There's no doubt that freshman year is a learning experience for most college students, and that all incoming students could use a little freshman year 101. Here are some common mistakes that students make during their first semester or two of school, and how to avoid them.
Skipping Class
So much freedom! Nobody can force you to go to class anymore! On the other hand, nobody can force you to pass your classes anymore either, so you'd better take responsibility and go.
Not Studying Enough
It's time to readjust your expectations of workload from what you had in high school. In college, teachers expect you to put in 2-3 hours of work outside of the classroom for every credit of coursework-- and sometimes more.
Not Doing the Reading
This is a mistake that high school students make too, but it's one you might be able to get away with in high school. Read your syllabus frequently and make sure you keep up, at least most of the time.
Frequent Binge Drinking
Speaking of freedom, it can be intoxicating (literally) to have the freedom to party whenever you want and for as long as you want. Many freshmen go completely overboard, which can lead to a host of serious problems. Remember, you have your whole life to have fun. It doesn't all have to happen the second you leave your parent's home. Here are some consequences of binge drinking to consider.
Going Home Too Often
Homesickness is a common freshman problem, and it's tempting to go back to the comforts of home as much as possible. But you're never going to get over your homesickness if you keep going home. Instead, get involved on campus and make new friends. Similarly, if you come to campus with a ready-made group of friends, branch out.
Getting Caught up in College Drama
College life is stressful enough. You don't have to add to it by freaking out about who's angry at who, or who's dating who, or who said what about you.
Not Finding "Your Own Thing"
Many incoming students do what they think they're supposed to do, based on peer pressure, parental expectations, or from watching too many bad TV shows and movies about college. College gives you an opportunity to try out lots of new things and befriend lots of new people, so explore! Don't join a fraternity or sorority because that's what you think college is supposed to be like-- and don't not join a fraternity or sorority because your friends turn up their noses. Don't get involved with student government because that's what your dad did. Be yourself.
Not Opening Your Mind
On campus, you're bound to be exposed to all kinds of ideas that are different from your own, and all kinds of people you never thought you'd be dealing with. While this may be uncomfortable, it's one of the reasons why college is such a great learning experience, so be prepared to listen and learn.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Getting used to eating healthfully on your own is tricky, and it's no wonder that so many students gain the Freshman Fifteen. Don't worry about being perfectly healthy your first semester, but avoid doing things like eating pizza in the middle of the night or eating fries with every meal. And try to get a little exercise, even if that just means walking to class.
Not Asking for Help
Yes, you need to learn to be independent. But part of being independent is taking the initiative to get help if you need it. If you're having problems in class, visit the professor's office hours, or spend some time at the campus tutoring center. If you're having trouble coping, get some help at the campus counseling center. Find out what resources are available and use them.
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