Collegiate Lifestyle, Planning, And Productivity

I'm going to take you from Freshman to mid-Junior year giving you tidbits on my experience in college and of course, the tips I promised on how to survive. This week we'll talk about your first semester as a Freshman.

You're Free! Now What?

Via The Odyssey Online

You get accepted into your dream college. This is what you've dreamt of! It comes time to move away but you're confused on what to pack. Let me tell you, it doesn't take as much as you think.

When packing and moving away from college, less is more. I moved into a suite style residential hall my Freshman year. I brought all kinds of things from decorations to a mini-fridge and TV. When it came time for me to go home I had so many suitcases packed with stuff that either didn't fit in my closet or things I realized I never used.

If you share a room with someone this is especially important since your space will be even more limited.

Get Out There

Jarod Ricks / Via marchingband.uncc.edu

Campus involvement is crucial to being successful while you're in college. My Freshman and Sophomore year of college I was in UNC Charlotte's "Pride of Niner Nation" Marching Band. I was on the Colorguard. Becuase of this I met my best friend, Alison, who I now live with.

Last semester I became a Niner Guide and I currently work with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by giving tours to prospective students and their parents.

Because of all of this, I was able to acclimate to the collegiate lifestyle more quickly and efficiently than if I were to not do anything on campus.

Get out there and explore your college! If you can't find a club you want to join then make your own. Doing this will help you find friends who you'll make awesome memories with.

Work Hard

Lauren Wood / The State News

Despite all the books in the picture, nowadays, most college textbooks are online. This is really nice because you aren't having to carrying around a backpack weighing a ton with coursebooks.

However, this doesn't mean you should slack. I'm probably not the first to tell you this but you actually have to study in college. I know, it's absurd, right?

The good aspect of this is that you'll most likely be in general education classes which will be on the easier side. Making friends with other students in your class and forming student groups is a great way to succeed in a class.

Take advantage of the syllabus and get ahead on your work. There's no greater feeling than hearing your professor announce an assignment and knowing you've already completed it.

Join a Learning Community! This is a great way to live with the people who are also in your class. My Freshman year I was in the University College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Learning Community. This allowed for me to live with people who were in my class and major, and I was even able to have class in my residential hall. This was great for those days when I just couldn't bring myself to putting on "real people clothes" for class.

Have Fun!

Via The Odyssey Online

Believe me when I say that this year will fly by. It feels like by the time you finally get everything setup and decorated it's already time to move out. You are going to meet people who will become your life long friends. You'll learn that staying up late to do homework becomes a social norm and at least two cups of coffee will sufficiently get you through the day. With all the hard work you do, make sure to take time for yourself and have a little fun.