The transition from high school to college can be challenging to say the least. Your days will not be as structured as they once were. Your class schedule will vary from one day to the next. You will have loads of extra free time that you never had before. You will go from living under your parents’ rules and expectations to living much more independently. The first year can take a toll on many students. You will be around new people and any routines you were accustomed to will be gone. With the proper attitude, you can avoid many of the pitfalls that derail many students.
Setting your priorities when you arrive on campus is a major first step in having a successful year. More importantly, revisiting and evaluating your priorities when you feel like you are getting off track can help you maintain the focus you need all semester. Your most important job at college is not only to earn good grades in your courses but also to absorb, process, and retain the information and strategies you are learning. While you will be tempted to stay out all night and constantly hang out with your friends, you need to utilize your study skills that got you to college in the first place. Make a pact with yourself that the school work that is most pressing always gets your attention ahead of the temptations that tug at you from the other direction.
Surround yourself with good people. Being thrust into a new situation takes us out of our comfort zones. You are going to meet many new people in college. Some will be there for serious reasons, while others will be there for the party. The goal is not to have you locked in the library around the clock, as you should enjoy these four years. However, make sure that the people you are hanging out with are not taking away from your academic experience. There is a healthy balance between schoolwork and leisure time. Be conscientious in finding that happy medium. Going away to college is a fascinating experience that demands self-discipline.
Lastly, keep in touch with your friends and family back home. As great as it is to start fresh at a new school with your newfound independence, do not forget who helped you get to this place. A simple email or phone call every now and then will help you stay connected with these people. Keep your parents up to date about how things are going so that you are not dropping huge news (good or bad) on them at the end of the semester.