Freshman Survival Tips: Keys to a Successful First Year
|
Posted By: Dixie Somers on January 09, 2018 College classes are more demanding than high school. In addition, you must adjust to having primary responsibility from everything from finances to personal safety to managing your study time. From now on, meeting those responsibilities is no longer your parents’ job. What you do is up to you. The best approach is to think of going to a college like Independence University as your first adult job. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Doing things you enjoy is essential to a healthy work/life balance. Your task is to set and follow priorities, so you can make sure you also fulfill your responsibilities. Put Your Health FirstStaying healthy and in good physical shape is a big part of college success. You will have more time and energy to put into study and other activities. Your first priority should be to get enough sleep. If you are constantly fatigued, you won’t be able to concentrate effectively in classes or study sessions. You will also be more likely to come down with a cold. Get regular exercise. Adults need at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. Taking a brisk 30 minute walk five days a week will serve. Use the student gym to do strength training twice each week. If you do start feeling sick, visit the student health clinic or see a doctor right away. The sooner you deal with illness, the easier it will be to recover. AcademicsIt’s easy to get wrapped up in campus life, but you must maintain attending classes and studying as your top priorities. Start by scheduling enough time to study. Most colleges recommend two hours per week for each credit hour. Find a quiet place to study. Take advantage of study groups and learning labs. When you have questions outside of class, go to your professors. College faculty schedule weekly office hours so as an opportunity for you to receive individual attention. Safety and SecurityIf you live in a dorm, keep your ID, driver’s license and credit cards with you at all times. Keep your room locked. Familiarize yourself with the campus environment and avoid high-risk areas. Use campus or public transportation services. These are generally the safest ways to get around in urban areas. Travel in groups at night if possible, and don’t hesitate to call campus security if you see anything suspicious. Build a Social LifeMost college freshman start out knowing very few people when classes begin. Don’t be discouraged. There are endless ways to connect with fellow students. One option is to join a student organization whose mission is one you are interested in. A less formal tactic is to become a regular at a campus coffee shop or similar venue. Take advantage of campus entertainment events. You will soon discover that there are concerts, plays and many other activities available. Most are free or cost very little to attend. Managing MoneyYou are now in charge of your finances on a day-to-day basis. Start by making a budget that accounts for all of your income sources and expenses. Adjust the budget as needed but stick to it. Exercise restraint with credit cards. The best practice is to use credit cards for convenience and building credit, but pay the balance off each month. Make sure you know the terms attached to your student financial aid, especially student loans. Remember, you are the one who must pay them off after you leave school. Look for ways to save money. For example, you can often buy used textbooks, and also sell texts that you won’t need in the future. ConclusionMany people look back on their college years with great fondness and with good reason. It is a very special time that starts with having a successful freshman year. You are immersed in an environment rich in social and learning opportunities. For many freshman, it is also their first chance to live and act as adults every day. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Dixie Somers
Freelance Writer, Self Employed Other College... class of 2004 Member Since November 2016 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 52 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 105 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 79 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 73 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 66 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,030 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,072 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,329 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,363 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
