Tips for College Freshmen I wish someone had told me. Go to Class. Go to Class. Class attendance really does correlate with your grade.Class attendance really does correlate with your grade. Communication is the Key. Communication is the Key. Especially when dealing with roommates & professors.Especially when dealing with roommates & professors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your College Catalog is your Bible. Your College Catalog is your Bible. You have to open it to reap the benefits of what’s inside.You have to open it to reap the benefits of what’s inside. Maintain a positive attitude Maintain a positive attitude Be a good listener, stick to your own convictions, and strive past your dreams.Be a good listener, stick to your own convictions, and strive past your dreams.

Tips for College Freshmen Registration & Advisement Academic advisement is critical. Academic advisement is critical. Visit your advisor on a regular basis to make sure you are on track with your academic program.Visit your advisor on a regular basis to make sure you are on track with your academic program. Pay attention to deadlines Pay attention to deadlines If you miss one, it could cost you – not just money, but grades as well.If you miss one, it could cost you – not just money, but grades as well. Save every Grade Report Save every Grade Report Computers have been known to lose grades, courses, credits, etc.Computers have been known to lose grades, courses, credits, etc. Periodically as for an unofficial copy of your transcript.Periodically as for an unofficial copy of your transcript. Read the course catalog carefully Read the course catalog carefully As a rule, freshman should not register for a senior or graduate level course.As a rule, freshman should not register for a senior or graduate level course. Typically freshman are the last students to register.Typically freshman are the last students to register. Plan an alternative schedule prior to registration. Plan an alternative schedule prior to registration. Your first choice classes may be filled.Your first choice classes may be filled.

Tips for College Freshmen Staying Healthy Beware of fast food and candy bars. Most freshmen gain weight in the first semester. Beware of fast food and candy bars. Most freshmen gain weight in the first semester. Gallons of coffee and cola are not the way to survive finals. Gallons of coffee and cola are not the way to survive finals. Sleep and study in small shifts. Sleep and study in small shifts. Exercise often during exam weeks. Exercise often during exam weeks. Pasta, peanut butter, non-sugar cereals, yogurt, and fresh fruit will provide natural and sustained energy. Pasta, peanut butter, non-sugar cereals, yogurt, and fresh fruit will provide natural and sustained energy. Check with your schools health services. It may offer: 1. Free emergency treatment. 2. Low cost Ob/Gyn exams. 3. Free Condoms. 4. Low cost dental cleaning and x-rays. 5. Low cost or free medications. 6. Free AIDS testing. 7. Low cost lab work.

Tips for College Freshmen Adjusting to college life  Realize that every college and university has its own culture which includes language, traditions, and taboos.  In order to become more comfortable with college or university environment: Learn the jargon of higher education. Learn the jargon of higher education. Realize your own preconceptions and perceptions. Realize your own preconceptions and perceptions. Actively try to make friends. Actively try to make friends. Look for common ground. Look for common ground. Look for individuals, not stereotypes. Look for individuals, not stereotypes.  There are five phases of college adjustment. As a freshman, you may experience some or all of the following phases. You may experience them in any order, and some phases may repeat or overlap. Phase one – Fascination with the new environment. Phase one – Fascination with the new environment. Phase two – Severe homesickness. Phase two – Severe homesickness. Phase three – Finding fault with new surroundings; building stereotypes. Phase three – Finding fault with new surroundings; building stereotypes. Phase four – Finding humor in your adjustment. Phase four – Finding humor in your adjustment. Phase five – Embracing the new culture; it becomes your “normal” environment. Phase five – Embracing the new culture; it becomes your “normal” environment.