Going to university for the first time is an exciting time for many young individuals, but can also seem a bit daunting at the same time. The new people, classes, cultures, environment, and even responsibilities, all of these changes at the same time might seem overwhelming in the beginning, but don't worry. If you a going to be a freshman attending university this fall, we've listed 5 steps you can take to help ease your transition to a campus environment. 

Check your inbox 5 times a week 

As soon as you begin your first semester, make sure you have access to your university email account. This is how you contact your professors and receive important updates & notifications regarding your courses, campus, events, student life and so much more. Check your inbox at least once a day. ideally in the morning so you're aware of any changes or announcements for the day ahead. 

Make 4 new friends

Your friend group will have a huge impact on your university experience! If you're a social butterfly this shouldn't be a problem, but if you tend to be more reserved, now is the time to turn that around! The first semester is the best time to introduce yourself to new people, and since most students in your classes will also be freshmen, everyone will be looking for a friend. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself, a simple "Hey! my name is..." can a long way. Grab a coffee, walk to class, or work on projects together. Try to meet a new person each week and before you know it, you'll be surrounded by people who support and motivate you to do better! 

 

Take 3 hours to self-study

As a freshman at university, most of your classes might be 3 credits, which means you'll be spending 3 hours a week per course learning the material and engaging with your professor. However, to ensure you do well throughout your academic journey, take out a minimum of 3 hours a week to study on your own. Review the material discussed in class or read ahead to prepare for an upcoming class. Taking the time to study outside your lecture hours will help you gain a better understanding of your courses and will result in higher grades at the end of the semester. 

Join 2 new student clubs 

A big part of your university journey is what happens outside the classroom, spending time with like-minded individuals and stepping out of your comfort zone. You can do this by finding the list of registered clubs or student organizations at your university and signing up for the ones that you find interesting. Start by joining at least 2,  make new friends, attend events, or even volunteer and get actively involved in your student communities, there are tons of ways to gain new experiences! 

Make yourself your number 1 priority

While trying to balance your classes, student events, campus jobs and so much more can often get overwhelming, it's important to always take care of yourself. Prioritize the things that are most important to you. Reach out to your university and ask for help if you feel anxious. If you look after yourself, all other challenges will get easier to manage. University is a time when you develop the skills, mindset, and personality that you will carry for years to come. Aim to become the best version of yourself! 

The next 4 years of your undergraduate journey will be the most exciting and thought-provoking time. You will gain new skills and experiences, make new friends, deal with new people and grow as an individual. This is the time to try new things, and step out of your comfort zone, often times you'll be surprised at how much you can achieve.

Good luck!