Everything you wish you’d known freshman year

Your first year at university is going to be stressful. From the significantly harder classes to the responsibility of having to take care of yourself, a lot can go wrong. Learning how to reduce stress and manage your time wisely is no easy task, especially if you didn’t learn to do it  properly in high school. Here are some of the tips and tricks that can lead to an easier year.

Discuss rules and boundaries of your room with your roommate

This one only applies to people that have them, but you never know what your roommate is going to be like, even if you get in touch with them before you meet. The best thing you can do is sit down with your roommate and discuss rules of the dorm. Talk about things like when people are allowed to be in the room, and when the room has to be quiet allowing for you to study. Some dorms do have study rooms, but for most people being able to study in their room is important. You don’t want a misunderstanding with your roommate on anything – You’re together for the entire semester and sometimes the whole year. Your roommate can be the biggest source of stress your freshman year, and as a result is one of the most important factors in staying stress free.

Get to know your professors

One of the best things to do in a new class is introduce yourself to the professor. Stop by their office during open ours and get to know them, and introduce yourself. First impressions are everything, and if you make a good one with a professor, it will benefit you greatly later on. Professors are more likely to be lenient with absences or late work if they know you personally and you have already established your interest in the class. A letter from a college professor looks great interview, and you might need a letter of recommendation down the road, so building a good relationship with your professor is a must because it creates opportunities for you in the future to get ahead of the pack and stand out.

Take advantage of on-campus resources

Every university has resources to help you succeed during your college career. Familiarize yourself with what your university has to offer, so that you can use the tools you have at your disposal to succeed. Most universities have databases to find scholarly articles that you’ll need for research papers, and librarians are experts at finding what you want quickly. Writing centers also are a great tool to improve your writing skills and have a peer edit your paper and give you quality feedback. There are also tutoring programs for just about every class, don’t be afraid to use them.

Stay organized – Give yourself enough time to study effectively and study efficiently

Keeping organized is one of the hardest parts of managing time on your own. Plan for midterms, most classes will have the dates of tests on the syllabus and if not, the professor will tell you when they’re happening long before they do, so there’s no reason not to prepare. Divide your time wisely, and find a schedule that keeps you on track for a good GPA. Get a planner, and keep track of when assignments are due, test dates, and other important events. One of the best ways to ensure that you won’t fall behind in your classes is to make friends. Missing class is unavoidable, but if you have someone in class you can grab notes from it’ll make getting back on track much easier. Networking with other students can also lead to study groups, benefiting you greatly.

Keeping the previous tip in mind, find ways to relax and have fun

This is college, yes you’re here to study and eventually graduate with a degree, but you’re also here to create some of the most memorable experiences of your life. It’s important to study, and make good grades, but it’s equally important to make friends and enjoy yourself.  There are plenty of ways to unwind, like going out and socializing, going to the gym, or finding a hobby you truly enjoy. Staying in for the night with a good book or watching a movie can also be fun too. It’s important to find ways to deal with the stress of classes, and there’s something for everyone to do that can help you maintain good mental health.