20 tips for high school seniors for a successful freshman year
Welcome to college! You survived the move-in chaos, said your goodbyes and met your new roommates. So, what now? As tough as lugging that futon up flights of stairs was, that was the easy part — now it’s time to achieve your academic goals. Before you stress, here are 20 tips to set yourself up for college success so you become the academic achiever you were meant to be.
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Prep like a pro: Things to do before your first class
1. Get to know the resources at your university
The college transition can be scary. Most colleges offer a variety of academic student support programs, including tutoring, writing and math centers, and more. Use the college website to search for academic resources and ask about them during your campus orientation tour.
2. Contact your Academic Advisor
Before you even arrive on campus, you will be assigned to an academic advisor who can provide personalized guidance on choosing a major, selecting classes and even finding campus clubs and organizations to join. Contact your academic advisor and set up a meeting before your first week of classes starts. They can talk you through what to expect in your first year and ease any concerns you may have.
3. Read the syllabus
Once you’ve selected your classes, check to see if the course materials are available before the start of the semester. The course syllabus provides information about required readings, class projects, due dates, attendance requirements and more – it's one of the most important documents you’ll receive.
4. Be prepared
When you have read the syllabus, your next step should be to set that information into practice. The syllabus will tell you all the books and materials you’ll need for class, so be sure to order everything you need in advance. Find a special notebook or planner to keep track of deadlines for class assignments and projects. Take some time before classes to start exploring the buildings and find where your class will be held.
5. Get organized
Walk into your first class prepped and ready to learn. Take time the night before classes to make sure you have everything you’ll need for the day. Lay your clothes out, pack your backpack with essentials, make sure to grab your textbooks and, of course, something to take notes with. It’s a good idea to get a good night's sleep and to eat a healthy breakfast before your first big day!
Thrive in every class
6. Go to class
It may seem obvious, but attending class is one of the biggest keys to college academic success. Going to that 8 a.m. lecture may be the last thing you want to do, but being present in the classroom can be the thing that takes your grades from good to great. Being in the classroom can help you make the connections between concepts, learn from your peers, gain clarity on homework and assignments, anticipate exam questions, and benefit from your professor’s examples and stories.
7. Go to your professor’s office hour
Most professors set aside dedicated time each week to meet with students as “office hours.” They’re an open invite to drop by your professor’s office for a deeper dive into class topics, to get help on upcoming assignments, or even just to chat and get to know them better. These connections can be invaluable later for things like research opportunities or recommendation letters. Most professors list office hours on the syllabus but ask about them if you don’t see them listed.
8. Participate in class discussions
Studies show that students who actively participate in classroom activities are more successful, so be fully present in class, share your ideas and engage with your classmates. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
Asking questions not only helps you, but it may also help other students who may be too shy to ask. Stay engaged with the class material and look for opportunities to share ideas and ask questions to improve your understanding of the lesson.
9. Take good notes
Good notes are a game-changer for nailing those classes. Always do the required reading before the class and note the main themes and key concepts. Make an outline of the expected lessons and expand on them when you are in the classroom. This active approach to notetaking is one of the best college study tips out there, don’t just write down every word from the professor’s mouth and expect it to stick.
10. Manage your time effectively
Your freshman year will be many things, but it won’t be boring! Entering college means new social opportunities, homework and projects, clubs, exploring a new area and finding community. But you will have weeks that feel slower than others, don’t be fooled. Use that extra time in between fun to work ahead. Effective time management for college students means you’re not constantly playing catch-up.
Unlock your academic potential with these study tips
11. Go to office hours (Yes, again!)
Before exam time is in full swing, check in with your professor to make sure you understand the material that will be on the exam. Review your notes and come prepared with questions. This is a top-tier college academic success strategy because it will give you one-on-one time with your professor to sit down and get your questions answered.
12. Say it out loud
Retaining the information is just as important as keeping and reviewing good notes. According to studies on the "Production Effect," speaking the information out loud engages multiple different parts of the brain and can help with retention when you need it most – AKA the finals!
13. Form a study group
Forming a study group can open your perspectives to things that you might not have realized in the classroom or solo study sessions. Like the “say it out loud” tip, explaining the material to others can take your understanding to the next level.
14. Space out your study sessions
Waiting until the last minute is the enemy of effective learning. Use your time management skills to space out your study sessions over a longer period. Taking breaks and studying over several days gives your brain time to reset and absorb the information in new ways.
15. Take care of yourself
This might be the most important tip of your freshman year. Self-care is important, so make sure you are getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating foods that nourish your body, exercising and enjoying social time with friends. If you want to succeed academically, you must first take care of your body and mind.
Find your people
16. Join clubs and organizations
It’s an easy one; you just have to look for them! While walking to classes, keep an eye out for a bulletin board. These will be chock-full with opportunities around campus. If you like sports, join an intermural club! If you have a fire for debate, find the forensic speech team! Have a knack for acting? Hunt for a student film and volunteer. This can lead to some life-long friends you didn’t except to find.
17. Attend orientation and campus events
Another obvious one but it’s easier said than done. Head to the orientation and get a tour of campus, strike up some conversation with the person next to you and maybe make your first on-campus friend.
Campus events will be well communicated, whether through your school email or word of mouth from classmates or your professor. If an event interests you, give it a shot, even if you have to go alone. These events are designed to help you connect and learn more about the school, maybe even score some free swag.
18. Eat meals in the dining hall
If you live on campus, not only will you have access to a healthy and balanced meal with your meal plan, but the dining hall can be a great place to run into a potential best friend. Don’t be afraid to sit with someone you may recognize from a class and check in. If you see someone reading a book you love, tell them! It is important to remember everyone is in the same boat as you, make the first move.
19. Be ready for some small talk
Well, you’ve done it! You’ve put yourself out there and started a conversation, get ready for the fastest, but most painful part. Small talk and spoiler alert, it might get awkward. That is totally normal, in fact, it’s part of the process! Work on keeping the conversation going, asking them questions, staying engaged and responding with information about yourself. These small, relatively painless conversations can lead to deeper connections.
20. Be brave
The most important piece of advice you can remember is to be brave. Try something new, put yourself in uncomfortable positions and don’t let fear stop you from making that first step. College is time for you to grow and find where you fit in the world, this will require you to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t forget everyone is in the same situation, away from home, learning to live on their own and find their place. What matters most is that you keep showing up, keep trying and keep believing in your ability to adapt to these new experiences. You got it!
By putting these tips into practice, you’re setting yourself up to academically ace your first year at college. If you need extra support, Central Michigan University offers an incredible array of resources. The Academic Advising office, the library, the Writing Center and tutoring services are available to help you conquer challenging subjects. Embrace these opportunities and make your freshman year a truly unforgettable and successful experience.