Soon a new semester will be here and tens of thousands of freshmen will be starting college. Many of them are already wondering what to expect. A few think they already know. Most are at least a little bit worried. Well I'm here to make your transition to college life just a little bit easier by warning you ahead of time of the five mistakes college freshmen often make.
Mistake number one is overdressing. It happens first at orientation, when it is hot and there is a lot of walking around campus. But, some freshmen don't learn their lesson at orientation; they show up at the beginning of the semester in a dress slacks or high heels. Unless professional dress is required, dressing for comfort is a student's best choice.
A second mistake that freshmen often make is to schedule their classes to revolve around their friends' schedules. While it's nice to have a friend and study partner in class, it is not difficult to meet and establish new friendships with classmates. With the help of their advisers, students should choose courses which interest them, are taught by good professors, and move them closer to the degree they seek.
Another classic freshman mistake is to try to attend every party or bar special in sight. Fun is fine, but students who overdo it are far more likely to find themselves in academic trouble.
Alternatively, there are the freshmen who were born overachievers. They were the folks who participated in, and frequently held office in, virtually every organization their high schools had to offer. Many also participated in sports and worked after school jobs. While it's great to have ambition, it is important for college students to realize that their workload will be far heavier than it was in high school. Involvement in campus life and activities makes sense, but students who become heavily involved in a few organizations will have a far better experience than those who are marginal participants in a dozen.
The final common freshmen mistake is one that many folks continue throughout college and well as into their careers. It's procrastinating. Procrastination is the chief enemy of college students. On the other hand, students who do not wait until the last minute to complete their academic assignments or study for exams generally learn more, earn higher grades, and lead far less stressful lives.
It is important for freshmen to get off to a good start, as those who do have a far greater chance of earning a degree than their more mistake prone classmates. The good news is that all five mistakes discussed above can be avoided.
Mistake number one is overdressing. It happens first at orientation, when it is hot and there is a lot of walking around campus. But, some freshmen don't learn their lesson at orientation; they show up at the beginning of the semester in a dress slacks or high heels. Unless professional dress is required, dressing for comfort is a student's best choice.
A second mistake that freshmen often make is to schedule their classes to revolve around their friends' schedules. While it's nice to have a friend and study partner in class, it is not difficult to meet and establish new friendships with classmates. With the help of their advisers, students should choose courses which interest them, are taught by good professors, and move them closer to the degree they seek.
Another classic freshman mistake is to try to attend every party or bar special in sight. Fun is fine, but students who overdo it are far more likely to find themselves in academic trouble.
Alternatively, there are the freshmen who were born overachievers. They were the folks who participated in, and frequently held office in, virtually every organization their high schools had to offer. Many also participated in sports and worked after school jobs. While it's great to have ambition, it is important for college students to realize that their workload will be far heavier than it was in high school. Involvement in campus life and activities makes sense, but students who become heavily involved in a few organizations will have a far better experience than those who are marginal participants in a dozen.
The final common freshmen mistake is one that many folks continue throughout college and well as into their careers. It's procrastinating. Procrastination is the chief enemy of college students. On the other hand, students who do not wait until the last minute to complete their academic assignments or study for exams generally learn more, earn higher grades, and lead far less stressful lives.
It is important for freshmen to get off to a good start, as those who do have a far greater chance of earning a degree than their more mistake prone classmates. The good news is that all five mistakes discussed above can be avoided.
About the Author:
J.M. Patin worked with many freshmen as a member of the student orientation committee at the university from which she graduated. She currently writes on topics which include online degree programs and online colleges, and college admission.
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