People often say that the first year of college is the most stressful, but this doesn’t mean that has to be. Like everything, a little preparation and planning can go a long way. However, if you are still feeling uneasy or anxious about moving forward with the experience, here are some tips on how to survive and thrive in your freshman year of college.
1. Keep Your Paperwork Organized
No matter what type of college you are attending, be it USC or Hofstra University, ensuring all of your paperwork neatly organized can save a lot of time and headaches in the future. Whether the document in question is your admission essay, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, or even coursework you are particularly proud of, keeping all of your documents organized is a smart decision that will enable you to stay on top of your college experience.
2. Get to Know Your Peers
Even if you’re working toward an online degree, networking in college is essential. Interestingly, surprisingly few freshmen take advantage of this right out of the gate. So whether you are working on a project or deciding where to eat for dinner, take a step out of your bubble and interact with the people around you.
3. Choosing a Meal Plan Can be Stressful
Your college meal plan will undoubtedly impact your daily activity. This is why it is so important that, when deciding on what meal plan is the best option, you make sure to consider every variable. For example, do you eat breakfast? Do you desire the social interaction you will receive in the dining hall? How close are you in proximity to other restaurants? What does your budget look like? Is eating out even feasible? Doing this will help you decide how to spend your money tactically, which is essential to surviving and thriving in a college environment.
4. Work Out, Stay Healthy
It’s college, you are going to be spending a lot of time reading and writing–which doesn’t exactly equate to the healthiest physical lifestyle. As such, you need to ensure that your body remains as active as your mind. This could be as simple as going to the gym, incorporating a daily yoga routine, or going for a morning run.
5. Know Your Class Schedule and Prerequisite Requirements
Knowing when registration is occurring and what classes you need to register for is essential to competently navigate your first year in college. The good news is that after the hurdle of the initial learning curve, it’s all smooth sailing. If you are unsure as to the specifics of your registration process, the specific requirements for the major you wish to pursue, or just want to get more information about USC’s master in communication, schedule a meeting with a counselor or advisor who can answer your questions and help you navigate the system.
