The Frehman Five- Rules for First Year College Students
The secret to earning a college degree is not a secret at all…just get to your junior year. If you get that far, you’re almost guaranteed a degree.
And, a pretty high percentage of college students who complete their sophomore year return for their junior year.
The “killer” year is year one. Lots of freshmen leave college before completing two semesters. Others complete the year, but do not subsequently return. If you are scheduled to begin college in the not-too-distant future, here are a few suggestions to keep you from being among them.
1. Attend all scheduled classes. There is a reason this is the first rule listed. If you think it’s OK to miss classes, remember this; you’re just a freshman…you don’t know anything yet. You only think you do.
2. Manage your time intelligently by making a schedule and having the self-discipline to stay with it. Do not ever study or sleep fewer hours than scheduled.
3. Don’t procrastinate. You’re not in high school anymore…catching up is very hard.
4. It’s easy to “go wild” when you are first away from your parents and their rules. But, if you do a lot of drinking, fail to get enough sleep, and/or put your social life ahead of your educational goals, you will soon regret doing so. Be responsible.
5. Get involved. Don’t return to your hometown every weekend. Take part in events and activities on campus. Be open to new friendships. Join at least one student group. Be an active part of the college or university community. You’ll never regret it.
Nobody can guarantee that you’ll enjoy college. And, certainly, nobody can promise that you’ll earn a degree, but following the five rules above will make you a good bet to be both happy and successful.