Tips and Advice

Let's take a trip back in memory lane... 

Now that I am in my senior year, I look back at freshman year and think to myself "if only I knew that", So in this blog, I was to give some advice that I wish I would have known. 

Number 1: 

College is not like high school. Make sure you create a schedule that fits you. 

In college, there is so much freedom and it takes time to create a routine. Teachers are not going to remind you as frequently to turn in your work on time as they did in high school. They are not going to care if you do not show up to class. As a college student, creating a routine or schedule is the most important part. For example, if you are not a morning person, do not take 8 AM classes. 

Being in track and field made this a little more difficult because as athletes we adapt our schedule around our practice and weights. I made the mistake of scheduling a night class from 7:45 - 10:30pm my freshman year. Ever since then, I have never taken a night class. Once you figure out your class schedule create a schedule for homework, eating, and even time to workout. Having a schedule can relieve a lot of stress and helps you keep track of coursework. 

Number 2: 

Make sure your major is what you want to do, if not change it within the first two years.

The majority of the time people are afraid to change their major because they feel like they are too deep in. This is true to an extent. The first two years are for you to figure out if the major that you chose is really for you. Take some courses based on your major and see if the material you learn is really interesting if not then maybe that is a sign to change your major. Remember at the end of the day this is the money that you are putting towards your future so make sure it is really something you want to do. 

Number 3: 

For my athletes, freshman year most likely will not be your best year. 

High school athletics and college athletics are completely different. Everything is way more intense in college, from the course load to the training to your schedule. I was upset and defeated mid-way through my freshman year because I had high expectations for my performance and when I did not achieve them I was upset. I did not realize that all of these different factors would play a huge role mentally and physically. Your body and mind are adapting to a major change, so do not get defeated it is all a part of the process. 

Number 4: 

Money. Budget. Group Chats. 

This is one thing that I am still learning, but the advice that I can give is not to spend money on books. There are tons of websites that allow free pdfs. Facebook groups also share free pdf of books, so that saved me a lot of money. Hard copies of books are really expensive. Rentals can also be more beneficial, so you are not stuck with having to sell the book. Typically rentals are cheaper than a newer book as well.

As far as group chats, make sure you join them. Typically every class you take will create a group chat. This helped me stay on top of my coursework and items due for the week. People also asked helpful questions that allowed me to understand some of the assignments. Making friends is important in classes because they can become your study buddy. 

I hope that these four tips will help you in the future or even currently. These are a couple of tips and advice that I have learned within my four years of college.