10 Tips for College Freshman

Write thema letter
As you're approaching the final week of classes, write a very specific, heartfelt letter of praise to your professor about the class. Detail how this was the best class you had this semester (whether it really was or not), why it was so good, and what in particular you felt they did well. Thank them for their time and effort, without coming across like a brown noser, and it is almost guaranteed to get you preferential treatment, come grading time. I wish someone had explained this to me early on in my college career, because the two times I wrote letters like this to my Professors, I got higher grades than I had anticipated (not coincidentally, methinks).


the first three weeks
The first three weeks are typically the toughest, as it will take a while for your body and mind to re-adjust to a complete change in lifestyle/environment. Remember, you have been accustomized for the past 15 years to the same house, the same bed, the same food, the same everything. It will take a while for your body and mind to adjust. Do not worry, as it is natural to feel uncomfortable and nervous for the first few weeks. Most everybody is feeling this way too. It will pass with time. Just don't allow your fears to be compounded by dwelling on them in any way. As soon as you find yourself getting too wrapped up in fear and/or anxiety, call someone up, turn on the TV, IM people...get your mind off things. Make it feel like home again. Don't allow your mind to be victimized by negative thoughts. Your first week in particular might be intimidating, but just don't forget that it's natural to be a little uneasy about it, because in a matter of one day you've been thrown into a completely different environment from what you've been used to for years and years. It's no big deal though...it will pass in no time, I promise...just hang tough for three or four weeks and it will definitely pass.