How to Meet Your Expectations for Freshman Year,
Or,
A Survivor's Guide to the First Year of College
Compiled by Professor Marc Conner, Department of English
My home page: http://english.wlu.edu/faculty/conner.htm
1. Do not underestimate the importance of sleep. Without enough of it, your mind and your body will break down, particularly under the stress of this first year.
2. Do not miss class. Even if you're not prepared, SHOW UP. Each class you miss in college will require a week's worth of work to make up; in the foreign languages or math classes, missing even a few days virtually dooms you. Be there.
3. IF you drink alcohol, do NOT drink more than two nights in a week, and never two nights in a row.
4. Call your parents at least once a week. This insures that you have a connection outside of the narrow world of campus.
5. Exercise frequently, but do not overdo. Again, high stress levels will wear you down, so be sure your fitness program is a help, not a hindrance, to your health.
6. Do something other than your classes. Join a club, learn an instrument, go for a hike, take up fly-fishing, attend a Japanese ceremonial tea. Loads to do around here. Don't let academics completely dominate your life.
7. Do not worry about the things you cannot control.
8. Go to Church, or find some other way to connect yourself to something larger than yourself. It's all about perspective.
If you're getting overwhelmed, don't keep it to yourself! Talk to your friends, your academic advisor, your Dorm Counselor, or go to the Counseling Center. Whatever you're facing, many others have been there and are there right now. Help is quite available here.