This post is all about the 23 best college freshman tips survival guide.
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Starting college or university is a big moment in anyone’s life! You have worked so hard, and you’re probably really excited for what the future holds. I learned so many things during my freshman year that I wish I knew before I started.
I hope that these tips and tricks make you feel a little more prepared for college. You’re going to do amazing, and I’m definitely cheering you on from the sidelines. 😉
Related Post: How to Decorate Your Dorm On a Budget
23 Best College Freshman Tips Survival Guide:
1. Use a Planner:
One of the most helpful tools in college is a planner. College students are BUSY and need a place to organize all of their important events, assignments, club meetings, due dates, etc.
I definitely recommend finding a planner that you love so that you are more inclined to actually use it. Recently, I’ve been loving my Day Designer knock off by Blue Sky. It’s really good for people who have a lot to do and aren’t the best at planning out their time (AKA me and maybe you?)
The one I linked above is a daily/monthly planner and gives you an entire page for each day of the month which allows you to time-block your schedule for the day. I have the 5 x 8-inch planner and really like the size.
Make sure to grab these pens for your planner too. They are my favorite because they write really well and don’t bleed!
2. Reach Out To People:
The beginning of college is a lot of fun because everyone is looking for friends so it’s a really good time to talk to and spend time with new people. Try your best to interact with as many people as possible!
You may find a group of people who you’re most comfortable spending time with which is great but that shouldn’t stop you from branching out and spending time with other people as well.
A great way to meet people that may have similar interests as you are in your classes, club meetings, and sports. Try to immerse yourself in different events your school holds to meet more people.
3. Use ratemyprofessors.com
Ratemyprofessors.com is so helpful! If you don’t know what it is, it’s literally a website that has ratings left by past students of teachers from different colleges and universities around the world.
You can look up how other students liked a certain class/teacher, and it can help you decide if the class is right for you. Definitely take advantage of this resource!
4. Bond With Your Roommates:
You’re going to be living with your roommates for the whole school year, so it’s important to get to know them.
You definitely don’t need to become best friends with your roommate but it can be helpful to try to get to know them better. Maybe go to dinner or get ice cream. Anything that you both enjoy and will give you a chance to learn more about each other is a great idea!
Want this free guide to roommate life? Click here:
5. Find Your Favorite Study Spot:
One of the best things I learned during my freshman year of college was that I work so much better in some places, compared to others. It’s very important to find a study location on your campus that works best for you.
My favorite places to study are in coffee shops and on the silent floor of the library. I definitely recommend trying to find a spot where you are the most productive. I promise it will help you get so much more work done!
If you’re working from home, try to find a quiet area that you can designate for school work. Try to make it as separate from your relaxation spaces as possible. Ideally, away from your bed, couch, TV, and other distractions.
6. Create a Clean and Organized Work Space In Your Dorm:
I get distracted very easily which is why it’s important that I work in a neat and organized space. Try to keep your work area organized and clean so that it does not distract you from getting your work done.
It’s also a great idea to set up an organized workspace in your dorm so that you can work there in between classes and at night.
7. Join At Least 1 Club:
It’s such a good idea to join at least 1 club in college so that you can make friends and have something to do outside of schoolwork. Colleges usually have a ton of different clubs, so you should be able to find something that interests you.
If your school has a club fair at the beginning of the year, make sure to attend and sign up for any clubs that interest you.
My piece of club fair advice is to only write down your email for clubs you’re actually interested in. I wrote my email down for SO many different clubs that I’m not even apart of. I still get emails for them, which is crazy and kinda annoying, haha.
8. Avoid 8 AM classes unless you are a real morning person:
8 am classes are not for everyone and that is okay! In high school, I always heard that college 8 am classes were terrible but I never knew why. My classes started at 7:30 in high school so I thought 8 am would be easy.
I was very wrong! If you’re not a morning person, I swear something happens the summer before college that makes it impossible to wake up before 8 am, haha.
There are definitely pros to early classes, so don’t let this discourage you if you have to or want to take them. One nice thing about them is that you will most likely be finished with your classes for the day a lot earlier.
You also may not be able to get out of 8 am classes depending on your major. I usually have to take two 8 am classes a week which are manageable. If you’re not a morning person try not to take more than two 8 am classes a week. I promise you will be so thankful that you didn’t sign up for more.
9. Set a Roommate Contract:
Roommate contracts are a great way to set specific rules and responsibilities for you and your roommate to follow. At my school, it was required to make a roommate contract with our RA.
You can put anything in your contract that you think will make living together easier. For example, you can set rules about visitors, study habits, a standard lights out time, etc.
10. Explore Your New Town:
When you move to college, you are usually moving to a new town as well. It can be really fun to get to know your town better. You can go on walks, go shopping or get some food.
11. Don’t Skip Class (They are expensive!)
One of the easiest ways to fall behind is by skipping class. You are paying a lot of money for every class, so it’s important that you attend and soak up as much information as possible.
I know some days just not going seems like an easier option, but it will end up making your life more stressful down the road. Try to look at class in a positive light and be grateful for the opportunity to learn new things.
12. Exercise:
Exercise is so important in life, especially in college. It gives you time to reflect on your day, clear your mind and improve your health. If you’re like me and don’t really enjoy exercising, that’s okay!
You don’t have to go to the gym or exercise for a consistent amount of time every day. Just try your best to stay active. Lately, I’ve been going on a quick walk every morning to clear my head and start my day with an activity that I enjoy.
I promise a little more exercise every day will make you feel a lot better and ultimately more productive.
13. Manage Your Time:
Managing your time is key in college. You will probably be pulled in a ton of different directions with classes, homework, extracurricular activities, work, etc so it’s important to manage your time.
To do this effectively you can use a planner, create a schedule, and time-block your day.
If you’re new to time-blocking it just means that you section out your day based on your schedule. For example, you can reserve a group of consistent hours within the day for one particular task.
14. Create a Schedule:
This is one of the best tips on this college freshman tips survival guide! Creating a schedule with your weekly obligations is a great way to stay organized and productive.
I keep my schedule in my planner and on google calendar so that I always have access to it from my phone.
Want these free scheduling printables? Click here:
15. Don’t Procrastinate:
One of the worst things you can do to yourself is procrastinate. Procrastinating on an assignment can create a lot of anxiety that is just unnecessary.
Try to break a major project or task into sections and accomplish them over time. I promise this will make your life a lot easier in the long run.
16. Ask Older Students About Different Classes/Professors:
Past students are the best people to ask when it comes to classes and professors. They literally lived through the class and will know the inside scoop like whether the class is worth taking and if the professor is good.
I have asked a lot of older students about classes and their advice is always really helpful. I definitely recommend taking to anyone who has taken the class or professor before starting the course.
17. Rent Your Textbooks:
Buying textbooks is not it anymore. Unless you’ll need the book later in life, most books are crazy expensive to buy and it’s pointless.
You can usually rent books for a lot cheaper either at your school’s bookstore, Chegg or Amazon. Definitely check everywhere before getting your books to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
18. Practice Self-Care:
Self-care is super important in life, especially college since it’s so busy. Make sure to take time for yourself and do things that make you happy. Self-care doesn’t have to be anything big.
It can be something small like going on a walk in the morning, drinking water, or listening to a podcast. Literally, anything that you enjoy and makes you smile.
19. Don’t Pack Everything, Especially All Of Your Clothes:
I packed way too many clothes my freshman year. They were basically exploding out of my drawers and I just didn’t need that many haha.
Packing too much is overwhelming, especially since your dorm is probably super small. Try to pack just the college essentials and anything else you think you will actually use/wear.
20. Try To Find a Job:
College is expensive and having a job is a good way to make a little extra money. You will probably want to go out to dinner or shopping with your friends from time to time and will need some spending money for this.
Having a job will give you a chance to earn some extra money and will give you something to do outside of schoolwork.
21. Keep In Touch With Your Family:
Your family is going to miss you so much and will definitely want to hear from you. Make sure to keep in touch with them and try to call home at least once per week.
They will feel a lot better hearing from you and I’m sure you will enjoy hearing familiar voices.
22. Be Smart At Parties:
If you want to party you should totally go and have fun! Just make sure that you’re super careful at them. Especially now with Covid, it’s extremely important to be careful!
Only go to parties with friends that you actually trust and make sure to stick together.
23. Have Fun, College Flies By!
College flies by fast so make sure to have fun and soak it all in. I can’t believe that I’m already a sophomore and on top of that, it’s always second semester.
You really do have the world at your fingertips and have the potential to accomplish a lot during your 4 years at college. Work hard, do your best, and above all, have fun!
I hope that you enjoyed this College Freshman Tips Survival Guide.
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