.

5) Study Adequately

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For every hour spent in class, two hours of study time is needed. Studying should be done at the same time and place, each day. Read ahead to gain a better understanding of the subject. Prepare for each class as if there will be a test.

6) Take Advantage of Student Resources

Utilize labs, tutors, videos, computer programs and other help offered by the school. Go to the orientation session that teaches freshmen about the school. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand.

7) Start With The Most Difficult

Tackle the toughest subjects first. Establish an official place to study that is free of distractions; that all of the supplies you need. Take a ten-minute break after every hour of study. For better results, schedule several short study sessions throughout the day.

8) Take Care Of Yourself

Be good to yourself – get enough rest and eat wholesome foods as often as possible. An empty stomach suddenly filled with junk food is unhealthy and it is a hindrance to effective studying.

9) Take Time To Talk To Your Family

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Make regular calls home to keep yourself motivated and to get a dose of family. A talk with your parents or sibling will make the days and nights feel a lot better.

10) Have Fun

Make up challenges and weekly goals for yourself that will help you grow academically as well as personally. Also, give yourself plenty of time for real fun.

Sitting around watching TV is not a wise way to spend free time. When you look back on your college life, a Saturday spent climbing mountains will be a much better memory than watching reruns of ‘”That’s So Raven.”

Join clubs of interest and remain active. Keep your priorities straight.