5 Tips To Survive Your First Year In College

School is in session in colleges throughout the country this week, and YoungBrothas.com has you covered with our Back 2 Campus Week. Each day this week (August 30 – September 3) we will feature a story that will focus on the good, bad, and ugly of college life. Today, we kick things off with an article dedicated to the freshman, titled “5 Tips To Survive Your First Year In College.”

Going away to college is a life changing experience for many. The first time you are away from home can cause stress in itself, and if you go somewhere that you never have been before, getting acclimated to your new surroundings is just as tough. But it’s definitely not all bad. YB drops 5 tips for freshman to survive the first year in college below.

5. Stay on Campus.
One mistake many freshman make is not engulfing themselves in the total college experience, which includes dorm life. Staying on campus housing(when possible) allows you to not only quickly form friendships with those that are going through the same things you are, but also exposes you to many different opportunities you just don’t see if you are a commuter.

4. Don’t Select A Major.
Regardless of what your parents told you, you probably have no clue what you want to REALLY do at this point in your life. Even if you do, you are normal if you change your mind at some point between age 18 and 22. The first 2 years(or 60 credits) of a traditional four year school are general education classes, so often you have to get those “out of the way” before you deep dive into your concentration anyway. By not selecting a major, you don’t wind up making a costly mistake of loading up on math classes that you may not wind up needing as a communications major.

3. Don’t Spend That Refund Check.
As tempting as it may be to go buy your homecoming outfits, new video games, and fresh Jordans from that financial aid refund check you will get in the coming weeks, don’t do it. Those student loans that you and your parents are taking out today will be due one day, and the last thing you want to do is to increase the amount of debt you have after you graduate.

2. Stay Focused.
Most fellas don’t make it past the first year of college because of the many distractions. If you are at a HBCU, or school in a warm weather state, the amount of beautiful women on campus can outnumber you 15 to 1. That is a lot of distraction. Rememeber, even when out partying, to get your work done in the classroom first, then go out and have a good time.

1. Have Fun!
There isn’t a better time of your life than right now. Make the most of it!

Tagged as: college days, lists