Many students feel overwhelmed when going to college. Quite often, it’s the first time when students leave their parents’ house and start to live alone. They make new friends, gain new knowledge, and make their first steps toward their future career. College is both overwhelming and exciting, and what all the students can easily agree on is that college life is challenging. Obviously, freshmen have to deal with more challenges than anyone else and they often don’t know who to ask for help. Fortunately, CollegeWriters experts are here to help you with their useful tips.
1. Class schedule
Many students have a hard time navigating their class schedule. You have to choose classes, plan your schedule, and know where you should attend them. A class schedule often makes students feel confused and anxious.
The first challenge is creating your own schedule and choosing classes. This task is always challenging, although you will likely get help from counselors. We recommend that you don’t hesitate to ask any questions and clarify any details that are important to you. Don’t get stressed out: let’s be honest, you’ve already gone through the same problems during your first year in high school.
Another challenge is understanding where your classes are located. This will be much easier if you get a map of your school. Devote one day to practicing your schedule. You can do it with a friend to make such training more fun.
2. Balancing your social and academic life
This is another common reason why freshmen get stressed out. You should prioritize the most important tasks, such as your projects, classes, and homework. However, you should also find time for social activities, which used to be much easier in high school where you and your friends have followed the same schedule every day. In college, students have different schedules.
Obviously, academics are the most important. However, making friends and participating in social activities is also important. Thus, we recommend that you make notes in your calendar and plan your everyday activities in advance.
3. Financial issues
Most freshmen students always worry about money. On the one hand, you have a room. On the other hand, there are many other things you need to pay for, and paying the tuition itself can be challenging. Therefore, money management is as important as time management. Keep track of how much money you spend. You can also find a part-time or summer job to get some extra money. Besides, don’t be afraid to talk to a financial aid advisor at your college.
4. Healthy lifestyle
There is a notion that freshmen usually gain fifteen pounds during their first year of college. The reason is that they don’t eat healthy food and don’t exercise as often as they need, not to mention alcohol consumption. If you want to be productive, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t eat fast food, go to the gym a few times a week, and get enough sleep.
5. Thinking about the future
Another big challenge is figuring out what you’re going to do while in college. In most colleges, students don’t need to declare their major during the first year. However, students who have clear goals and expectations may feel some pressure. In this case, they can take their general education and elective credits. We also recommend that you talk to your academic advisor and ask what you should do to achieve your goals.