Freshman Year Survival Tips

By Chong Kim, M.Ed
Northeastern University Residence Director

Roommates
Always start off the year with a positive attitude and by being considerate of the other person. Treat him/her how you would like to be treated! Also, don't judge the book by the cover! Have a positive attitude because there may be more to someone than meets the eye. A bad first impression can be changed!

Establish rules and boundaries that are important to you right off the bat. Awkward situations when addressing issues concerned with things like sharing food, using each other's personal items, having company in the room, etc. can be avoided when discussed early! You both must respect each other!

Your roommate does not have to be your best friend to make living together tolerable! Your can both should branch out and meet other people and still be perfectly friendly within the room.

Talk to your R.A. about any problems... they are there to help!

Classes and Tests
Unlike what we all did in high school, do not leave anything to the last minute. Procrastination is college students' biggest problem.

Attend all your classes. Yes, even if they do not take attendance! Professors announce important information about assignments, what will be on tests, and tips about studying that can be very helpful. Remember each professor can be very different in their style of teaching and testing.

Try study groups. Studying with peers can be one of the most helpful tools... as long as the time is not spent as a social event.

Staying Healthy
Be sure to get enough sleep. Classes will wear you out during the day and you will be swamped with work. Prioritize and make time to get a good night sleep. Also, use the weekends to your advantage to sleep late and energize yourself for the following week.

Take vitamins. No one wants to do it but they will help you avoid that nasty cold your roommate has!

Avoid that Freshmen-15 by eating right! Although the fries and cookies seem delicious, limit the amount you eat. There are plenty healthy options and some ice cream as a reward every once in a while never hurt anyone!

Make time for the gym. Not only will you feel better about yourself, but you will have more energy which makes those countless hours of studying a bit more tolerable.

Balancing School and Social Life
College is also about wonderful, new experiences and having fun. Set deadlines for your assignments and studying in order for you to be able to schedule time to spend with your friends.

Set aside some time for you. Classes are stressful, so plan some time for activities that will help you relax.

Expect to feel overwhelmed... the way to deal is knowing every single college student feels the exact same way as you do!