College Tips From a Freshmen Student

It doesn’t matter if you are a first-generation college student or even a freshman, here are some lessons and room essentials that, no matter the grade, will always come in handy.

Some Important Dorm Essentials

1. Scissors: Never thought I’d need these until I had to cut open an Amazon package with a dull ballpoint pen.
2. Swiffer or a broom:  I didn’t think I would need this until about my second week of settling in.
3. Tissue, paper towels, disinfectant wipes:  Runny nose, small spills, you’ll never notice how much you need tissue until your on your own.
4. Tape: There may be a need for some. but not many. I’d get a small one if anything since I only needed mine for a project.
5. Glue: It’s a basic school supply. I didn’t think I’d need it as much as I would but here I am.
6. Medicine: If your immune system is poor like mine then Dayquil, cough drops, tea, and nasal spray will be your best friend. Also, get Advil or Tylenol.
7. Melatonin: I have problems falling and staying asleep so this helps me go to bed faster and longer for when I need it.
8. Medical kit: Self-explanatory.

Tips to Be Successful in College

1. 

   Set alarms: This is a no-brainer. Now my school records class lectures so if you are on the short end of the stick where they don’t — just try getting in on time so you would have to go back and watch class footage. Make alarms for yourself to get up in the morning.

2. Utilize class footage: When you don’t under something, rewatch them. I always do this for my graphic design class and it’s super helpful.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: No explanation is needed. If you don’t understand something then you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage by not asking.
4. Read the syllabus: It’ll seem like a chore for some classes but it was made to help you. They should be going over how you’ll be graded when assignments will be due, their contact information, office hours, and additional resources you can go to.
5. Communicate when you need to: Your professors are people too. Can’t finish an assignment -ask for an extension. Don’t know where to turn in the assignment — send a quick email.
6. Campus job: I’m sure all colleges have some. Try asking an advisor about it. Make sure it fits within your schedule.
7. Calendar: A physical calendar to be specific. (That’s what works best for me.) If you are on your phone all the time and never check your virtual calendar having a physical calendar helps. Make sure to put it in a place where you’ll be able to see it. Color code things to make stuff easier to read! A few color-coded categories I have are my workout days, couple check-in, academic, personal life, and scholarship.
8. Scholarship: Throughout the school year it is never too late to apply for scholarships. Scholarships.com is a good place to look for some.
9. Timers: I set timers for everything. When I should be studying, when an assignment is coming up, my couple of check-ins, etc. This helps me be more on track.
10. To-do list: With all the freedom you have it’s best to make a to-do list to help you stay on track.

Helpful Tips for Personal Life

1. Long-distance relationships: It is important to remember that both of you are in college to learn. Keep each other on track with work. Make a day for the both of you to spend some time together. My partner and I have Saturday as our designated hang-out day. A few of my favorite things to do are virtual dates, play Minecraft or Roblox, having movie nights, and playing games on this app called Plato. This app can be found on the app store -it’s available for Android and Apple devices. We also have a check-in we do bi-weekly. This is how we talk about how we feel academically, scholarly, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically to stay more connected.
2. Self-care: Take a day out of the week to do something you like doing. (Preferably on the weekend.) It should be almost like a meditative activity like drawing, listening to music, skincare, meditating, etc. College can be overwhelming sometimes so try to make some downtime for yourself.

Things to Work On

1. Money spending: Try to make a budgeting plan. For example, this is what I’ve been doing for myself: $50 for groceries, $65 for school supplies, $70 for skincare and washes, $41 for phone bills, and I always make sure I have at least $35 for spending money. It was hard at first to limit what I’m spending but it’s helpful. (Note: invest in a budget book.) (Note: Its also good to start saving before you moving into your college too!)
2. Time management: My problem was social media -TikTok to be specific. At one time I had those apps deleted from my phone to prevent me from distracting myself. So if you need to make a schedule for yourself do that.
3. People skills: You’re going to be talking to a lot of people in college. New people you probably haven’t met before. If you are shy try to step out of your comfort zone.

College is like a whole different environment than high school. While many things are the same, there are more that are different. These are just some helpful tips to help people when entering the college life.

By: Khalyse Hemingway

Sources

snow.edu: Your First Year of College: 25 Tips to Help You Survive and Thrive in Your Freshman Year

Inset image courtesy of Khalyse Hemingway   Flicker page -Creative Commons License

Featured image courtesy of Khalyse Hemingway  Flicker page -Creative Commons License