A major transition awaits you – the Freshman Year! 

You will meet new people, new subjects, new environments, new experiences, and much more. It’s going to be filled with fun but also some new challenges to face.

You would probably hear a lot from your parents, your older siblings, and some high school teachers about what a freshman’s life would be like. 

Firstly you need to select your desired college. If it’s abroad or at a place away from your hometown, brace yourself! Do some research on the place, the university, the faculties, and the culture they follow. 

But let’s get to know the general considerations before you start your freshman year. 

1. Learn About the People and Your Course

Before you start your classes, try to learn a little bit about each subject. Learn about extra courses that can support your academics, for example – universities offer language courses and soft skills that will groom you for the future. 

Networking right when you start will help you in the future. Forming networks takes time. Not everyone will be familiar with each other on the first day. You can join student clubs, and participate in extracurricular activities. That’s how you can form friendships and some lifelong bonds. 

2. Research and Arrange Your Accommodation

If you are traveling for your freshman year away from your hometown, do some research about the place. Research the dorm or accommodation and roommates. The university you are attending can help you find accommodation that is near to your college. 

3. Read 

Learning never gets over. Develop a habit of reading and read as much as you can. 

Academically you will be gaining tons of knowledge but apart from that make sure you read from other sources. Some universities suggest books to read and add them to their syllabus. Keep yourself updated with it. 

4. Extracurricular Things to Do

You will be having a lot of time to spare during your initial classes. Engage yourself in various activities. Make yourself familiar with student clubs, extracurricular activities, fests, competitions, etc. This can help you be the jack of all trades.

You can attend other college events, comic conventions, and stand-up shows near your college and have fun. 

You can also get a part-time job in nearby cafes, movie theaters, and malls. 

5. Observe and Learn

You will be starting everything new. When you attend your freshman orientation make sure you observe everything about the campus and learn more about the teaching methods used, courses, etc. 

During lectures, you can make notes with the key concepts so you can revise before the next class. Improve your listening skills and grasping skills which can help you remember some phrases or information you miss to record in your notes.

Study the outline for the next lecture so you are prepared for what can be the next topic to be taught in class. You can also adapt the memorizing skill, which can be your tool while studying. 

You may have taken school assignments lightly, but college assignments are not going to be that easy. Hone your skills in writing academic papers and you’ll benefit immensely in the long run. You can also seek help from professional academic paper writers to get a better understanding of how college papers are to be written.

6. Time Management

When you start your college journey you’ll be pretty much on your own. No one will guide you about time and how you can save it. 

You will experience newfound independence and it will seem all fun and games, but with academic projects, extra classes or if you wish to work part-time, you surely will have to manage your time. 

Complete your assignments on time and don’t procrastinate. You get virtual scheduling tools that can help you keep track of your class timings, sleep schedule, your workout routine, etc. You can also divide your time when you would like to spend some leisure time apart from studying. 

Remember, your freshman year is an exciting beginning to a great journey. You will be fresher to a lot of experiences, learning a lot of new things that will help you grow as a person and as a professional in the future.