Worried about your first year in college? This college freshman guide includes personal best tips and advice that you need to know.
So you got accepted and have picked your college. Now what? Read this college freshman guide.
You are probably scanning the site and YouTube videos on what to prepare for your first year as a college student.
Don’t worry as I have got you covered with all the tips and advice in this college freshman guide that I wish were available to me before entering college.
Coming from a college senior who has received a full-ride scholarship to college, this guide will help you navigate everything from classes to dorming to social life.
Warning: this college freshman guide is going to be long because I included everything that I could think of that may be helpful.
This is the ultimate college freshman guide that will cover all the answers that you need to know.
College Freshman Guide:
1. Your Syllabus is Your Best Friend
Gone are the days of teachers reminding you that there is a quiz tomorrow or a paper due next week. Unless you get one of those nice ones who reminds you every class.
But don’t rely on your professors for telling you the due dates because EVERYTHING is in the syllabus.
You may have seen a syllabus in your middle or high school classes, but did not mull over them much. Why? Because our teachers used to tell us everything about assignments and usually the “syllabus” was just a page of rules or expectations from you.
College? Nope, it’s your guide to managing your assignments and staying on top of them. Have your syllabus printed out or saved on your phone.
Even better? Go that extra step and write out the due dates and test dates on a calendar, planner, or on a mobile app.
A tip is to put assignment due dates a day or two ahead of when it is actually due. I love doing this so it forces me to work earlier and not procrastinate at the last minute.
2. Get Moving
As opposed to high school where you probably learn material in blocks or a whole year, college is going to be in semesters or quarters.
If you already have semester schedules in your high school, then you should be accustomed to the pace in college.
Everything is going to go by quickly, so move quickly! Don’t wait until the last minute to ask questions about an assignment or the class because you will get behind.
Stay on top of things starting week 1!
3. Everyone Poops
Ok, this is a struggle I had freshman year. I was poop shy-and I know this may not apply to everyone, but for those out there who are feeling weird to poop-DON”T BE. Everyone poops.
Moving into dorms and living with a bunch of other people can be intimidating. And I was conscious about pooping in the stalls where there was usually someone right next to you.
I was worried about what if they think my poop is stinky, what if I fart really loudly, what if…
But you will get used to it, and trust me by the end of the year you will be ripping it in the restrooms. 😉
4. Plan Your Classes Wisely
Always have a plan b and plan c for classes. Unless you get priority registration, it is likely that the classes you want will get filled.
Plan to always add an additional class to your schedule rather than the regular amount. This way if you discover that you don’t like a class or it does not match your schedule, you can drop it.
And it won’t affect your academics. You have to be a full-time student to receive the maximum amount of financial aid and to stay on track to graduate within four years.
5. Go to Office Hours
Don’t be afraid to go into office hours. You can find out the times on your ta-da syllabus to meet with your professor or ta.
It can be as simple as asking a question to talking about how they got into their field. Professors love to talk-especially about their accomplishments and journey.
Getting to know your professors is so important. They are the ones who can write your recommendations, open doors for potential jobs, and provide advice for your career.
If you are afraid, go to your ta’s office hours first. They are students too and have been through what you have.
6. Explore and Join Clubs
During the first few weeks, there are always a bunch of organizations and clubs on-campus.
Feel free to check them out and learn more about them. You can always go to the ones that seem interesting and stay with the ones you like.
Clubs and organizations are the fastest way to meet people and make friends.
7. Make a Friend or More in Each Class
Get to know someone in each of your classes. I usually get someone’s phone number or join a discord group in class.
These are super useful. Joining a discord for your class keeps you posted about when things are due or when an exam is coming up.
This is like a second syllabus that reminds you of upcoming dates. There are usually students either complaining about an assignment or confused which allows you to gauge when you should start your assignment.
8. Plan Your Outfit the Night Before
This simple task saves so much time and cognitive thinking in the morning.
The less things your brain has to worry about in the morning, the better for you to do other important things like focusing on class or eating breakfast.
You also won’t be as stressed if you have your outfit ready.
9. Diversify Your Meals
In your first year, you will probably be eating mainly from dining halls. This is the time when you can be tempted into picking burgers or pizza three meals a day.
Instead, diversify your meals so you are getting your greens and fruits too.
You don’t want to be feeling sick on your exam days because you have been eating junk food the entire semester.
Try to eat something different each time and include something healthy.
10. Do Your Laundry On Fridays and Sundays
Remember to do your laundry. It can be tempting to go weeks without noticing that pile of clothes, but DO YOUR LAUNDRY!
You won’t have a foul smelling pile of gunk and you will have more fresh clothes to choose from.
And the best days to do your laundry are on Fridays and Sundays since most students will be out to events, clubs, or parties.
11. Laptop vs. Paper
This is the time when you are free to choose to take your notes on your laptop or paper.
For me, I prefer to take notes in notebooks or blank paper since it helps me retain information better.
It is also less distracting than a laptop since you won’t be tempted to be browsing the web or shopping during class.
But you do you and find the one that works best for you.
12. Sit in the Front Rows
This has helped me so much in my first year. I was able to engage with the class and professor when I sat in the front rows.
Professors are more likely to remember your face and believe that you are here to learn.
You will also be more focused on the class and won’t be texting or on your phone if you were to sit in the back rows.
13. Know Your Classes
The day before or a couple hours before your classes, make sure you know where they are located.
Not only will you be more relaxed, but you will also be prepared to arrive on time and read to go.
14. Get to Your Classes Early
If possible, get to your classes a couple minutes or fifteen minutes earlier. If there isn’t another class, you can go in and pick a seat.
You can use that time to get your material ready, go over lecture notes, and read over slides that will be covered that day.
15. Do a Weekly Clean-Up
You would probably be too busy or lazy to clean up your room so plan an hour each week dedicated to that.
Throw away your trash in the room, wash your towels or sheets, vacuum your floor, wipe your desk, and fold your clothes or hang them.
I used to have a dust layer on my desk because I always had my windows opened. Don’t be nasty and clean your room!
16. Walk Around Your College
Get acquainted with the different locations and spots on your campus.
Learn where the library is, where the food areas are, where buildings are located etc. Better yet, go on a campus tour to familiarize yourself where key places are.
17. Buy Merch On Sales
Every college has their own branded hoodies and sweatshirts, and you may be tempted to buy them sometime along your college career.
Buy college gear during sales months. They are usually lower during September or slow days.
College clothes are also great because you don’t have to think about what to wear the next day and can just throw it on.
Chances are there are several others wearing a similar hoodie or jacket from the college.
18. Create a Groupchat
Once you have your roommates assigned or found, add their contact information.
Create an Instagram group or email them to get their contact. This is helpful to plan what days each person is coming.
This way you won’t be all moving in at the same time and fighting for space to put stuff.
19. Check Out the Library
Chances are you can find a study spot or tutor resources in the library.
Ask the front desk for resources that you need. The tutoring rooms, quiet study rooms, and learning resource centers should be located at the library.
20. Find a Few Study Spots
When it’s near midterm or final season, the library is bound to be crammed.
If you can’t concentrate in your room, try other places. It is super handy if you find a couple of study places at the beginning of the year.
Some suggestions may be in an empty classroom, a coffee shop on-campus, or study rooms.
Study spots on my campus that I go to are:
- Club/organization meeting rooms
- The second library (yes, my school has two libraries)
- Starbucks
- Any patch of grass
- Private study rooms inside dorms (these are usually limited)
- Off-campus coffee shops
21. Don’t Buy Your Books
If you ever get a required list of textbooks that you need to buy, don’t buy them yet.
Go online and type in the title of your textbook followed by free pdf. 90% of my textbooks are free and found online.
If you prefer to have the tangible version, you can also check your college library to see if they have extra copies.
And only then should you consider purchasing a book.
22. Manage Your Time
Get a planner. Use your phone. I can’t stress it enough.
Planning your time wisely is one of the most important skills you need to learn. If you already plan your time productively, then you are fine.
But if you are unsure of how to do so, here are some tips:
- Get a cute planner (the cute cover makes me want to use it)
- Get one with a daily spread
- A daily, weekly, and monthly view planner allows you to jot down daily assignments, see your week in advance, and plan out events on a monthly spread
- Use your syllabus
- Jot down all midterm, final dates, assignment due dates
- Set alerts
- Either hold yourself accountable with a buddy system or set reminders on your phone to remind you to actually do the work
23. Get a Laptop
If you have an old, outdated laptop from years ago, it’s time to upgrade.
If you are not a heavy STEM major with a lot of coding involved, you will do fine with a lower processor.
A normal laptop with long battery life will get you through your college career.
If you are a heavy STEM major, opt for a laptop with higher processor, more capabilities, and performance.
It will be so much faster and your laptop won’t crash if you have a bazillion tabs open and running code.
There are usually student discounts and deals near back-to-school season, so keep an eye open for that!
24. Switching Your Major Is Easy
Don’t be afraid to switch your major if the one you are currently in does not align with your goals.
Try to finish all your general education requirements your first two years and take electives that you think might interest you.
A LOT of people change their majors sometime in college. It is not taboo and not everyone knows what they want to pursue at 18.
25. Know Your Dates
Besides assignments and academics, you should know any housing, application, and college dates.
Remember to always file your FAFSA early on in October and November rather than waiting until June.
Keep note of housing dates like when to apply, sign up, choose your room/roommates.
Keep track of when career fairs are starting and check it out your first year. You can just explore and get used to it so you won’t be as unprepared or nervous your next years.
26. Don’t Overload Your Backpack
College is not like high school where you either have to lug around everything or keep stuff in lockers.
You won’t need to carry around gigantic binders or large textbooks.
Instead, many paperwork and slides are online. If you prefer to have a printed copy in front of you, place three slides on every one page.
Print double sided to save paper and space.
Carry only your necessities because chances are you have a dorm on-campus.
Bring your laptop, charger, headphones, a pencil pouch with a few pens and pencils, and a notebook. You might also want to bring a refresher/emergency kit and some snacks.
Only bring what you need and always remember to have water and snacks to keep you hydrated and filled if you ever have a long test or don’t have time to grab food.
27. Explore Your College and Beyond
It is good to walk around your campus, but it is even better to get to know the places around.
Learn about any dining areas, beaches, fun spots, coffee shops, shopping malls, and grocery stores nearby.
This way you will be accustomed to the area and have a better idea if you decide to get a nearby apartment later on.
28. Find the Freebies
Go on your college’s reddit or advice group chats.
Learn about where you can get free printing or supplies. There are usually many resources for college students that many don’t know.
Check to see if your college has a food pantry, care packages, and school supplies.
29. Get Out of Your Bed
College is when gym or pe is not a requirement anymore. You are free to pursue your own classes, but that does not mean not exercising anymore!
Your daily walks to class are not considered enough exercise. Try to go to the gym or on-campus facilities to get your moving in.
And I understand if going to a gym is daunting especially if you have never gone before and everyone seems like they know what they are doing.
Instead try these tips to incorporate more exercise in your day:
- Do lunges when going to and from your dorm room to the bathroom/dining area
- Do squats in the shower
- Do leg lifts in your bed
- Do a one minute plank when you wake up and before you go to bed
- Do ten jumping jacks each hour you study or watch shows
30. Have Fun
Don’t just stress about your academics, have some fun too!
Go meet new people, try out new places, and eat somewhere new each time you go out.
Make the most of your college since you only have so much of it.
Work hard, but remember to play too!
This is the time for you to explore life on your own, becoming independent, and developing crucial skills like time management, cooking, and balancing your life.
31. Don’t Slack Off
This may be intuitive but try not to slack off. Don’t start procrastinating and celebrating before your finals are over.
Like a marathon, go strong until the very end.
SO many students burn out a week or two before the school term is over, but do not let that be you.
Sprinkle in relaxing breathers in between so you don’t burn out.
Some ideas are:
- Watching a movie (go to the theaters with your friends)
- Have a night in, sleepovers or just to catch up
- Take a walk around nature
- Get something sweet to eat, ice cream or boba
- Karaoke, release your stress through singing
- Go for a jog (if you hate exercising, this can push you to work on your academics instead of going on a run)
- Make something, crafts, knitting, or drawing
Finish strong and then take your break. You got this!
Congratulations! You have reached the end of this college freshman guide.
I hope this college freshman guide was useful and that you can go to college feeling prepared and ready.
If you wish to learn more tips like this college freshman guide, check out other posts.
