Todd Sumamno
The first year in college is often the most frustrating and scary for most students. According to recent statistics, close to 30% of first-year college students drop out before their second year in college. There are many reasons why most people struggle with the transition from high school to college.
Financial problems are perhaps the most common reasons students choose to terminate their studies. Others include domestic issues, lack of moral support, and medical challenges beyond the individuals’ control.
The good news is that students can successfully navigate their freshman year. This article offers valuable tips to help you survive and even thrive during this challenging time of your young adult life.
Be Willing to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Staying within your comfortable bubble may give you a false sense of peace and security, but it limits your exposure and growth. Fear can be like a prison, keeping you from exploring new things and meeting new friends.
To fight homesickness and adjust to campus life, try to take more risks by trying new things. You can never truly predict whether you will like something unless you try it out. When in college, be free with your peers and join clubs. You could also join team sports or do anything to get you involved in the campus community.
Remain Organized
There always seems to be more work to do than the available time in college. Assignments, coursework, extracurriculars, and activities can build up quickly and overwhelm you. To keep your sanity and meet all deadlines, you should strive to be as organized as possible.
Talented students keep separate binders of folders for their notes and coursework. Materials for each class should be stored separately in easily accessible formats. Also, use an academic planner to organize your assignments and keep up with deadlines. If you have more work than you can handle, order poverty essay with EssayKeeper and benefit from competent writing.
Participate in Classroom Activities
Another critical insight for surviving college is getting involved in events around campus. A recent survey shows that student success is directly associated with on-campus events. The higher your degree of participation, the more likely you will continue your studies. This connection seems to be linked to student satisfaction with their campus life.
The bottom line is that when people are involved in college activities, their interests are tapped. Specific programs and extracurriculars encourage learners to explore their passions and personal interests. Those who study these interests learn more about their abilities and passions. The student gets to discover new career paths and hobbies in the process. Taking part in school activities also allows you to grow your social networks and become more aware of diversity. So, if you want to fight homesickness and grow your self-esteem, start being more involved.
Always Attend Classes
The decision to attend all classes is one of the most important ones you can ever make as a college student. Among the freedoms that students enjoy in college is whether or not to attend class. Most professors do not attach grades to attendance, and students develop the idea that they could miss lectures and take notes from others. Others assume that watching podcasts about lessons is just as good as attending classes.
Indeed, you don’t have to attend each lesson on campus to get an impressive grade. However, being present in class allows you numerous opportunities to interact with the class material and improve your understanding of course concepts.
Also, taking part in class discussions is a fantastic platform to meet and interact with other students who share common interests. You may join a study group, lend additional class notes, or work with others on class projects. Class is also an ideal place to network and form lasting relationships.
Consider Getting a Job
College life is expensive, and the resources are often limited. You may need some extra income to keep up with the costs of accommodation, food, clothing, tuition, and entertainment. The good news is that there are often numerous jobs within and around campuses, allowing students to make some extra money as they continue with their studies.
There is an added benefit to getting a job while in college as you grow your resume and build your transferrable skills. Besides improving your employability later in life, working while continuing with academics boosts your cash flow and lowers your dependence on student loans. You also get to improve your money and time management skills.
This article summarizes a few tips for college students to navigate their freshman year. Work on your time management skills, attend classes and prioritize self-care. Most importantly, create time to socialize and have fun with your friends.
Brittany
