Starting college can be an amazing experience. You’re excited to embark on a new journey of learning, meeting new people, and making great memories. Making mistakes aren’t really a part of your college plans, but they’ll happen anyway. You can’t always avoid them, but at least you can be prepared. Here’s a list of mistakes every college freshman makes and that you should try to avoid.
Sure, you might be used to starting school before 8 AM in high school, but college is different. You’re most likely taking on way more responsibilities than you were in high school, which probably means more work and less sleep. Although in some cases 8 AM classes are unavoidable, you should try to steer clear of them if you can.
In most cases your professors want what’s best for you and are there to help. Sometimes, the best way to get that help is to go see your professor during office hours. It also helps to meet with your professor if you attend a large school. Some professors see over 200 different students a day; the chances of them remembering you by name are slim. It helps when they can put a face to a name.
Just about everyone knows what it feels like to think you’re about to ask a dumb question. Truth is, there really isn’t a such thing as a dumb question. Chances are your presumed dumb question is the exact same as someone else’s. So, if you don’t know something, just ask.
A lot of freshmen make the mistake of assuming that their school’s job fair is only for graduating students, but the truth is that they’re open to all students. Maybe you aren’t looking for a job at the moment, but job fairs are a great way to learn about possible jobs for the future. You could even luck up and land yourself an internship.
As far as I know, there’s no rule that says you have to stick with a class. Especially if the class isn’t a requirement. If you signed up for a class thinking it would be great and later realize that it’s not, drop it. Don’t take the risk of dropping your GPA because you think you have to continue. If the class happens to be a requirement for your major, check to see when it’s offered again before you drop it.
Once you start college, the only email account that matters is your school email account. That’s the main way your professors are going to contact you if necessary. You’ll also find a lot of emails about various campus events. So, check your school email regularly so you don’t miss out on something important.
Not reading the syllabus at the beginning of each semester is a sure way to mess up. The syllabus contains just about every little detail you’ll need for class. Most times your professor won’t tell you what the assigned homework is for the next class, or when a big paper is due. Why? Because they expect you to read they syllabus.
College is expensive. One of the best ways to lower the cost is to avoid buying your books at full price. Freshmen can often make this mistake because
Sure, you can probably bs a 1 to 2-page paper. Anything over 5 pages? Don’t do it. Just don’t.
Maybe you read your schedule wrong or got confused by the campus map. Regardless of the reason, walking into the wrong room is a mistake many freshmen make.
For some reason many college freshmen are convinced that they can survive off pizza alone. As if your mom spent the first 18 years of your life telling you to eat your vegetables for her own health. There’s a reason why you need to eat something green every once in a while. It called, health.
Some college freshmen make the mistake of trying to stretch their high school friendships well past their expiration dates. It can be hard to accept the fact that someone you spent the last 4 years with isn’t meant to be around for the next 4 years. Unfortunately, not all friendships are meant to last and that’s okay. You’ll make new friends.
In the movies 90% of college life is dedicated to partying as a freshman, but that’s not how it works in real life. Freshmen sometimes make the mistake of prioritizing parties over school. Keep in mind your life isn’t a movie. At some point you’ll need to work as hard as you party in order to successfully finish college.
There are also freshmen who make the mistake of never socializing at all. They’re the ones who focus so intensely on their studies that they forget to actually enjoy college. It’s okay to take a break and have some fun.
Another mistake freshmen often make is assuming that they’ll be instant friends with their roommate(s). Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes you just don’t click with a person. It’s not the end of the world
Having a budget as a freshman sounds like such an adult thing to do, but technically you are an adult now. Freshmen sometimes make the mistake of not managing their money well.
Not being able to fit a part-time job or work study into you schedule as a freshman can make your financial situation a bit tough. Sometimes freshmen forget that you can work a side hustle whenever you have the time. There are so many options to make a little extra money. If you’re good at something, you can find a way to make money from
Feeling like you have to look nice every single day is a huge mistake freshmen often make. If you’re dressing up for yourself great! You do you. But if you’re dressing up to impress other people, please stop. No one cares if you come to class looking like a foot. We’re all just trying to make it to the end of the week without a mental breakdown.
Freshmen sometimes make the mistake of assuming they can fit all their stuff from home into a dorm that’s half the size of what they’re used to. They also completely ignore the fact that they’re sharing the room with at least one other person. Do yourself and favor and pack only with you know you’ll need. You can usually buy anything else once you get there.
This is a big no-no. If you miss freshman orientation you’re basically setting yourself up to fail all of college. So, just go to orientation.
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