College is a different experience from high school but there is a stereotype for a reason. You are SUPPOSED to mess up and make mistakes. The best thing you can do is just laugh through it. However, I knew as an incoming freshman, I would have hated that answer so let’s get into my real advice for college freshmen, as a college sophomore.
The best guide on the internet for ‘Advice for College Freshman.’
My first year of college was difficult, to say the least. I was home-sick halfway through, especially after spending so much time with my family during Covid-19. Finding new friends again and actually going to classes was hard but you can do it.
I learned so much that year not only in academics but in who I am as a person. That year even pushed me to create my own website to help other college students.
Advice For College Freshman From A Second Year Student
1. Attend Classes
I know this one sounds silly but you do not get in trouble for showing up for classes. No parents or adults telling you what to do. This is the first year your academics are really in your hands. Do not mess around and start skipping classes just because you can.
If you have a professor where attendance is not mandatory and you can do it all online. Then only go to the important lectures but do not skip every single class. Take this advice seriously. As a college freshman, your grades can slip fast.
2. Avoid A Serious Relationship
Going into freshman year with a boyfriend or girlfriend is a mistake. You will be going to parties and meeting different people, you should not make time for them. In college, be selfish with your time and where your energy is going. If you still want to continue that relationship just be honest with your partner and set boundaries for each other.
3. Leave Your Room
When I say leave your dorm room, I am not referring to partying particularly. I simply mean go to your school’s student building or go to the library. Your dorm room should be your home away from home, not your hiding place.
You cannot meet people if you don’t ever put yourself in positions to meet people.
4. Never Drive Drunk
Sadly driving drunk in college is become common but that does not mean you should do it. Thousands of people die every year from this alone. Make sure you have a DD (designated driver) or the Uber app downloaded.
Free Dorm Room Checklist
Make the move easier with our new dorm room checklist that hundreds are already using!
5. Your Teacher Thinks Of You As An Adult
Almost everyone around you will be 18 years old or older. Your teachers will not give you leeway if you are acting like a 16-year-old. The best way to get good grades and appease a teacher is to treat them like you would an adult. Can you not make class cause your sister is getting an award? Email them and ask what you will miss. Not if they will excuse your absence or let you skip an assignment.
6. Always Ask When You Need Help
Your grades are in your hands. Act like it. Even if you are scared ask for help. You can meet up with the teacher on zoom, in person, or in class.
7. Do Not Be Afraid To Reach Out To Teachers
Think of a teacher as someone who wants you to succeed. They are paid to help you succeed. If you are having a problem with a teacher not answering you back, talk to them in person.
8. Do Not Trust People With Your Drinks
Another one is self-explanatory. I do not care if this person is your roommate, always be aware of where your drink is and who is by it.
9. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
College is not safe, no matter how much we wish it was. Anyone can go into the library or walk in the Starbucks. If you are getting a weird feeling or feel someone following you, find someone to walk with.
10. Do Not Take An 8 AM Class
Your college schedule is very different than high school. You will not get up at 7:30 am every single day. Even having a class as early as 9 AM is dangerous. If you are still thinking about taking early classes, just wait until the second semester and decide then.
11. Do Not Brag About Drinking Or Drugs
You are taking classes with people who are old enough to drink. No one cares if you went to a party or drank the past weekend. Talk about it if it comes up in conversation but just don’t brag.
12. Reach Out To People & Network
My go-to advice for college freshmen is NETWORKING. You are going to school with people who are going to school to start their careers. Those people can be lawyers, doctors, engineers, and potential hiring managers for the job you want.
Treat people with the respect that you would want.
13. Talk To People At Parties
This is one of the easiest ways to meet people. At college parties, everyone is there to have a good time and to take a break from the stress of college. Talk to people and make connections that will stay with you for the next four years.
14. Join Clubs And Activities On Your Campus
Doing activities on your campus can save you money and be a good time. With clubs, you can meet so many people who have the same interest as you. These are great ways to get out of your dorm room and make friends.
15. Back-Up Your Files
You want to make sure you do not spend hours on an assignment and your computer crash. Always save your drafts and save them to google drive or your desktop.
16. Go To All Orientations
As boring as these are, you do learn about the campus and it is a great opportunity to meet people. Remember, the best way to make friends in college is to get out of your dorm room and talk to people.
17. Be Open Minded
You will be meeting people all across the world that come from different cultures, environments, and manners. Never judge and be open-minded. Think about tip number 12. That person can be your future boss.
18. Go Out When You Are Invited
Get out of your dorm room. If you are invited somewhere and you have nothing to do, go.
19. No One Cares How Many People You Have Sex With
This is college. You are around adults. Leave the drama in high school.
Have you read our recent post on dorm essentials yet?
20. Freshman 15 is real
Alcohol is very common in college. If you are drinking every night and not working out – you are going to gain weight.
Your campus dining hall will probably taste bad, so you start eating more snacks or fast food. This with drinking is what causes “Freshman 15.”
21. Explore Your Campus
Go out. I cannot say this enough – leave the dorm room. You are paying SO MUCH for your education but also for your experience.
22. Meet Deadlines
Most of my professors did not accept late work. This means I would have to accept a zero if I did not meet the deadline. So double or triple-check your professor’s policies on late work.
23. Talk To People In Your Class
Another big tip or advice for college freshmen is to talk to people in your class. There is a big likely hood that you both are freshmen and would love to have more friends. It is scary but is worth it in the end.
24. Answer Questions In Class
This is a pretty simple and clear tip but my teachers tend to remember who I am. I was pretty quiet my first semester of college but in the second semester, I started asking questions. Asking questions led the teachers to give me help on assignments and answer emails faster.
25. Do Not Go Shopping For A Party Theme
There will be a frat party or school theme, that you do not have. Please do not spend money on a whole outfit to just match a theme for one night. Save your money and go in the closet outfit you have or borrow from someone else.
26. It Is Hard Making Friends
Yes, it is hard making friends. It can be scary and make you feel depressed if it goes bad, but keep trying. Get out of your dorm room, and go to the events your school throws. You will make friends but it is going to work.
27. You Will Miss Your Parents & Home Cooked Meals
The first thing I wanted when I first came back home was my mom’s mashed potatoes. My campus meals could never recreate home-cooked meals.
28. Be Knowledgeable Of Your Campus Resources
Knowing your campus resources can help you if your phone dies or if you are
29. It’s Okay To Change Your Major/Life Plan
Everyone stresses that you only have so much time in college but if you want to change your major – do it. Talk to your advising counselor and figure out what is best for YOU.
30. FOMO is real
Fear of missing out (or FOMO) is a real fear in college. You start thinking you should be partying more or should have more friends. Recognize that everyone is feeling that way and decide what you actually want to do. Instead of fearing missing out – look forward to what you have to do.
31. Practice Time Management Early
Time management is one of the best skills to have. You will need it for school, friends, work, and even family. Start working on it as soon as you can.