How to Make the Most of College: 5 Tips for Freshmen

 

How to Make the Most of College | Kayla Blogs

During my first few months of college, I had no idea what to expect and was willing to take advice from anyone and everyone! Starting my sophomore year of college has been stress-free and surprisingly really easy so I wanted to help those freshmen and transfer students who are in the same boat as I was a year ago. Here are 5 basic tips that worked for me during my first month of college.

*This post is geared towards freshmen but can be applied to any college student, of course!

1. Leave your door open

Whether you live in a dorm or a brand new apartment, it’s always good to limit the amount of time you spend in your room. If you absolutely must be in your room (or have nowhere else to go!) leave your door propped open. It’s much more inviting and chances are you’ll make some friends that way!

2. Go to campus events

At Temple we have this thing called Welcome Week. It’s an event mainly for freshmen to get a feel for campus and see all the different things we have to offer here. I loved Welcome Week because it gave me things to do and places to go when I was bored! Take your roommate along or go alone and make some friends. Talk to everyone, get out of your comfort zone, and introduce yourself! You have a unique opportunity to reinvent yourself at college, so take advantage of it!

3. Go to sporting events

Sporting events are a great way to gain some school spirit and pride (if you don’t have any already!) I love going to Temple games and cheering on the Owls! I have such a good time, especially if I go with a group of friends. Sit with the student section for an even greater experience.

4. Don’t be afraid to join and try new things

College is all about experience. If you want to join a club that doesn’t exist, start one! Get involved in as many things as possible (but don’t join more clubs than you can handle!)

5. Don’t sweat the little things

Always remember you’re not alone! If you’re stressing about something, call your parents! They’ll love to hear from you and love that you thought of them. It’s normal to doubt yourself and your abilities when you get to college but try to remind yourself why you’re there and the things that make you so awesome!

If you’re in college or even a college graduate, what advice would you give to those who are going through it for the first time? 
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9 Comments

  1. September 3, 2014 / 11:38 pm

    These are great tips! I just started my freshman year a couple of days ago, and I have to say that leaving my door open throughout all of orientation was the best decision! We have people in our room nearly constantly now 🙂
    http://danidearest.wordpress.com/

  2. September 4, 2014 / 8:41 pm

    Hi Dani! Yay! I'm so glad it worked for you 🙂

  3. September 15, 2014 / 3:15 am

    Hey I'm going to start my freshman year next week and I'm super nervous and excited. How long did it take you to find your group of friends? I know the first few weeks can be hectic since you're meeting so many new people, but when do things start to calm down?

    http://InternationalistDiary.blogspot.com

  4. September 16, 2014 / 8:57 pm

    That's so exciting! I had a great freshman year– you will too!
    My first friend I made at college was my roommate. I hung out with her all the time which was easy because we lived together! She also had some friends from her HS that came around a lot so I became friends with them too. I'd say you make a majority of your friends within the first week but you're going to always be meeting new people so don't fret if you don't find your friend group within a week! Some of my other friends I met through classes and Freshman orientation.

    The first month is definitely the most hectic. I'd say after 3 weeks though it starts to calm down a little. Once you figure out your routine everything is so much better! Just remember Rome wasn't built in a day… everything takes time! Making friends, building a good routine, getting used to campus… you won't know what you're doing right away and that's okay!

    Feel free to come to me with any other questions you might have. Good luck!

  5. July 1, 2015 / 1:30 pm

    I’ll be a freshie in September and I’m so scared! I definitely have to remember to leave my door open as I tend to unconsciously close it, even at home! And I’m excited to start playing tennis again!! xx

    http://www.from18tolife.co.uk

    • July 1, 2015 / 2:47 pm

      I’m sure you’ll be fine!! Leaving your door open is a huge help, though. I met a lot of my friends that way 🙂

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