Your first year of college is both exciting and overwhelming. You are in a different city, on your own terms and with people you have never met before, but that doesn’t mean you have to make the same mistakes that others before you have made. Here are 5 mistakes you can avoid:
Not going to class: College freshmen have spent their first 17 years of life getting up every day to attend school because their parents and teachers make them. And for the first time ever there are no parents yelling from the kitchen to hurry up. It’s easy to sleep through your 8:00 AM class, but you shouldn’t. Some professors keep attendance and can deduct from your class grade point average. Plus you could miss important information about future exams or even a pop quiz! So wake up, get to class and take a nap later.
Avoiding extra help: Most courses offer extra help outside of the classroom in the form of a study/review group given by the professors or teacher’s assistants for free. Or for a small fee you can attend tutoring classes off campus typically given by excellent former professors or teacher’s aids. These extra help courses teach you on an easier level and can really improve your grade.
Not getting involved: There could be several reasons you don’t get involved on campus, but no matter what excuses you come up with, don’t. There are plenty of different clubs and organizations that will appeal to your hobbies, religious and political beliefs or even your field of study. These clubs not only offer you a chance to meet new people but they will teach you a few things while adding something to your resume. Go join a club now!
Getting a credit card: Credit card companies flock to campuses every fall to feed on the naive college freshman. They seek out freshmen because they are the ones that don’t know better and credit card companies know to present you with one killer sales pitch on why you should have a credit card. Don’t buy into it or you will wind up with more debt than you want. When in doubt, call your parents.
Not being healthy: It’s so much easier to hit the drive thrus and lie on the couch rather than work out. There is a such thing as a ‘Freshman 15’ and it could happen to you. Avoid the late night snack runs, drive thrus and have fun with cooking at home, not only do you save the calories, you also save money. Join a sports league like softball, soccer or basketball to keep you active and healthy.
Enjoy your first year and never be afraid to ask for help from a parent or a professor. Keep active by exercising and joining a fun club. Have fun and remember it forever, your first year will be over before you know it!
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