College is every person’s important part of life as it prepares one mentally and physically for their future. It is everyone’s dream to join college. The first year of joining college can be a frightening experience for many irrespective of their age. No one knows what to expect; it is like being thrown into a whole new life and you are expected to know how to adapt and survive in this change of life. Some people share their first experience in college year explaining how it was a nightmare, but that is their experience which does not have to match to yours. Learning how to survive through college life is a task that many fail due to the expected adjustments which are challenging. A little planning and organizing can aid one become a successful and productive student. Everyone must deal with this experience and it is important to have some few guidelines on how to survive the first year will ease your nervousness.
To begin with, to become a successful student and survive through your first year in college, you have to be organized. Create an organized schedule that will help you plan your time properly, and thus you will not have problems of missing out on important deadlines or dates. In college there are no parents to monitor every move you make or make schedules for you, reminding you of your responsibilities. This kind of atmosphere can be challenging and overwhelming at the same time but what is expected is to be organized. You are responsible for your own finance management, solving your own problems and making your own appointments. Set a schedule that will guide you when it's time for schoolwork and when it is time for other meetings likes sports or clubs.
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The second step is to study which is the most important thing that one can do in their college yea besides studying is your primary job as a student. However, do not overload yourself with challenging classes during your first year; think logically before choosing your majors. Another important thing is to attend classes, if you miss classes, you will not be able to hear all the important information the teacher communicates. It becomes hard to catch up with others once you are left behind in your class because of missing out important classes. Set successful study techniques which will help you become a successful student. For example, ask questions during class if perhaps you did not understand a point or visit the tutor in his or her office for extra help if you need it. College is different from high school where the teacher follows up on your concentration and understanding in class.
Thirdly, college is a place where you will make lifelong friendships; therefore, you should learn how to adapt to changes and living with people. Living with someone else is challenging for most freshmen. Roommates play a critical role in your life, and it is wise to learn how to get along with them. Before moving into your room, try finding out whom and how your roommate is. Being upfront with your expected roommate from the beginning will help avoid problems later that may crop up. Talk to the person on the phone since this will make you know your roommate better thus creating a relationship with them. Communication is essential because it is the tool you need learn what your roommate does and also he/she learns about you. A good relationship with your roommate will make moving into your new place easier as you already know them. You can set an agreement with your roommate and make sure you follow it to the end (Johnson, 2011).
Fourthly, is to come up with a routine and stick to it. Joggling from extra curriculum activities to schoolwork can be confusing, and you find yourself missing some important dates. Create a schedule listing the time you wake up when to leave for classes etc. This makes one an organized person, and it is hard to miss out on important things. A timetable/schedule will help you realize the free time you might be having and how to manage your free time.
Lastly, participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, service work and others. Interacting with other people will make you feel comfortable in your new environment. You meet new people who share the same hobbies and interests, and also it's a great opportunity to interact with the upper-class students who are in a position to answer any question that you might have. Most clubs in colleges have all types of clubs in interest so it will not be hard finding a club or sport that interests you. However, one should avoid over committing themselves as it can become tiring.
Some students take college life as an opportunity to try new things like smoking, drinking, partying, or engaging in other activities. Always be safe since your parents are not around, you are responsible for everything that you do. Peer pressure among peers is strong mostly in the first year as most students want to fit in. As much as you feel responsible for all your actions, you are human and time to time will require help from others. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it. There are counseling centers, tutors and also upper-class students who can offer genuine help. The first year in college is the most important part of a student's life as it shapes their college life for most people, therefore make wise decisions and act responsibly.
References
Johnson, J. (2011, August 4). Tips for Surviving your first year in college. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/tips-for-surviving-your-first-year-in-college/2011/07/11/glQA1zeJul_story.html
