Heading off to college is without a doubt an exciting time, but also can be intimidating. The structure of day-to-day life changes, class material is more challenging, and workload greatly increases. As freshman are adjusting to their new life, it is important that they stay organized and manage their time well. In high school, everyone’s day is planned out by the hour, but in college some might only have one class a certain day of the week or no class at all. This excess free time is refreshing but can be dangerous. Finding a system to stay organized is essential for time and stress management. I personally use a planner to keep track of upcoming exams and papers, but also write out each day in detail. I must hold myself accountable to my schedule which helps me avoid procrastinating assignments and studying. Procrastinating may give instant gratification, but down the road it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.
Along with time and workload management, getting involved and utilizing their resources is also vital. Incoming freshman should join clubs they are interested in and participate in school events to create a sense of community that is essential to enjoying college. Getting involved in college allows more friendships and connections to be made. Incoming freshman should also try to make connections with their professors and other staff. Building relationships with the faculty can open doors to opportunities. Utilizing resources around them can have a significant impact on their academic performance and overall experience in college.