Help your new Freshman Start the Year off the Right Way

A college student’s freshman year of college is an exciting time. They are starting a new adventure, and the next four years are probably going to be some of the best ones of their life. The first semester of their freshman year in college is the most critical because it usually sets the pace for how the rest of their college experience will be. If they start off your first year of college the right way, they will be more inclined to stay on track and get their degree.

Here's how to help your student start off college the right way.

Parents can help their new college students get their freshman year off to the right track by following the tips below. Remember, it is crucial for them to start out on the right track so they can make the most of their freshman year and the rest of their years in college.

Encourage your new college freshman to:

Attend all classes. It can be very tempting to skip that 8am class, especially if it's a big class and their professor doesn't take role. However, if they get into the habit of skipping classes, their grades will really suffer. Professors often test on information from their lectures rather than on info from textbooks. Furthermore, since a college education is expensive, they need to attend all of their classes (even the boring ones) and soak up as much information as possible. Otherwise, they are just wasting your (and even their own) money.

Get to know their professors. Have your child take advantage of every opportunity to meet with their professors, so they can get to know them and vice versa. Have them go to their office hours or meet up with them after class. They never know when they will need to ask them to be their reference or write letters of recommendation for them.

Make at least two friends in each class. This will pertain to your child throughout their college career. It's always good to make at least two friends in each class in case they miss a meeting and have to copy notes. They don't have to become best friends with these people but engaging in small talk about the class will help them form a tiny bond. It's just always easier asking someone you know for a favor than it is asking a complete stranger.

Learn how to manage their time. As an entering college freshman, they may, at first, have difficulty with time management because their schedule is more flexible than it was in high school. So, the earlier they learn how to balance their college schedule, the better off they will be. Just remember that time management is all about prioritizing their goals and sticking to the schedule they have laid out. 

Get involved in at least one club. By being involved in at least one or two clubs, they will have the opportunity to meet tons of other students while being active in something that they enjoy. Don't let them over commit to a bunch of different clubs though; doing so will only make them stressed out. Learn more about why they should get involved and ways to do so.

Take advantage of support and services. Colleges offer an abundance of services to their students. If they are having trouble in a class, inquire about a tutor. If they can't decide on a major, have them visit their school's Career Services Department.

Keep their finances in check. Their freshman year of college is probably the first time they will be managing their money without your supervision. Therefore, they need to create a college budget and stick to it. As a freshman, they will also be showered with credit card applications, so it's crucial for them to learn how to avoid credit card woes. Learning money management skills early on will help them make responsible financial decisions throughout college and on. 

Respect their roommate. Respect and communication are the two most important factors when it comes to successfully living with a roommate. Of course, they will not agree with everything that their roommate says or does. However, if they show them respect and communicate openly about issues that bother them, then problems should be resolved easily and quickly.

Manage Stress and Anxiety. Transitioning from high school to college can sometimes be stressful for students, so they may turn to other means to cope. Learn about other ways of helping your student manage stress and anxiety.