How To Survive Freshman Year

How To Survive Freshman Year

I think it is safe to say that I know enough, as a freshman, that I can give realistic points on how to effectively complete your first year of college here at Loyola.

  1. YOU CAN’T DO EVERYTHING ALONE. Sometimes you have to be dependent on others to get the classwork and studying done. Not only do you save time off of your hands, but you get to hear other people’s input on class topics to get a new and different perspective. Studying alone isn’t fun or effective either. There are tons of study groups (at the tutoring center at Sullivan), teachers usually have available times for office hours, and the students here at Loyola are, in general, very approachable for help and support.
  2. START OFF EASY. Sign up for 4-5 classes (so around 15 or so credit hours). Don’t go overboard with 18 credits during your first semester and/or take too many rigorous, challenging classes. Instead, take a couple of classes that pertain to your intended major and add some fun core classes. Freshman year is about adjusting to college life and succeeding. There is no need to push yourself to the limits yet- not at this point do you need to worry about doing that.
  3. STAY ORGANIZED. Get binders, folders, tabs….anything to help you get to any paper or classwork quickly and effectively. I cannot say enough on how easy it is to get messy and lazy by not putting things in the right places.
  4. FIND YOUR BALANCE. Find time to dedicate to academics, but also find time to dedicate to your social life, religious life, personal life, and health. You want to be well-rounded. All these things lead to happiness and can help you significantly in respect toward your overall well-being.
  5. BE YOURSELF. The only way you are only to survive college is if you become comfortable with yourself. People, here at Loyola, are open and amicable. They will accept you for who you are if you are true to your own self- be genuine! There is no need to worry about fitting in and whatnot- you will spontaneously find people who are like you. From then, onward, things will look good and you would have soared past freshman year in a jiffy.
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