5 Survival Tips for Freshman Year in College

Just because your first year in college has the potential to be a stressful experience does not mean that it has to be. Like most things, 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 is a list of five survival tips for freshman year in college.

1. Keep Your Registration Paperwork in Order

No matter what type of college you are attending, be it Cal State or Adelphi University, ensuring all of your paperwork is in order can save a lot of time and headaches later on down the road. Whether it’s your admission essay, high school transcripts, or letters of recommendation, keeping all of your documents in a neat, indexed spot is a great way to stay on top of your college experience from the very beginning. One option is to purchase a small file cabinet or set aside a drawer solely for your college-related paperwork. Getting in the habit of this early on will ensure that you stay organized throughout your four years of college.

2. Choose the Right Meal Plan for You

Choosing the right meal plan is one of the most essential decisions, as it will impact your daily activity. As such, when deciding on what meal plan is the best option for you, make sure you are considering the big picture. This includes taking the following things into account: proximity restaurants other than your school are dining hall (and the costs associated with dining in those restaurants), your budget (is eating out even feasible?), whether or not you eat breakfast, whether or not you desire the social interaction present in the dining hall, and whether or not you have a personal kitchen in your dormitory.

3. Stay on Top of Your Class Schedule

Make sure you know when registration is and what you have to register for. Even if you have not decided on your major just yet, there may be some core classes you are required to take. The best way to figure all this out is to schedule a meeting with a counselor, mentor, or advisor who can offer advice and help you navigate the system.

4. Staying Active is Important

As most of your time will be spent sitting in class or reading materials for class, you will want to ensure that you are staying active. This could include going to the gym, having a daily yoga routine, swimming laps in the school pool, or even going for a daily run.

5. Get to Know the People Around You

Even if you’re getting your project management degree online, college is all about networking. Sadly, not enough people take advantage of this in their first year of college. 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.