Tips For Transitioning from High School to College
Getting accepted to college is a major achievement, especially if you’re accepted into the one you always wanted to attend. But after the excitement dies down and you’ve settled into college life, it’s not uncommon to feel pressure to succeed. Transitioning from high school to college means learning how to play by a new set of rules. Here’s the best way to make it happen.
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ToggleExpect the Unexpected
When you were in high school, your schedule was pretty much set in stone. You knew what to expect every day and looked forward to it. But now that you’re a freshman, things are completely different. You might not know anyone, which can make you feel even more scared of the unknown. One way to overcome feelings of anxiety or nervousness is knowing that a lot of other people are in the same boat. Everyone is just trying to become acclimated to being in college and possibly living away from home for the first time. Expecting the unexpected can also help mentally prepare you for both good and possibly bad situations, like receiving your first low mark on an exam.
Find The Right Balance
You also need to strike the right balance between work and play. Being social and making new friends is a huge part of going to college, however, if your social life starts to impact your studies, it’s time to rethink your current ways of doing things. Use a calendar to plan extracurricular activities around your course load. Be mindful of important dates for term papers and exams and schedule accordingly. The last thing you want to do is miss class because you were out too late and had to spend the day in bed recovering from the night before.
On that note, it’s also important to avoid falling victim of peer pressure. It can be a tough transition from high school to college. And as a freshman, it’s normal to want to fit in and make friends. However, hazing on college campuses, especially with freshmen, can have disastrous repercussions. If you’d like more insight on the actual statistics and signs of substance abuse in college students, there are online guides for review.
Effective Study Habits
How you study, not to mention when, can make a huge difference in how you perform. The study habits you had in high school may not be as effective now that you’re in college. Similar to scheduling your extracurriculars, create a study calendar that best suits your needs. If you seem to retain more information from morning study sessions, make it a priority to do so. If you’re a night owl, the same holds true. Don’t try to conform to what you think you should do. Do what feels right for you and helps you earn high marks.
Ask For Help
Put your college’s student resources to good use. Ask for help if you’re struggling with your classes or need a tutor. Don’t feel embarrassed if you need extra help. Managing a full schedule of college courses is far different than when you were in high school.