Leaving home and starting college is a scary time in any young person’s life. For many kids, this is the first time they have lived away from the bosom of their family, so not only do they have to cope with making new friends and getting used to being treated like an adult, they also have to learn how to cook and do all the things mum and dad did for them.
The number of students who drop out of college is extremely high. The problem is that quitting college doesn’t release you from the first year’s tuition fees – you still have to pay them, even if you don’t attend.
So, if you want to avoid being one of these dismal statistics, here are some tips to help you prepare for your freshmen year.
Know What to Expect
Find out as much as you can about the course, the college, where you will be living, the social life, and even simple things such as transport times and costs. The more information you have about your new home for the next 3-4 years, the happier and more relaxed you will feel. Chat with other students online and if there is anything you are not sure about, speak to your college guidance counsellor or email the college for more information. There are plenty of blogs and guides for you to read online that will help you gain a better understanding of what college life will be like, for example: College Prep 101: The Ultimate Guide
Read Up Before Term Begins
You will be given a reading list before the term begins. Do not wait until the first day of term before you get that list out. Instead, start reading the required texts over the summer, so you are ready to hit the ground running when you start your new course. It is important to understand that a college workload is much heavier than anything you have in high school, so if you hit the books sooner rather than later, college won’t be such a shock to the system.
Gain Some Independence
Many young people are mollycoddled by their parents, which is why they have been dubbed Generation Snowflake. Gaining a degree of independence before you start college will do you the world of good. Go travelling for a month, see the world, get a job, and learn how to cook and do laundry. The more independent you are when you set foot on campus, the easier it will be to settle into your new life as a freshman.
Learn How to Manage Your Time
Time management skills are essential for college students. There is nobody chasing you up for work or reminding you when you have a lecture. You are treated as an adult; therefore, you must act like one. If time management is not your strong suit, download some apps and buy a diary or electronic organiser. You need to make sure you allocate enough time for studying, sleeping, eating, exercise and socialising.
Do you have any other useful tips? Let us know in the comments!
