8 Things To Expect Freshman Year Of College (Tips)

by Sep 6, 2022

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College is a time of new beginnings, new challenges, and new friends. It can be both exciting and overwhelming all at once. To help you navigate your first year of college, we’ve put together some important tips on what to expect during freshman year. 

What To Expect Freshman Year Of College

As a freshman, you should expect the following your freshman year:

  • Homesickness
  • Take A Variety Of Classes
  • Experience Living In A Dorm
  • Making New Friends
  • Dating As An Adult
  • Parties And More Parties
  • Learn Time Management Skills
  • Develop Good Study Habits

Although Freshman year can be challenging at times, the freshman year of college is a wonderful time to learn and grow as an individual in addition to discovering more about yourself and what you’re capable of. All these experiences will learn to benefit your college career and beyond.

When high school ends, itā€™s time to start thinking about college. The transition from high school to college can be both exciting and scary. There are a lot of things to think about and plan for. Here are some tips about what you can expect as a freshman in college.

Homesickness or Loneless

Living on your own can cause a sense of loneliness or homesickness. 

Whether you’re struggling to keep up with homework, make new friends or simply miss your old friends (and your parents), here are a few ways to cope with the sometimes overwhelming feeling of loneliness in college.

Start by getting involved on campus. 

  1. Join a club or go to events. This will help you meet new people and feel more connected to your school. 
  2. Make an effort to reach out to your classmates and get to know them better. 
  3. Plan Skype or Facetime calls with your old friends and parents from home. 
  4. Give yourself some time to adjust. As a freshman, you miss the routine of being at home. When you live on your own, it is a disruption of your life and comfort. It takes time to adjust. Some people adapt to change immediately, and some take a little longer. You have to be patient with yourself.

Take A Variety Of Classes

As a freshman in college, you will be taking a variety of different classes. You may be required to take some classes that are outside of your major, but don’t worry, these classes will help you develop as a well-rounded individual. You’ll also be taking some classes that are specific to your major, which will help you start developing the skills and knowledge you need for your future career. In addition to your regular classes, you may also have the opportunity to take some elective courses. These courses are not required, but they can help you explore other interests or develop additional skills.

Experience Living In A Dorm

Living in a dorm is one of the biggest changes you’ll experience during your freshman year of college. This can be both an exciting and daunting prospect! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare to move into your new home away from home.

First, you’ll want to think about what kind of roommate you would prefer. Do you want someone who is similar to you in terms of interests and lifestyle, or someone who is completely different? There’s no right or wrong answer, but it’s important to consider this before making your decision. 

If your college sends out a roommate questionnaire, it is important you fill it out honestly. The questionnaire increases your chance of getting a compatible roommate.

Next, you’ll need to start packing! This may seem like a daunting task, but try to focus on packing the essentials first. Once you have everything you need, you can add personal items that will make your dorm feel like home.

Finally, don’t forget to budget for your dorm room. This includes things like bedding, towels, toiletries, and any other items you may need. Many colleges have strict rules about what can and cannot be brought into the dorms, so be sure to check with your school before packing anything.

Living in a dorm can be a great way to meet new people and experience college life.

Make New Friends (Social life)

There are a lot of things that you can do to make friends in college. You can join a club or organization, you can go to events and parties, or you can just start talking to people. It’s normal to be nervous about making friends at first, but don’t worry, everyone is in the same boat. Just put yourself out there and you’ll make some great friends in no time.

Do not compare your old friends to the new people you meet; this could lead to you missing an opportunity to make a new friend. 

Dating As An Adult

Dating in college can be a bit different than dating in high school. For one thing, you’re likely to be more independent and have more freedom to date who you want. You also might not have as much money to spend on dates, so you may have to get creative. 

Here are a few tips for dating in college:

  1. Get to know your classmates and make friends with people in your dorm. These will be the people you see every day, so it’s good to get to know them. You never know, they may introduce you to someone you really hit it off with.
  2. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Don’t feel like you have to date the first person you meet just because they’re available. College is a time to explore and find out what you like, so take advantage of that.
  3. Have fun! Dating should be about enjoying yourself and spending time with someone you like. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or the relationship. Just relax and let things flow naturally.

Parties and more Parties

What to expect freshman year of college: Parties

As a freshman in college, you’ll likely be invited to plenty of parties. And while it’s tempting to want to go to every single one, be selective about which ones you actually attend. After all, you don’t want to exhaust yourself and miss out on the other aspects of college life.

That being said, parties can be a great way to meet new people and have some fun. 

We advise you not to drink if you under age, but if you do drink, be sure to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.  

Learn Time Management Skills

As a college student, you have newfound independence. You can go to parties, stay out late, and sleep in if you want. However, with this newfound independence comes the responsibility of managing your time wisely. Here are some tips for college students to help them manage their time: 

  1. Set a weekly schedule and stick to it. Write down when you have class, when you have homework due, and when you have extracurricular activities. This will help you plan your week and ensure you are completing everything you need.
  2. Take breaks! It is important to take breaks while studying or doing homework so that you do not get overwhelmed or burnout out. Go for a walk, watch a TV show, or talk to a friend during your break to help clear your head.
  3. Do not procrastinate!

Develop Good Study Habits

If you’re like most college freshmen, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to survive your first year of studies. Well, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that college is a lot of work and you’ll have to study harder than you ever have before. But the good news is that there are plenty of resources available to help you succeed. 

Here are a few tips for studying effectively in college:

  1. Read your syllabus. College professors do not have time to repeat information, which is why they provide you a syllabus. Your syllabus outlines everything you need to know about each class. Like when assignments are due, what to read and how assignments are graded. Take time and read each syllabus carefully and, more important, put each date on your calendar or set reminders on your phone when things are due. This will be a lifesaver.
  2. Get organized. One of the best ways to stay on top of your studies is to keep a well-organized schedule and study space. Invest in a planner and use it to keep track of due dates, test dates, and other important deadlines. Find a quiet place in your dorm or apartment where you can focus on your work without distractions.
  3. Make use of office hours. Your professors want you to succeed and are usually more than happy to help out if you’re struggling with the material. Don’t be afraid to visit during office hours or ask for help via email or social media.
  4. Form a study group. Collaborating with classmates can be a great way to review material and prepare for exams. Plus, it’s always more fun to study with friends!

Conclusion

Freshman year of college can be both exciting and scary. But don’t worry, there are plenty of people in the same boat as you. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to make the most of your freshman year and set yourself up for success in the years to come.?

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