Start Your Freshman Year Right.

An entire new life experience awaits you in college.  It’s important to begin your college career right.  Here a few tips for incoming college freshman:

Don’t skip any classes.  Professors typically test from information given during lectures; if you don’t go to class your test grades will suffer severely.  Not attending class is especially dangerous for students who must maintain a high GPA to keep their scholarships.  In addition, professors at smaller-sized colleges and universities usually take roll and have attendance and class participation as part of the class grade.

Manage your time correctly.  Time management is important for college students because you are on your own with no one to remind you to get things done.  Prioritize your tasks and stick to the schedule you make.

Know your professors.  Seek opportunities to meet with your professors.  The more you know them and the better they know you, the easier it will be for you to ask for help with assignments and for a letters of recommendation when you’re ready to apply for a job or graduate school.

Make a few friends in each class.  Make two or three friends in each of your classes.  These friends don’t have to be someone you hang out with, but are friends with whom you make small-talk about class.  These classroom friends may be the people you can work with on group projects, copy lecture notes from when you miss a class, and ask questions to about class assignments.

Get involved in at least one on-campus activity.  Participating in an on-campus activity will allow you to meet many fellow students and to be part of something you really like.

Use available services and support.  Colleges and universities have student services to meet almost every student need.  If you need help in a class, there is a tutor service.  If you have trouble deciding on a major, see the college’s career services department.  Take advantage of the services offered; it will make your college experience much more enjoyable.

Keep track of your finances.  As a college student, you are on your own to manage your money.  Create a budget and stick to it.  Being responsible will help you avoid big financial headaches.

Dealing with homesickness.  Virtually all college freshman get a little homesick, especially during their first few weeks of college.  To minimize your homesickness, make your new living environment as comfortable as you can by displaying familiar items in your dorm room (such as family photos, favorite posters, or a favorite stuffed animal) or finding a comfortable area on-campus to hang out (such as the campus coffee shop).  Also, get active with campus activities to keep busy and your mind off of home.  Plan your next visit home so you can look forward to the visit , write a journal to express your feelings, or talk to friends about the way you feel.  Eventually your feelings of being homesick will diminish.