Going to college for the first time can be intimidating, and that’s true whether you’re attending a four-year public college or a prestigious Ivy League school. You need to familiarize yourself with the terrain, make friends, and figure out how to do well in your classes in a matter of weeks. And with the effects of Covid-19 still lingering in some places, you might be stuck trying to navigate an academic world that’s still partly online. While practical, the virtual aspects of higher education can make building lasting connections a challenge to say the least.

Still, freshmen in college can prepare for success if they’re prepared to make the right choices and take some legwork. At least, that’s what the experts I interviewed had to say.

If you are a freshman hoping to start your college career on a solid footing, the following tips may help.

1. Always go to class

Mark Beal, university professor and author of 101 lessons they never taught you in high school about college, says skipping classes is one of the easiest things to do, which is why too many freshmen are doing it. However, this is a big mistake that you should avoid.

“No matter what time a class is in the morning or what time on a Thursday night, never skip class,” he says, adding that it doesn’t take too long to walk across campus and attend class for a while. 80 minutes.

From there, Beal says to be an active participant – like, listen, take notes, and ask or answer questions. Not only do you have the chance to learn more this way, but you never know who is paying attention to you and your actions.

“The students I have taught who have taken this strategic approach to classroom participation have made a lasting impression with me and are the same students I look forward to recommending for future internships and jobs or writing a letter. strong recommendation on their behalf, ”says Béal.

2. Be proactive about your college education

You may have no idea what you want to study when you head to college, or maybe you have chosen a major but you are still not sure which way you want to go. Anyway, Mark A. Herschberg, author of The career toolkit, essential skills for success that no one taught you, says you can spend your first year of college exploring potential majors. Go to the department’s open house, he says, but also attend a class or two in an area that interests you. If you find something that piques your interest, you can also find a student or professor and ask if you can stop by their lab and learn more about what they are doing.

“Most people find it flattering that you care about their work,” he says.

You can also ask other students about cool classes they’ve taken. Herschberg points out that Steve Jobs attended calligraphy classes.

“Watch weird, random lessons and ask the people who took them what they are,” says Herschberg. “You never know when that might lead to something interesting.”

3. Focus on networking

Tammy Huang, 10-year interviewer for Harvard Admissions and founder of Launch of the College, says freshmen should go out of their way to meet people who can help make their college experience a success. This includes getting to know your college advisor and developing a plan for a pre-major pathway and general education courses.

Huang also recommends forming a positive support group by joining meaningful clubs and making friends with people in your dorm or apartment community and other organizations that match your interests and goals. Finally, Huang suggests finding a mentor by looking for a teacher who has a professional background that interests you and who also matches your personality well.

“Mentors can open doors to opportunities and also write future letters of recommendation,” she says.

4. Take care of your mental health

The first year of college is a time of incredible change, and some freshmen are handling it very differently from others.

Cory Trevena, Senior Director of Education at Caron treatment centers, says freshmen should learn the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, just like they know about Wednesday cafeteria specials.

A little anxiety, homesickness, and sadness are normal when making the transition to college life, she says. “But if you feel hopeless for days or notice a drastic change in your behavior, it’s time to reach out.”

Where can you ask for help? Trevena points out that campus counseling centers offer services to students that can help them determine if they would benefit from regular therapy. In some cases, students may also simply need help creating a healthy structure and support system for their new life.

5. Pay attention to money

We’ve all heard stories of students giving up student loans on spring break and clothing trips to regret those choices years, if not decades, later. Regardless of how your college career is funded – through a merit scholarship, parents, or student loans – it’s important to be careful about spending and not over borrowing.

Brian Gawor, Vice President of Research at RNL (a platform company that helps colleges and universities amplify student enrollment, achievement, and philanthropic support), says freshmen should learn to use what’s already available and paid for at the school. For example, don’t spend a ton on food and dining out while paying for a meal plan. Also inquire about tutoring, writing assistance, and tech support available at your school.

“You’ll find a lot of value in those things that you’re probably already paying for with your tuition and fees,” Gawor notes.

Casey Welch, CEO of Tallo, also points out that students who worry about their finances can be proactive in making money.

“Students looking for part-time work should consider applying to companies that offer some type of tuition assistance program, like Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A, or Starbucks,” Welch explains. . “This way, students will both receive additional financial support to spend on tuition – while also gaining valuable work experience to show off on their resumes.