How can I make the most out of my freshman year of college?

A few suggestions here. You have four years to make the most out of your undergraduate experience - that's NOT a lot of time! Trust me, it will feel like a long time, especially when you're a freshman, but it will fly by. Specifically, in your freshman year, try to do the following:

1. Spend time introducing yourself and getting to know your professors. College is about finding a career path that excites you and starting to build your personal network (among other things!), so take time to introduce yourself to your professors, especially if you really like their class! They can be great resources for you throughout your time in college, and even become mentors.


2. Join clubs. leadership, STEM, net impact.. there are all kinds of clubs on campuses! Join early so that if you don't like it or find it valuable/interesting you have plenty of time to join others.


3. Experiment with interesting courses. Freshman year was designed to help you figure out what subjects you do/don't like, so don't be afraid to explore different courses. If it sounds interesting, take it! It'll be worth it in the end.


4. Learn how to take good notes. College courses are much different than high school classes. Harder concepts, a lot more distraction (bigger rooms, more people), and more at stake. If you start off your year with mastering the art of note taking it will pay off!


5. Figure out how you study best. Studying (or for a lot of students "cramming') for tests is super stressful but it's a lot less so if you know what study methods work best for you. ProTip: Do your research on websites and tools that other students use at your school. Sharing best practices with your peers is critical. One websites I've heard of since graduating? Flashnotes.com - check it out!

Good luck Tim!

Hi Tim. What you do your freshman year is critical to your experience in college. Your freshman year is all about getting adjusted to a totally different environment. I would focus on a few things your freshman year as I look back on my own experience.

1. 
   

   Focus on the class workload and difficulty of the classes - Unlike high school, you will have classes that require more study time and group interaction. Spend time managing your time effectively. Your grades and GPA are critical around this time. It's difficult to pull them up if you start out low.

   
   


2. 
   

   Focus on Meeting new people - Get adjusted to new people from all walks of life. If you have a roommate then it's an adjustment. Also, getting involved with extra-curricular activities are essential to getting plugged into your college. I wish I would have done this more.

   
   


3. 
   

   Don't work - If you can, avoid working a job that's not campus related. Work study is ok if you qualify. Don't focus on interning. Actually, most interns don't start until you're a sophomore always.

   
   


4. 
   

   Focus on enjoying life - Enjoy this time of your life. It's a new chapter that will allow you to have fun, establish friendships, and building a foundation for the real world.

   
   

I hope this helps.

I endorse the other answers. Competition can be be merciless because sophomores pick Professors before you arrive. Visit your campus in summer if staying off-campus. Unless Frathouse is goal, get apartment where you have access to campus study-room (especially if getting a tutor) late hours, sometimes to cram for mid-terms, or finals with a study group. Biggest Secret: Some underperform on entrance exam, so...placed in less demanding situation, they can "ace" course (GPA rules for eligibility in scholarship, or financial aid). Humans need good air circulation, good natural light, germ aversion, moderation in indulgences (Dorms have Counselors to advise). Unsupervised sports (skateboarding and daredevil drinking) are too risky. Ask every Professor how they parse grade calculations (written, oral, lab, media presentations are 'weighed'.
Really respect your brain, feed it, excercise it, protect from manic, phobic neurotic people and influences. Being liked should'nt drive you to extreme behaviours (hazing, clique shaming, intolerance). Love learning!