By: Makinna Wolf
Staff Writer
Wingate, N.C- The first semester of college is very challenging in many ways, and each person’s experience will be unique. While freshman year can be one of the hardest times of your life, it will also be one of the most fun! You may be away from home for the first time, or if you are a commuter, you are with a whole new group of people- not those from your high school and middle school years.
As you go through the next four years at Wingate University, you will constantly be presented with obstacles and opportunities. Everyone will handle this new part of their journey differently, but I am going to give you some advice from an experienced Bulldog! These are things that helped me when I was a freshman and things I wish I would have known when starting college.
Here are my top 5 pieces of advice for freshmen!
1. Talk to people in your classes
This could be scary, believe me, I’ve been there. You don’t know anyone in your class, but talking to those around you will be good for you in the long run. Even if you don’t become friends, you may meet someone who would be a good study partner! You will find yourself becoming more comfortable with communicating with your classmates.
2. Make sure you make time to study and do homework
This may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes managing a new schedule can be harder than you think! Being in a class two or three times a week, it can be easy to forget about studying for a test or doing your homework. I would recommend checking your Canvas calendar everyday so that you know if you have assignments due.
3. Make sure you are remembering to eat
Sometimes time may get away from you. The next thing you know it is 10 p.m. and you have not had dinner. This happened to me a couple of times during freshman year. Carve out time in the afternoon to go get something to eat- even if it is for later. Remember, your body runs on food and sleep!
4. Do not be too loud when you are up late at night
Even though you may not have a morning class, those in your building might. They may need more sleep. I lived beneath someone who was loud all hours of the night my freshman year. Just try to make sure you are quiet after 10 p.m. if you are up.
5. Remember to have fun
It is so easy to get caught up in schoolwork and assignments that you forget to have fun! Go out to dinner with your friends on Friday night. Watch a movie or play a game. You should be having fun, as well as learning, while at college.
I hope these tips were helpful to you in some way. Even if they are not helpful now, they could be later in the year. Enjoy your time in college- it goes by very quickly.
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