How to Make Your First Year of College Enjoyable

Leaving home and starting your own life in college seems exciting at first, but then the nerves start to kick in. What if the students don’t accept me? How hard are my classes really going to be? How am I going to survive living with a complete stranger?

These are some questions that you may be asking yourself. Yes, college is a time for great change in your life, but that doesn’t mean you have to be fearful of your freshman year.

Here are some ways to make your first year more enjoyable, and less stressful.

1) Get Involved.

This is your chance to start over and make a brand new group of friends. Take advantage of all the activities going on during the first few weeks of your first semester. Here, you’ll be able to bond with other freshmen who are in the same position as you, and you can find out what organizations and clubs are offered on your campus.

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Be sure to get involved with at least one organization on campus, that way you can easily meet people and have something to do that does not involve studying. Your brain will be appreciative, and your social life will grow because of it. Colleges offer numerous clubs and organizations, so find the one that fits your interests!

2) Time Management.

Freshmen students would save themselves a lot of stress if they learned time management right away. One of your most important items will be a planner. Use this to keep track of assignments, meetings and activities that you have scheduled. If it helps, try outlining your day so that you feel more obliged to stick to the plan and get things done on time.

3) Classes.

You will notice that college classes are much different than those in high school. You are now responsible for knowing due dates, assignments and for attending class on a consistent basis.

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When you arrive to your classes, try getting a seat toward the front; not only will you pay better attention there, but your professor will also notice that you want to learn and do well. This can help establish relationships with your professors, which can lead to letters of recommendation or job offers in the future.

4) Try Something New.

College is the time to try something new, so don’t be afraid to step out of your bubble and learn a new hobby or skill. If you have always wanted to participate in sports, but have found yourself athletically challenged, try signing up for a class or intramural sports.

If you have never gotten the chance to volunteer in your community or make a difference, college is the time to do it. There are tons of opportunities out there, like coaching at the YMCA or building houses with Habitat for Humanity.

As long as you stay involved and stick to your schedule, you will find that college really is not that intimidating. Use your campus resources and don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you find yourself struggling. Everyone is there to help you succeed!