Freshman Survival Guide, How to Thrive Your First Year!

Author: Mansi Gosalia, Editor-in-Chief

Being a freshman is no doubt a terrifying experience, the first few weeks on campus can be hectic as you shuffle to find classes, make new friends, and learn to function as an independent young adult. A lot of college consists of being your own advocate in order to thrive, but it is also about taking risks and trying new things. College is about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. With that, a fresh start means new beginnings, you can truly reinvent yourself, hopefully the following tips will get you closer to being who you want to be this year!

• Get Into The Right Mindset

Prepare yourself to succeed, college is a mental game. The truth is that you’ll be challenged constantly your first year and you’ll have to adapt to each thing that comes your way. Although cliché, it’s important to set clear and attainable goals for yourself and most of all, to believe in yourself. By sticking to your goals, you’re not only respecting yourself but you’re also improving everyday. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Entering college with an aura of confidence and a solid plan is one of the easiest ways to ensure success.

• Let Old Habits Die Hard

If you weren’t a great student in high school there is no better time to let old habits die then right now. College marks a new beginning and presents itself as an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Start working now to develop excellent study habits, such as getting ahead on readings, keeping track of important due dates in a planner, and regularly attending professor office hours. The MC campus has a plethora of learning spaces and tutoring options like the science learning center in BE and the writing, reading, and language center in HS which are completely free for student use.

• Get To Know Your Professors

Believe it or not, your professors are actually pretty cool people. More often than not they’re experts in their field and highly educated. Professors are there to help you because they’re passionate about what they teach. Developing a great relationship with your professor can lead to stand out letters of recommendation, a difference in your letter grade, and access to opportunities such as internships. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss out on potential connections.

• Practice Self-Care

Even though we want to believe it, we’re not superheroes. At one point in the year you will get overwhelmed. It’s at these times where it’s the most important to ask for help. Remember, your tuition is paying for campus counselling services and there are people that want to help you. Alongside campus mental health services, the Germantown campus has worked vigorously to employ programs such as peer-to-peer and personal coaching. Self-care is important, not only for mental emotional health, but also for your physical health. Taking care of yourself only serves to benefit you in the long run.

• Involve Yourself On Campus

The easiest way to make friends and learn your way around campus is to get involved. The Germantown campus has over 50 clubs and organizations which work to create an inclusive environment. Everything from the campus newspaper, The Globe, to Student Life and Student Senate. See something missing? That’s your opportunity to contribute your own ideas.