I can\u2019t believe I\u2019m not a first-year student anymore! The first-year of college certainly flies by, and that first month is a whirlwind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I compiled a list of five things I wish someone had told me at the beginning of my first year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best part about starting out your first-year is that there are hundreds of student organizations<\/a> to join, activities to try out and adventures to embark on. My advice \u2014 anything that even slightly piques your interest, try it out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the first couple of weeks of college, your coursework will be quite light. It starts to pick up as time goes on, so take advantage of the free time you have and find what you love to do. If you feel you\u2019ve taken on too many clubs or extracurriculars, you can also drop a couple. But you don\u2019t want to regret not having tried a club that sounded really interesting to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the organizations I joined in my first semester of college, I\u2019m not involved in anymore. But I still have friends I met through joining! Finding people with similar interests is a great way to make friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Entering new spaces, classes and organizations without knowing anybody is daunting. However, don\u2019t let that prevent you from trying new things! I didn\u2019t know who anybody was in my first-year class when I first arrived at Syracuse \u2014 it can be equally scary and exciting! One of the biggest challenges, that is so rewarding, is learning how to do things on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it’s eating in the dining hall or kick-starting a project, taking that first step to embark on something alone is always the hardest part. But once you get started, it will feel so rewarding knowing you were able to accomplish a task all by yourself. And the best part \u2014 who knows all the people you\u2019ll meet when you enter a space alone and put yourself out there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one might feel obvious, but time management really is the key to your success. Even if you didn\u2019t have a planner or use an online calendar in high school, now is the time to start. Blackboard doesn\u2019t give notifications when deadlines are approaching, and neither do your professors. You have to keep track of all your coursework and extracurriculars, because no one else will be there to remind you. In high school, I definitely took it for granted how many times my teachers reminded me about assignments and deadlines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend writing down assignment deadlines as soon as your professor mentions them, as they don\u2019t always immediately update Blackboard. Having all your dates and deadlines in order as soon as you get them is key to successful time management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting college, you’re faced with a new environment and more independence than you had before. As you navigate college, you\u2019re not just figuring out your next four years; you\u2019re learning about who you are. Deciding to change majors, switching up your lifestyle or simply feeling different about yourself than you did before coming to Syracuse is perfectly normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re no longer attached to who you were in high school. Don\u2019t confine yourself; allow yourself to develop and thrive throughout your first year. Find what you like to do and figure out who you want to become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one isn\u2019t meant to scare you \u2014 college is so much fun! However, you may be faced with more time commitments and more activity than before. Club meetings can start way into the evening hours and late-night study sessions are common. Managing your physical wellness through eating well, exercise and prioritizing sleep is super important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, don\u2019t compare your well-being to others. Everyone has days when they struggle, but most only speak and post about their best days. Homesickness, stress and loneliness are all normal feelings. Make sure to acknowledge how you feel, take time for your mental and emotional health and seek care if needed. The Barnes Center at The Arch<\/a> has so many opportunities to help you manage your holistic health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your first year of college is an adjustment for sure. There\u2019s no exact or easy way to adjust and become comfortable in this new environment and lifestyle. Just make sure to be kind to yourself, embrace new opportunities, and have so much fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Written by Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I can\u2019t believe I\u2019m not a first-year student anymore! The first-year of college certainly flies by, and that first month is a whirlwind. I compiled a list of five things I wish someone had told me at the beginning of my first year. 1. Try Everything! Yes, Everything. 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Do It by Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. Time Management Is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4. Allow Yourself Room for Change and Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Take Care of Yourself \u2014 Physically, Mentally and Emotionally<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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