How to Prepare for Your Freshman Year of College

Did you know that nearly 16 million students are enrolled in college annually? With so many people getting ready for college life, it's difficult to know where to start.

If you're a college freshman, your upcoming college experience may feel intimidating. Knowing how to prepare for college can help make your exciting new experience more manageable.

Understanding what you need to prepare and research is critical. If you're wondering how to prepare for college, we're here to help. Read on to learn more about the steps to prepare for college, what to research, and how you can ensure your success.

Prepare Your Skills

The first step is to think of what skills are necessary in college.

While in high school, many of these skills are gained. However, some of us may not have put forth as much effort in high school as we intend to put into college.

Here are some skills you should work on before your semester starts.

Organization

One of the most helpful skills you can have while in college is organization.

Many freshmen are alarmed by the massive amount of tasks in front of them. It's easy for one of your many responsibilities to slip through the cracks. You also may lose track of your college budget if you get carried away.

The best way to avoid losing track of your responsibilities is to keep an organized list and agenda. A great way to do so is with a planner. Many colleges will give out free planners at orientation or student resource outlets.

A planner is a good way to keep track of the days. Keep your planner updated so that you remember any tasks you need to make. If you prefer something less portable, putting a calendar or whiteboard in your home is a strong alternative.

You should also work to organize your personal spaces. If you're in a college dorm, space is often cramped, making it critical to keep things clear and organized. Having an organized space is also proven to help your mood and mind.

Time Management

Along with your organization skills, you should work to better your time management. If you're employed while in college, this is significantly more important.

One jarring factor for a college freshman is the need to be self-driven. In college, teachers don't keep on top of you for assignments and parents won't check your homework. Instead, you'll need to have responsibility for all of your tasks.

As these tasks add up, it often feels like there isn't enough time in the day to complete everything. If you're a full-time student, you have four or more classes to worry about. How can you manage so many tasks without running out of time?

A good way to do so is to decide on a method of organizing your tasks. One common method is to do the largest tasks first and work down to smaller jobs. The reverse is also a popular way of handling tasks.

You should also know when to prioritize tasks. Is it better to finish homework or to study for an upcoming test? What about your optional extracurricular responsibilities?

Consider what's most important for you and work toward better time management. Not only is this critical in college, but it will also carry on to your post-college life as a useful skill.

Studying Techniques

Speaking of studying, do you know how to study?

There are many studying techniques and strategies you should understand in college. The coursework is much harder than most of the academic work you've encountered in your life. As such, simply reading over your notes may not be enough.

Depending on your major, different studying tactics may work better. Your personal work methods are also important.

Keep your notes organized with an outlining method and color coding. Bullet journaling is also a useful technique.

For physical notes, flashcards are an effective tool. If you enjoy studying in a group, these flashcards are useful for quizzing classmates.

Two important techniques are the Pomodoro and Cornell methods. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management exercise where you work for 25 minutes before taking a five-minute break. After four intervals, a 15 to 30-minute break is taken.

The Cornell Method deals with your note-taking. You'll split your notes into four different areas: two columns, a space at the bottom, and a space at the top. These areas are for labeling, organizing, and describing terms in your notes.

Studies show that taking notes by hand helps to ingrain them in your memory. As such, one common studying technique is to copy your notes by hand.

Try as many methods as you can and see what works best for you. Your freshman year is overwhelming, but the habits you build during the year will carry you through college.

Preparing for College

Now that we know what skills to work on, how do you prepare for the college experience? The best way to do so is to know as much about college life at your university as possible.

It's important to note that not all colleges will have every amenity. Local community colleges are great places to get an education, but they tend to lack in some out-of-class areas. Many also don't have dorms, which reduces the social life of a college.

While you research, consider the following factors.

Research Clubs

One integral part of the college experience is clubs. While they aren't mandatory, there are countless reasons to join a college club.

Clubs are a great resume builder and professional resource. Joining a club shows employers or future interviewers that you took the initiative to seek out more work. They also show passion and interest in a subject.

If you're aiming for graduate college, such as medical school, an MA program, or a Ph.D. program, these clubs improve your chance of acceptance. Additionally, you'll meet many like-minded people in these clubs, helping to improve your social and academic life.

Most colleges have non-academic clubs like gaming clubs, sports clubs, and more. These groups are an immense source of stress relief and much-needed leisure during your freshman year.

However, you also may worry about taking on too many responsibilities. It's best to adjust to your academic workload before taking on a club.

Research your college and see what clubs they offer. Many of these clubs are leisurely and student-run, so don't worry about any stress of interviews or qualifications.

Consider Extracurriculars

Similar to your clubs is your extracurricular life. While clubs fall under extracurricular activities, there are more features to consider.

For example, many college students decide to join a fraternity or sorority. The process to do so is called "rushing," wherein students seek recruitment. The lifestyle around these organizations is called "Greek life."

You also may choose to join organizations that focus more on professional academic experiences. One example is an English major joining the school newspaper, or a communication major joining a local radio show.

Many students seek internships. Some internships are paid, but most will not offer pay. Most college students avoid unpaid internships unless their financial situation is comfortable.

Make a Long-Term Plan

During your first semesters, it's sometimes difficult to think of the future. Your hands are full balancing a constant barrage of assignments and responsibilities. How can you consider your sophomore year or upcoming semesters?

Through organization and time management, you'll have to keep future semesters in mind. The classes you take now are often pre-requisite classes for future options. You also may need to complete some tasks now to be eligible for certain majors.

Furthermore, some classes are only offered in specific semesters. For example, a core or pre-requisite class may only be available during the Fall semester.

As such, keeping tabs on future semesters is critical. Missing deadlines can set you back a full semester or more.

Social Life

With college raging around you, it's sometimes difficult to think of social obligations. But for many students, the college experience is all about the social life. How can you balance a healthy social life and academic success?

Studies show that socializing in college can lead to deep, lasting relationships. You should carve out time to socialize, whether this be a day or a week or a weekend a month.

If you're concerned about making friends, consider clubs and extracurricular activities. The college experience offers a plethora of social settings to help you meet your classmates.

Shopping and Investing

Finally, you should consider what you'll need to make your college experience a success.

Textbooks are expensive and will become one of your highest costs, depending on your major. You should familiarize yourself with ways to purchase textbooks for cheaper. Secondhand textbooks, Amazon, or renting are good options.

You should also invest in things to help you feel comfortable. A nice pillow and mattress (if you can replace what your dorm gives you) are great choices.

Storage options, school supplies, and a trustworthy vehicle are all good ideas for your college life. Consider what you need and what's unique to your situation.

Packing for College

Now that we know what skills and research you should work toward, what about packing for college?

If you're moving away from home, you'll need to bring everything for your college success. Your boxes will include clothes, supplies, tools - everything to make your new dorm your home. If you're going to a local college and living nearby, you'll have more flexibility in your goods.

You also shouldn't stress out about packing everything you need. Once you're in college, you can order or purchase most other things. Nearly all colleges have stores on campus or nearby that will sell college goods.

Everything Academic

First and foremost is to have anything you need for academic success. You'll want to have all of your classroom supplies, such as:

• Notetaking equipment (pens, pencils, organized notebooks)
• Textbooks
• Other required supplies (lab equipment, instruments, etc.)
• Planner or calendar

As your freshman year goes on, you'll learn what items you need and don't need. Learn as you go and don't hesitate to add to your list.

Helpful Tools

Along with your academic tools is any helpful items you may need. For example, modern colleges are almost always done with online resources in mind. Many colleges have computer access as a requirement for coursework.

While you can often get by using the school library or computer lab, these aren't always convenient. The library may close, the computers are often slow, or other students may have already taken the computers.

As such, a laptop should be high on your list of college purchases. You should also look into storage options and containers. Bins that can slide into your closet or bed will help conserve space, reduce clutter, and help you focus.

Leisure and Social

Do you have everything you'll need for your leisure life? Many students find their leisure and social interaction outdoors. As such, you'll want to bring anything you need for these activities.

Bring your sports equipment that you can neatly fit into a closet. You won't be bringing a kayak for your rafting hobby, but soccer equipment will stow away nicely.

For many of us, we can socialize through our laptops. Think of what you need to help you reduce stress and bring it along with you to college.

Hygiene and Health

Finally, you should always prioritize your hygiene and health. Bring all of your toiletries and keep them in a separate, organized area. If you have roommates, it's important that you not let your belongings clutter communal areas.

If you find yourself missing important health supplies, don't hesitate to find them at a local store. Vitamins, medicine, and hygienic supplies will help you stay healthy and focused.

Tackling Life As a College Freshman

Life as a college freshman feels intimidating, but you're beginning one of the best periods of your life. Set yourself up for success by learning the skills necessary to conquer your responsibilities. Don't neglect socialization and leisure time, as these are critical to keeping a happy head and healthy body.

For more information, check out more Honor Society blogs. We're happy to help you find ways to improve your college life.