Having college jitters and doubts is normal, especially stepping into a more significant university where starting a new beginning seems complicated. You’ll have questions on where to start and what you should have to survive this freshmen year. It may be an adjusting period for some, but trust me, it will help you shape yourself into the person you will be as you go along on your college journey. With that, here are some reminders of what you should have or do to survive the first year that can help you broaden your horizon.
Reminder 1: Manage your time, try not to cram
Cramming should be avoided when you are in your adjusting period. It will help you polish up the things you need to do or submit. It will give you more room for changes and improvement. Also, make study habits a priority. Schedule your tasks for a day or week and prioritize what needs to be done first and what stuff do need to have ample time.
Like Tim Ferriss said, “Focus on being productive instead of being busy” make wise use of your time. You will decide when and how things need to be done. Though some say that working when the deadline is near works better for them, procrastination should not be your best friend at college.
Reminder 2: The 3Rs – Read, Review, and Retain
Make it a habit to listen to your discussions and take some notes to review. Consider it checking later the same day. Also, it will be beneficial if you practice and answer some questions to help you retain the topics you need to learn. Reading not just once or twice will help you recall and keep it in your memory. In addition, having some additional resources will help you more.
Tip: Do not force yourself when you do not feel to read ☺
Reminder 3: Choose your circle wisely
College is hard, but if you have someone you can share your thoughts with and be your companion, they might ease the stress and help you enjoy the struggles themselves. Be with people who will push you to do better and reach for your dreams. Be with someone who has the same goals as yours. In this way, it will help you enjoy but also avoid distractions. They will respect your time and priorities. Entering the university will allow you to meet a diverse group of people; it is up to you to create your circle and comfort zone. Always remember, it is always quality over quantity.
Reminder 4: Join an organization in which you find your passion
Joining some organizations might help you explore the university and your capabilities. The organization will definitely help you grow and expand your environment. It will help you handle responsibilities and be engaged with different people. It is also delightful when seniors are helping you and teaching you some leadership ideas.
Reminder 5: Do not be afraid to ask, go and be unmasked
Freshmen, we all had to start from zero. It may be fearing to step up and ask, but asking is better than regretting. Ask your professors, classmates, seniors, or even your co-freshmen if you need to. It is better if you are working on your tasks rather than working on something you are unsure about.
BE UNMASKED. Open up to the people around you. In this way, it will help you discover your potential. The first year seems to be the hardest for some, but if you show your true self, it can be your stepping stone to being at ease as you go along the higher years. The university is open for everything; when will you open up?
Reminder 6: Make sure that your profs know your name
Freshmen's year is the onset of your college year, so making a good impression on your professors is imperative. Be sure that your profs know you positively. With the numerous students that professors handle in a day, it is very beneficial and advantageous if a professor knows your name, it may be first or last. Try to participate and be active as possible. Have some remarkable lines in your essays, and try to make an impression. Strive to get high scores and maintain them. Though if things go as planned, there is always room for improvement. As Emma Stone said, "What sets you apart can sometimes feel like a burden, and it's not. And a lot of the time, it's what makes you great."
Reminder 7: Always make sure that you are learning
It is the most crucial part of college, especially if you’re planning to take a board exam. Be sure you have retained the topics and lessons to carry them along for the higher years. College is a complete spiral, things may repeat, so it will be helpful if you know them well.
Reminder 8: Do not be afraid to make mistakes
Who cares if you got a low score? Kidding aside, one mistake or low score will not define your whole grade. You can still go and bounce back. You can be at your lowest now and have the highest score next meeting. I am telling you mistakes are part of the journey, so do not be afraid to commit one. In college, no one will judge you if you cry over a project or a reading because everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about. So, let us try to be kind one by one.
Reminder 9: Enjoy your freshmen year
It might be the most challenging part, but it is somehow the lightest weight to carry on your college journey. Do not forget to enjoy and celebrate your small wins and victories. Try to be kind to yourself and enjoy every process of it. After all, we are only freshmen once; make gold out of it.
Reminder 10: Take a break, pray, and rest
After all of these, be sure to give yourself some time. It will help you be fueled to continue and avoid burning yourself out. Spend time with your friends and family, and pray. Always make time for these things. Trust me; it is very beneficial.
These reminders may change depending on the type of person you are. But we hope this helps you survive your first year. Always know that you will decide how you will survive your first year. Just one final tip, giving up should never be an option.
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