Your First Semester of College – What To Expect
For many students the first semester at college can be an overwhelming experience. There are a variety of opportunities as well as newfound freedoms that can make it difficult to concentrate.
With all of these new and wonderful changes, it is no surprise matriculation rates often drop between the first and second semester of the first year of college. There are, however; a number of opportunities available for students so they can better cope with the lifestyle changes and avoid the pitfalls which may lead to failure.
Having too many choices is one of the problems faced by new students. Most universities do not require students to declare a major immediately, giving them the opportunity to explore the different paths of study available to them. While this wide variety of opportunities does allow great deal of freedom, it can also make it difficult to concentrate. Those who try to experience too many different courses in the first semester may find themselves feeling overwhelmed. One way to avoid this is to keep the course load relatively light. Take a couple of heavy courses, but be sure to balance them with something lighter and more interesting.
Students should also schedule heavy courses for when you’re most productive. For instance, if you’re a morning person, go for an 8:00 am class. Night owls might prefer something later in the day. Also, try and make your first class of the day one that’s enjoyable. Beginning the day with a favorite subject will help you start off with a positive note.
Balance is important as well. Of course you’ll need to hit the books, but you must also take time out to enjoy yourself. While it’s best not to overindulge, you’ll want to add some social activities to your schedule so all of your time isn’t spent studying or working.
The lack of parental guidance can be more of a curse than a blessing. While students may have had to adhere to strict rules while living with at home, the sudden freedom experienced in college might cause social overindulgence and not enough focus on schoolwork. While some social interaction is an important part of the collegiate experience, too much social interaction can interfere with the learning process. Students who spend too much time hanging out with friends and attending parties instead of studying are more likely to miss classes regularly and perform poorly on examinations and assignments.
Some students even find themselves gaining weight in the first semester of college. The term, “The freshman 15,” stems from the propensity of students to gain 15 pounds during the first year of college. Previously, most students lived at home where meals were prepared for them. Now students are responsible for making their own food choices, which often end up being junk food or fast food.
Whether they participate in a school meal plan or purchase and cook their own food, students will have to learn to make wise decisions regarding nutrition. Although cafeteria meals are notoriously high in fat and calories, students can still eat healthily by making wise choices. Options such as fresh fruit and raw vegetables are ideal because there is no concern over whether fattening agents such as butter or oil were used in the preparation of the item. In selecting other items, students should opt for items that are baked over those that are fried and those that are all natural and sugar free over those that contain sugar and artificial ingredients. These simple substitutions can help to prevent weight gain during the first semester in college.
Your first semester of college should be a memorable and enjoyable experience. Make wise decisions regarding your study and eating habits, and you’re sure to make the most of your time away.
