Tales of a College Student

Surviving your freshman year

If you are anything like me the first day of anything is terrifying. The first day of a new job, high school, college, or even a hobby can be overwhelming. I wished I was given an inch of advice for my first day of college. I was fresh out of high school with a big dream. I wanted to become a makeup artist. A few days into beauty school I quit that dream. That just wasn't the way that I wanted to go. That dream didn't give me a lot of want or desire. I am very happy looking back five years ago and I am happy with that decision. Needless to say, I was very lost. It was too late in the semester to start college right away. I had NO clue what I wanted to do. Luckily, I decided to attend my local community college. I am very happy with this decision looking back. I was able to get an associate's degree while trying to figure out what I was going to do.

The first thing you need to know if you're a freshman in college is it is nothing like high school. Not only is the workload different, but the time you will have class is as well. In high school, you are in class for eight hours, but in college that is different. You could have class on only Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few hours. You could only have class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You could have class every single day, but for a few hours. During my first year, I had a class on various days. My main schedule was Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Depending on my classes sometimes I had a lab on Thursdays or classes every single day. It really depends on what classes you're taking. I recommend trying to take classes on the same days that way you can spend the other days working on assignments. 

For workload, it is a completely different ball game. In high school it is safe to say for most of us it was the same amount of workload. For me, it was the same amount of homework, test, quizzes, and essays every single week. My first year of college was intense for me because every week is different. Some weeks nothing was happening, but that was because you will have three midterms, four essays, and two quizzes the following week. Things are quick in college and you will be overwhelmed. It is okay to feel that way because I did. To help with this on those weeks when things are calm try to get ahead on assignments. Keep a planner or write down important dates in your phone. Set reminders on your phone or set sticky notes to help you remember these assignments. 

I realized this after my first week of college, but the syllabus is your best friend. Depending on your professor they will put a full list of all assignments and due dates on the back or first page of the syllabus. It will be something like a course outline that has the days, assignments for that day, and all the due dates. This could change depending on weather or what happens during the semester. However, MOST of the time the syllabus and due dates don't change. It can happen especially with daily assignments because some days are different than others. I wanted to mention this because you should print out the syllabus for all your classes. Keep that course outline and keep track of it. Like I mentioned, keep those sticky notes and planners to help you with those assignments. The course outline will definitely help you.

Please keep your professors up to date on what is going on with you. If a family situation or something terrible happens email them. I have spoken with some freshman during my senior year that failed to realize this. They figured that the professor didn't care about what was going on with them personally. However, how is the professor supposed to know what is bothering you or what is affecting you if you don't tell them? They appreciate that you're handling it in an adult manner like coming forth and explaining an issue. Please let them know because most of them will listen. If they don't take it to the dean of students. Somebody will listen to your concerns and struggles. They will provide you with help if you need it. 

Take time out for yourself and remember why you're in college. It is definitely not easy and it will be a journey ahead of you. If you take the time out to get ahead of assignments, stay on top of things, and keep your head up you will achieve great things. I wish you all amazing luck in your first year of college. You got this!