Here are expert-backed first year of college tips on how not only to survive, but thrive. High school students hear lots of stories about what to expect, but the reality is what you make of it.
The first year is very busy. You're in charge of your schedule, time, and routine.
When you were in high school, your days were, most likely, very similar. Most often, your classes were at the same time and your school day was predictable. This changes in college. Not only will your college schedule vary, but so, too, will your extra-curricular activities.
In college, your day will depend on which classes you take and the assignments that are expected of you. You may also have a job to help meet expenses or may be a college athlete and have practice and games. You may also be involved in student organizations with weekly or monthly meetings. You may have laundry to do, errands to run, and paperwork that needs to be completed. And you'll, of course, need to eat, sleep, and take care of yourself. It's a very full schedule.
Most importantly, you'll be solely responsible for yourself and have to hold yourself accountable to this schedule. This includes managing your responsibilities and time wisely. Good time management is key to college success.
Here are some great first year of college tips for managing your time so that you can accomplish everything on your schedule:
1. Scheduling
Schedule blocks of time to get things done rather than jumping from one thing to another. That means getting yourself a good planning system that makes sense to you and using each weekend to assign blocks of time to your schedule. For example, classes go on the schedule, study and homework time is allocated depending upon your assignments and workload, and meals, meetings and free time. You'll also want to include exercise time. Also, schedule down time for doing nothing to recharge your batteries. It's okay to take a break.
2. Make a to-do list
Making a to-do list is very important, and it's one of the tips you'll find in the Dorm Deck® cards. It helps you prioritize time and take on larger tasks during the semester. Don't forget to place your exam dates on your calendar and schedule specific study time for them.
3. Plan ahead
Don't wait until the last minute. You will receive a syllabus for each of your classes during the first week of the semester. When you're allocating time to your weekly schedule, block out time to prepare for any major exams, projects, or tests. There is nothing worse than waiting until the last minute. Cramming makes you less productive and also raises your anxiety level. Do not procrastinate. Procrastination is not your friend in college.
4. Take care of yourself
This is a very important aspect of college, and something you'll need to practice to get good at it. Give yourself time to stay in shape, get to the fitness center, relax, or do something for yourself. If you get overwhelmed easily, this is extremely important and will help you succeed.
5. Get involved in school activities
You may have heard how important this is, and you'll hear it repeatedly. Getting involved in campus activities is the best way to connect to your college community and will help you make friends, develop leadership skills, and will be essential for after college is over. Colleges and universities offer dozens of student organizations that represent a broad range of interests. Try an intramural sport, a group that will help you meet like-minded people, student government, or your campus activities board. Find something that you enjoy and participate.
The reasons these are important include:
- Feeling connected to your school. Being involved on campus is an important investment in your undergraduate experience.
- Being part of a community helps you make new friends with similar interests.
- Discovering your passions and strengths gives you a feeling of agency. Campus involvement comes from learning new things about yourself, what you like, what you are good at doing, and will keep you involved your entire life.
- Developing leadership skills is great for during and after college. Things like teamwork, delegation, conflict resolution, and communication are important life-long skills.
6. Know your resources
Colleges and universities have a lot of helpful resources to give you the strength and ability to succeed. These offices are staffed with professionals who have a passion for supporting and helping students make the most of their undergraduate experience. Take advantage of these campus resources that are provided for your benefit.
Make your first year count with Dorm Deck®
Dorm Deck® makes all the difference in helping you get a handle on dorm room living and college life. College success depends on whether you take advantage of what your school has to offer. The deck of 52 prompts helps you move through your first year with great ideas for getting involved, establishing a schedule, and making the most of every semester.
Shop Dorm Deck® today and give yourself, or the freshman in your life, a head start on the best four years. Delegate to the Deck®.
