Six tips to have you feeling like a senior on your first day of freshman year

Especially for incoming freshmen, college can mean many things: a new start, a new chapter, and an exciting adventure. As wonderful as it is, coming to college can still be nerve-racking for many students.  

However, in preparation for the new academic year, we have compiled this list of super easy tips you can use that will make you look like a senior on campus.
 

1. Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out on day one

Moving and starting this new chapter in your life can be stressful enough, so don’t worry about trying to decide what major you’ll be or how you will get along with your class. Freshman year is all about getting to know your campus, and most importantly, yourself! You will find your passion you’ll want to pursue when the time comes, but don’t worry about it on day one.
 

2. Try making connections, you’ll thank yourself

Whether it is your 8 a.m. professor or someone in the dining hall, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make connections especially at the start of the year. The first days of school are especially easy because everyone is in the same boat as you. Lean over in class and introduce yourself! Both you, and them, will be glad you did.
 

3. Settling into college life can be easy as taking a walk, seriously!

It sounds almost too easy to be true, but when it comes to acclimating to your new college environment, exploring your surroundings and getting out of your comfort zone can make all the difference. Grab a map, or explore freestyle, and walk around campus. In your free time before classes start, it may be a good idea to find which buildings your classes will be in. This will ensure you are not running late trying to find your classroom on the first day.
 

4. Read the syllabus

We know, it’s not the most exciting document to read, but the syllabus is your one-stop-shop to understanding the expectations your professor has for you. Your class syllabus will include vital test dates, grading guidelines, and perhaps even some opportunities for extra credit or additional learning experiences. In nearly all cases, your syllabus will also include your professor’s office hours, which are important should you have questions, need help with an assignment, or just want to get to know them better—win!
 

5. Make smart money decisions

Of course, that is much easier said than done, but for many, college also means being financially independent, too. What many students don’t realize is that as a student, you have access to student discounts and even free services.

Discounts can include student nights at local grocery stores (where you can get about 10% off your entire haul!), sales at clothing stores, and even deals on tickets to fun local experiences like skiing, snowboarding, movie theatres, concerts, and the list goes on.

But being financially smart doesn’t just include what you do spend your money on, it’s also about where you save. As a student in college, make sure you utilize free services and events and use things like your meal plan that may have been paid for in your tuition.

6. Stay on campus, but stay in touch with your loved ones too

As a new student on campus, you may not know about all the funs things that happen nearly every night, especially on weekends. Stick around and discover what the true college experience is like with your new friends. College is a time for growth and exploration, and that is hard to do when you are back in your home town.

As you discover more and more about your amazing new college and all the experiences you are having, don’t forget to keep in touch with your family and friends who may not be around. Let them know about your classes, your new friends, and any frustrations you might have—it’s all a part of the growing process.