Archive for August, 2018


Monday, August 20, 2018

The Freshman Fifteen: How to be Successful Your First Year in College

The Freshman Fifteen: How to be Successful Your First Year in College | Lexi & Lady

It’s that time of year again, the freshmen are moving into the dorms this weekend and our apartment complex is as busy as a beehive with the new residents moving in as well.

Fall is my favorite time of year (besides the amazing weather and cute clothes) as a higher education professional. Fall is when your hard work is realized and the excitement of a new entering class is everywhere. This post is something I have wanted to write for a long time, so here it is (finally).

1. Lean on your support system

I read something this week in reference to moving in that said, “When your mom wants to unpack all of your clothes and make your bed – Let her. When your dad wants to introduce himself to all the people on your floor – Let him. When they want to take pictures of every move you make this weekend – Let them…As you start the new chapter of your life, they are also starting the new chapter of theirs…So let them treat you like their ‘baby’ one last time.”

This speaks volumes because, at the end of the day, they are going to be your biggest support system so don’t cut them out. Lean on them when you are struggling. No one expects you to know how to “adult” in the first year of entering this new stage in life. I can’t tell you how many times I called home from the grocery store to ask what product my mom recommended. Whether it was laundry detergent or what soup when I was sick! I also asked a few mom-looking ladies in the grocery store a couple of times.

2. Learn about on campus activities

Your university will likely have an activity fair or some way for you to learn about the organizations and activities/events you can participate in. Do that! Find out where you fit in. See if your major has organizations dedicated to students seeking the same/similar degree as you. This helps in picking classes/professors, finding study groups, learning about internship opportunities, etc.

3. Learn your study habits

This is one of the things I wish I learned earlier on. Do you study better in a group or alone? By using flashcards, reviewing notes, or reading the text? Essentially, be aware of how you study and stick to what makes you successful.

4. Attend class

This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many students skip class and then wonder why they failed or weren’t successful. Showing up is half of it!

5. Meet the students in your dorm and classes

When you move in make sure to introduce yourself to other students in your dorm. If you are in an all freshmen dorm then they are going through the exact same life change as you. Same goes for your classmates. You don’t have to be best friends with all of them, but you would be surprised who you will meet.

6. Determine your planning system

Time management! Determine how you are going to keep track of your assignments, exams, extra-curricular activities, work schedule, etc. Whether this is plugging it into a calendar on your phone or writing it down in a planner the old fashioned way, time management skills are key to success in college and life.

7. Visit your professors

Do not be afraid of them! Most professors are willing to answer questions after class or during office hours. Just make sure you have quality questions.

8. Learn about the services on campus

Much like learning about activities on campus, learn about the services your university has to offer. There may be free tutoring, a place that helps edit your papers, a health center for when you are sick, or counseling services if you are struggling mentally or emotionally. It is ok to admit when you need help. These services are here for you because we all know college is a transition period and it’s challenging.

9. Make a plan for going out and coming home safe

Going to a party or a bar? Know who you are going with and make a plan for coming home safe. There is nothing more terrifying than finding yourself in a bad situation. Have a good time, but make smart choices.

10. Be active

I mean physically active. We have all heard of the freshmen fifteen (hence the title of the post), but getting involved in intramural sports, going to the rec, or participating in group fitness classes will improve your overall wellness and cognitive function. But please don’t go to the gym for social hour!

11. Understand your degree plan

Your university offers advising, but take charge of your own degree plan. Understand how to read your degree plan and course sequence. Many students let someone else make these decisions for them, but those individuals make mistakes too. You don’t want to find yourself in the last semester missing one 3-hour course that will keep you from graduating.

Secondly, know what classes you have taken. For example, I was enrolled in an accounting class my sophomore year and during my advising session the advisor listed that class as one to take the following semester. If I didn’t know I was in that class or had already completed it then I could have easily enrolled and retaken a course I didn’t need to.

12. Get a job (on campus is the best)

Find a job! Not only does this offer some income, but it gives you experience to add to your resume. If you can find a job on campus (especially one that aligns with your future career), even better! Campus jobs are great and give you the opportunity to know faculty and/or staff. Work hard and they’ll be your biggest supports when you need references or letters of recommendation.

13. Don’t procrastinate

Again, a no-brainer, but procrastination is real. Just don’t let it get the best of you. If a large project seems overwhelming, work on it a little at a time. Your syllabus tells you what is coming up and getting a head start is important.

14. Try new things

Try things outside your comfort zone. Go to a cultural event, visit an art gallery or theater production on campus, consider studying abroad. You learn just as much outside the classroom through experiences.

15. Just keep swimming

Most importantly, don’t quit. Earning a college degree does not come easy, regardless of how others make it look on social media. Enjoy the time you have, the memories you will make, and keep marching forward.

I hope you find this list helpful and you take some of the advice to become successful. College really can be the best time of your life so start off on the right foot. Until next post…xoxo Becca

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