It can be nerve-racking to enter college.The "freshmen survival guide" is what you need.The following step-by-step guide can help to protect you from death and make your freshman year a success.
Step 1: If you want to attend college, you must have all of your paperwork in order.
Step 2: Check your tuition status.
Make sure you and your family know when and how the money will be paid.Check the billing addresses.This is important to your survival.
Step 3: Pick a meal plan that appeals to you.
Will you have a kitchen when you choose a meal plan?Are you going to have a fridge or mini fridge?Do you have the money to eat out?Do you want to eat in dining halls?Lots of social interaction can happen there.Do you eat breakfast?Dining halls on campus are not the only sources of meals.
Step 4: When will you have to declare your major?
Some colleges require very early major declarations, while others are late.
Step 5: Check on the classes.
Make sure you get everything you need if your college allows you to choose all your classes.
Step 6: Eat with care.
Try to fill 1/3 of your plate with fruits and vegetables, and only eat one or two desserts per day.At school, this will help you stay healthy.Most first-year students only gain a small amount of weight, and this is normal for their age.Heavy drinking is a risk for weight gain.
Step 7: Stay active.
Staying active is good for your mind and body, whether you hit the gym a few times a week, join the aqua fitness class, or enjoy refreshing yoga.Exercise can help you deal with stress.If you don't like organized fitness, try walking, jogging, or going to the gym with headphones on.
Step 8: Limit the amount of energy drinks you drink.
After the initial effect has worn off, they can cause your energy levels to crash.
Step 9: Get some sleep.
It varies by person, but most students do best with 8 hours of sleep.It's important to sleep to clear toxins from the brain.Get some rest.If you do, you will get better grades and your health will improve.Extra sleep is needed if you don't get enough sleep.Don't try to fit in.Sleep deprivation can kill people.Your lifespan may be shortened by sleep deprivation.Try to get a good night's sleep.Students with sleep schedules that are consistent have higher grades.
Step 10: When "healthy habits" become obsessive, recognize it.
Eating disorders can be deadly during college years.You should see a doctor if you see the signs of an eating disorder.Do you spend a lot of time thinking about your weight, diet, and exercise habits?Do you feel guilty about eating?Do you punish yourself by starving or exercising?Are you always trying to lose weight?
Step 11: There is a difference between stress and mental illness.
Everyone gets stressed.If your stress is interfering with your life, then you have a problem.Depression and anxiety are on the rise among young people.If you experience stress, headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, or other illnesses, you should see a doctor.
Step 12: Prepare for weather.
Find out if you need a coat or raincoat before you go.
Step 13: Sometimes you should hang out with your roommate.
A positive relationship will help you get along well and will give you a strong foundation of friendship when you disagree.It will make your living situation easier if you get along with your roommate.Go on outings together.You can get food, explore the campus, attend an event, or join a club together.Be there for them.When they face challenges, cheer them on.They should celebrate their successes.When they're upset, console them.They have a unique style.Some people want to hang out less than others.If you or your roommate don't want to be best friends with you, that's fine.
Step 14: Be assertive
Don't be a doormat and be courteous.If you have a problem, don't be afraid to bring it up, but think about how you address it.Phrases like "I can't sleep well with music" can be used.Do you want to wear headphones after midnight?Make observations, state needs, and make requests in the nonviolent communication style.I saw that the door was unlocked when I arrived.I worry about the safety of our things if they are left like that.When you leave, please lock the door behind you.
Step 15: Ground rules should be set.
Conflicts can be avoided if you decide early on what is okay and what isn't.If you have a different taste in music, you may have to use headphones or alternate music.If you need it, set some quiet and loud hours.If one roommate likes to sing along to music and the other doesn't, maybe the roommate can sing in class.Earplugs and white noise can help with noise management.Do you like sleepovers?What about non-platonic?To avoid awkwardness, set up rules for overnight visitors.Ahead of time, agree on a door signal or a message system.Talk about what isn't okay.Maybe you are okay with a few friends over for beer, or maybe you don't want to use any substances at all.You should be willing to compromise both ways.If you forbid your roommate from being social in their own space, it's also not fair to be constantly bombarded with drunk people.
Step 16: Things should be kept clean.
Be respectful of your roommate's personal preferences.There should be no bad smells.The path should be wide so that no one steps on it.Microwaves and shared objects shouldn't be gross.
Step 17: You should watch your things.
There can be theft and lost items on campuses.Accidents and thieves can happen even in relatively safe places.Don't leave things unattended.If you only step out for a minute, lock the door to your dorm.You'll always remember your keys if you lock your door before you leave.You should always lock up your bike.If it's a problem on some campuses, you should lock up both of your wheels.When your laundry is done, set a timer on your phone.Someone may throw it on the floor if you don't pick it up.Even for short periods of time, don't leave your laptop, phone, or other items alone in a public space.Someone can steal your things in a few seconds.If you misplace a personal item, try to find it at a help desk or the RA's room.Someone may drop it off.Inform campus police if it doesn't show up.
Step 18: If you're having trouble on your own, ask for help.
Dorms usually have a residential director and residential assistants that can help make you feel at home.Contact resident life if you have big issues with your rooming situation.
Step 19: Find out what is allowed.
Some dorms are dry, some are single-sex, and some have strict fire policies.You don't want to get in trouble.Space heaters, candles, fairy lights, and other fire dangers are not allowed.
Step 20: In shared bathroom be careful and courteous.
It's important to avoid serious germs if your dorm has shared bathroom.It's a good idea to wear shower shoes.There are diseases that can be transmitted through the feet.A pair of cheap flip-flops will do.If you make a mess, clean it up.If there are long lines, do your business and move on.You don't want to make people wait a long time.
Step 21: Take care of your room before you go home for the holidays.
If your things are in a common area, you don't want them to get stolen, lost, or thrown out.
Step 22: You can call home as much as you want.
When you just want to chat, your family can be there for you.When you're starting school and have a harder time, it's normal to call more often.
Step 23: Show up on time.
It's disrespectful if your teacher doesn't do anything to latecomers.Prepare early for class.When it's time to leave, set an alarm for when you lose track of time.
Step 24: You should get aplanner.
Track your assignments, appointments, and other to-dos with this.Habitica or ToDoIst can be used to track what you need to do.Digital calendars can be used to keep track of things.
Step 25: Unless you are too sick, you should attend class every day.
It's still important to show up for your class, even if some professors don't take attendance.Your professor can talk about things that aren't in the textbook, and will show up on the exam.They may be better at explaining things than the textbook is.You can ask for the notes if you're sick.During office hours later, you can ask about what you missed.It's foolish to spend thousands of dollars on school and not show up.That is not a good use of your money.
Step 26: If you have a disability.
Discuss your needs with your professors.You can give them a heads-up at the beginning of the school year.You can get accommodations at your school's disability center, such as a private room for tests, a sign language interpreter, or seating up front."Disability" is more than just needing a wheelchair.You can get accommodations for many disabilities, including anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, and more.You don't need to be afraid of getting accommodations.They are meant to make it easier for you to succeed like the other students.
Step 27: The syllabus should be kept on hand.
You can keep track of assignments more easily if you plan out the material ahead of time.
Step 28: You need the materials.
If you know what textbooks you need, you won't be stuck with ridiculous college store prices or waiting for shipping.The textbooks are on time.
Step 29: You can create study hours for yourself.
This time should be spent on studying and homework.Procrastination is your downfall.Do you work best in short bursts or long chunks?It's okay to take breaks, but plan them and not get carried away.
Step 30: Take notes in class.
You can use a computer.Taking notes can help you pay attention.Don't get lulled into a false sense of security if the teacher gives handouts.If you're a visual learner, try color coding.The dates or textbook chapters should be written down.Write a title that summarizes the lesson.
Step 31: Don't allow technology to distract you in class.
You can use laptops in class.Use technology wisely and show their faith in you.If you have a computer, use it for note-taking.Some students with disabilities need to focus on the task at hand.Quiet activities don't require much brainpower.Make sure you are still listening, and be discreet about it.
Step 32: As needed or desired, you can get tutoring.
Don't be afraid to ask your professors or peers for help if you feel like you're not understanding the material in your classes.Find out early how you can get help in college.The tutor center is where some people like to do their schoolwork.If you need help, you can ask for it.
Step 33: Try to form small study groups.
Ask them if they want to study.It can make studying more enjoyable.
Step 34: Don't stress about grades.
If your grades aren't good, you still have time to improve them, because they're not the only measure of your skill as a student.Do the best you can, but don't focus on getting perfect grades.You can feel proud if you did your best.You can ask your professor for help if you're worried about your grade.Students who show up to office hours are liked by professors.
Step 35: You don't have to cram if you start studying early.
You should review your notes after each class to make sure you have them.There is no rush to study for tests.Start studying a week before the exam.Don't pull an all-nighter.Your memory will be impaired due to sleep deprivation, even if you stay awake during the exam.Students who pull all-nighters get worse grades, and students who get enough sleep before an exam get better scores.
Step 36: Treat yourself after a hard day of work.
Purchase new clothes, eat a meal, go out with friends, or take a break to watch your favorite show.It is worth celebrating good effort.
Step 37: Keep an eye on your grades.
When you get your final grades, you don't want to be surprised.If something looks wrong or bad, check your grades periodically.If you're struggling, you can talk to your professor.Students show up to class.You can ask for help or ask questions.
Step 38: Talk to librarians about research projects.
They are knowledgeable about research.A degree in library science is required for expert librarians.Library science is more than that.Librarians learn a lot about different subjects so that they can point you to what you need, even if they don't understand the basics of your project.
Step 39: Before buying, you should borrow books.
If you think they will be useful in the future, buy them.Purchase the e-book version to save money.If you can, don't buy from the school store.Online retailers are usually cheaper.
Step 40: You can explore around the campus.
You can either take an official tour or just wander around.You can find interesting places.
Step 41: You can explore the area outside the campus.
You can explore your town or city.Take notice of the places you can visit.
Step 42: You can get involved in campus organizations.
Try something new, or meet friends with similar interests.
Step 43: Take a look at living organizations.
Language halls, sororities/fraternities, or other shared-interest housing can be a lot of fun.
Step 44: Buy some stuff!
There are a lot of ways to show your college pride.
Step 45: Attend events that interest you.
College events include dances, career fairs, open houses and more.You can learn and meet new people.
Step 46: Get to know the people who work there.
Faculty members can help you get started.They have the skills and resources to help you succeed.
Step 47: Use your adviser.
They were assigned to help you succeed.They may have helpful advice about classes or life.
Step 48: You should be friendly to everyone.
Talk to the cleaning crew, cafeteria workers, landscapers, and dorm staff if you want to be nice.They will smile whenever they see you.They will help you when you need it.
Step 49: If desired, make arrangements to stay on campus for holidays.
If you don't want to go home for the holidays, talk to your Residential Director.Sometimes they can arrange for you to stay on campus.
Step 50: Don't be afraid to make new friends.
College is a great place to build lasting friends, whether you want a few close friends or a large circle.If you want to meet new people, reach out.
Step 51: If you want, you can change your study schedule to work with your social schedule.
If you like partying on weekends, you might study harder on weeknights.
Step 52: Talk to upperclassmen.
They can give good advice on a number of subjects.
Step 53: Enjoy yourself.
College should be about learning, but also about having a life and growing as a person.
Step 54: The social scenes feel right for you.
College stereotypes include frat parties and kegs of beer, but there is more to college than that.It's not necessary to push yourself into uncomfortable situations to make friends.Look for what makes you feel interesting, and find friends there.
Step 55: Avoid people who make you do things you don't want to do.
You don't want to be taking huge risks when you're just starting college.Say "I don't want to" or "No" and walk away if someone is trying to make you do something.Go to a public place where there are witnesses if someone won't stop pressuring you.If you need to make a scene, shout and cry.If everyone sees what they're doing, they won't keep bothering you.
Step 56: Stay away from drugs.
Drugs aren't cool for school.Drug use in colleges can hurt your work performance.Years of addiction and health problems can be started by taking a drug.
Step 57: Don't allow someone else to drink and drive.
Don't get into a car with someone who has been drinking.You can call a taxi or ride sharing service.It's better if you don't crash.Potential injuries can be worsened by alcohol in your system.If you're drunk, getting into an accident can be even more devastating.
Step 58: If at all, drink wisely.
Start off slowly, and be aware of your limits.Blacking out is dangerous.If you want to party hard, don't get kicked out or hospitalized.In between each serving of alcohol, drink one glass of water.This will help you avoid dehydration.Don't push your limits.If you're around people you don't know well, drinking too much can be dangerous.Stay safe and know how much is too much for you.It's easy to keep track of how much you've had by texting.If someone passes out drunk, get emergency medical attention.They could be dead if they look like they are sleeping.If you want to take them to the emergency room, call an ambulance.
Step 59: You should watch your drink.
Accept a drink you didn't see poured, or leave it unattended.If you leave a drink unattended, throw it out.
Step 60: If you are sexually active, use contraceptives every time you have sex.
College is not a good time to have a baby.There can be holes in condoms and vaginal condoms, so they are not guaranteed to work.If one of the methods fails, use more than one.It is much safer to use both a condom and birth control than it is to only use one.Pulling out doesn't count as birth control.Don't trust people who refuse to use birth control or test for STDs before having sex with you.
Step 61: Understand the difference between consent and sex.
If both people want sex, it's okay.Don't trust people who will not take "no" for an answer.There are unacceptable ways to respond to someone who says "no" to sex.Ask someone if they want to have sex.Then listen again.Yes means yes.No means no."I'm not sure" means not now.Don't try to turn a no into a yes.Getting consent is not the same as wearing someone down.If someone tries to force you into sex, get help.That's not right.There are resources at your school to help you deal with this.
Step 62: Get tested if you need to.
If you are sexually active, you can still get an STD if you use birth control.Student health services can help if something doesn't seem right.
Step 63: If needed, find a job.
You can get an on campus job with a work study.
Step 64: You should budget your money.
Determine how much you can spend each week so that you don't run out of food or essentials.There are ways to save money in college.