The First Semester: New Routine, New Friends, New Activities
How to experience the “College Life”
After the first two weeks on a college campus, the nerves of new students might be settling down. That said, the next phase for adjusting to college life in the first semester is to find a routine and meet new people, which would Increase students’ comfort level. Research shows if a student has a positive first few weeks on campus, the chances of long-term success, including graduation, increase drastically. These are some tips to consider in setting a routine.
Getting a consistent sleep schedule: Getting the proper amount of sleep is crucial, and if a student doesn’t have classes early in the morning, they might not go to bed as early as they did in high school. This can make it harder to get into a routine because their body is getting inconsistent rest; even if a student goes to bed at 1 a.m. and wakes up at 9 a.m. for a 10 a.m. class, it’s still eight hours of sleep. Proper rest and routine can help students find their balance and enter each day with a clear head, ready to tackle the day’s challenges for their coursework and time for other activities.
Joining a club or organization: Besides experiencing new classes, joining clubs to meet fellow students with similar interests can be one of the best ways to get involved in campus life. Many campuses have over 200 organizations, from fraternities to church groups, playing video games and binging TV shows. There are plenty of opportunities to meet new people who will become friends, and they can build a new support group that can assist during challenging situations.
Going to activities outside of the classes: A college also provides plenty of opportunities to host events and bring attractions to campus, from athletic events to guest speakers and musical acts. Going to different functions can help take the mind off schoolwork, and seeing something new can bring a student out of their shell and benefit their psyche, which can help with coursework with a renewed focus.
As you can see, the college experience is much more than academic work. It can include adventures, activities, and meeting people from different backgrounds, creating lifelong memories and friendships. After the first week of classes, students should have a solid foundation of knowing the expectations for classwork, finding a routine, having materials for class, and getting involved with campus life.
