How to Survive Your Freshman Year in College

How to Survive Freshman Year in College
College is the perfect intersection of freedom and young adulthood. Never again will a person be allowed to have that much fun while being responsible for so little. But as generations of students have learned the hard way, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by that freedom and go overboard. Students who’d never had a problem doing homework find themselves failing tests when there’s no one around to motivate them to attend class. People who’d always managed to have a thriving social life discover they’re constantly in solitary. It’s a fun but intimidating time, and the best way to get the most out of freshman year is to remember a few key things meet new people, go to the library, don’t go crazy during the week, go to class, and get involved in a club.
Meeting new people is probably the most important step in order to have a successful first year at college, and it is also probably one of the easiest. It doesn’t matter if you’re living in a dorm or living with your parents, there are plenty of ways to meet some people that share common interests. For starters, there are anywhere from 10-200 other people in your classes. Start talking to your neighbor. Not only can they help get through the long hour of your horrible class, but also you might have something in common with them. Also, go to the library with this person and cram for the final together. Who knows, the two of you might just stay in contact once the semester is over! 
 

Upon hearing the word “library”, what probably comes to mind is, “That’s the last place I’m going to go” but, reconsider that thought. Trying to study in a dorm can be distracting, and studying at your house can be even harder because this is your “comfort zone”. In the library, the only distraction you’ll have is the cute boy sitting at the table across. And, if a snack is needed, there is a coffee shop located inside of the library. 
 

I know it’s temping, but try not to go to parties or the club during the week. It is really easy to get behind on schoolwork, and by going to the parties and clubs only makes the situation worse. College is a lot different that high school, which means effort, has to actually be put in to all of the work that is done. Two days are given to celebrate all of your hard work, sleep in, and forget what was being studied in Biology class. Once Monday arrives, though, what time your class starts better be remembered!
The thing that everyone complained about most in high school was the attendance policy. Now that you’re in college, not all professors take roll however, they will do things to make sure everyone attends. For example, a professor might give out a “pop quiz” ten times during the semester. This, in turn, will count for 100 points. Imagine getting a zero on a test you’d probably have a heart attack. Other professors will not post the lecture notes on their website, which intervenes with studying for the final. Bottom line: go to class and your GPA will reflect your effort.
The old saying is true “Time flies when you’re having fun!” Getting involved in a club or activity will make the semester go by so much quicker. There are always booths on the promenade that are promoting clubs, and this is a good way to get more information on them. This is also another great way to meet people.
At the end of the year, you should realize that you survived your freshman year! Making that adjustment from high school to college can be treacherous, but don't lose heart or give up. Even though it will be stressful, much different than what was expected, and there will be times when you will want to give up, college actually is fun. They say these are the best times of our lives, and this saying is only true if the best is made of it.