Like many other incoming freshmen, I remember feeling a mixture of both anxiety and excitement when I thought about starting college. Here are 10 helpful tips for college freshmen that I would have wanted to know before starting my new chapter:

1. Do not order your textbooks before attending at least one week of class.

The first week of classes is often called “syllabus week” because professors will go over the syllabus– this includes textbooks. You may find out that the textbook is optional or that the professor will post copies of his own textbook so you don’t have to purchase one. Even if the textbook is optional, give some thought into whether or not you will really use or need it. Many college students including myself are not textbook learners and discover that we never even open the textbook we bought.

2. Join or try out lots of clubs or organizations.

Freshman year is an excellent time to try out all sorts of clubs because it’s your most free year of college. This is also a great way to make new friends. Also, you don’t have to commit to the club right away and a lot of them have little time commitment.

3. Remember that everyone makes friends at a different pace.

Some people may find their friend group within the first couple of days of college, while others may take months. Everyone is different and some people may take longer to open up than others. Don’t compare yourself to anyone in the friend-making process because it may make you feel more discouraged. Eventually, everyone will find their own group of friends.

4. Find out where your classes are before the first day.

College campuses can be very large and easy to get lost in. If you are on campus before your first day of class, I recommend finding the classrooms where your classes are. If you aren’t on campus, you can look up a map of the college and get an understanding of where your classes are from there.

5. Upperclassmen are here to help.

Upperclassmen have been through it all, too. Don’t be afraid to ask for an upperclassman help if you’re having trouble finding a classroom. If you befriend one, they’ll most likely want to help you in some way, by handing down their old textbooks or inviting you to a social event.

6. Be respectful of your roommate (and remember that it may not always be them).

While your freshman roommate may not always be your best friend, it is important to stay respectful of him/her. This means listening to him/her and making compromises if needed. Remember that rooming with someone is typically a first-time event for many college students so it’s a learning process. If an issue comes up, it’s best to talk about it face-to-face, with no other people involved– after all, we are all adults now. Keep in mind that both parties have the potential to be in the wrong; it may not always be them.

7. If you are unsure of your major or career path, this is the perfect time to discover what you really want to do.

Freshman year classes usually consist of many general requirements, i.e. your basic math, science, and English classes. There is also room for a couple electives. You can usually design your course schedule to take a variety of different classes to find out what you are really interested in (this is especially the case for undecided/undeclared majors). Also, if anything else sparks your interest, i.e. a guest speaker coming to speak to your school about his research or a club that meets to learn about different languages, you should take advantage of your college’s resources and go for it.

8. Don’t stress over earning A’s or having a high GPA.

When I was in high school, I always felt like I had to have a high GPA to get into a good college or to get a decent scholarship. This pressure is most definitely not as intense in college. While it is important to try your best in classes, you don’t have to beat yourself up over earning the best grades. Ultimately, companies or jobs will care more about your internships, volunteer work, or leadership skills than your GPA.

9. Everyone will feel homesick at least once and this is normal.

Freshman year can be especially hard because not only are you transitioning from a high school senior year course load to a college one, but you are also adjusting to a different environment by yourself. It’s completely normal to feel homesick every once in a while. Don’t worry because before you know it, time will fly by and you’ll be back home for fall or winter break.

10. Take advantage of your free time and have fun!

Again, freshman year is most likely the most laidback year of college. Take advantage of this and have a lot of fun. I know many people who told me they wish they had more fun their freshman year instead of studying all the time. Although this being said, it’s important to keep up with your classwork and to go to your classes.

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