May 10, 2021 04:07 PM EDT By Ernest Hamilton, UniversityHerald Reporter

The years you spend at college could turn out to be some of the best years of your life. Not only is it a time of life in which you learn valuable skills that can prepare you for your professional endeavors in the years ahead, but it's also a time for making new friends, discovering more about yourself, becoming independent, unearthing hidden passions, and building your character.

There's plenty to see, do, and enjoy on a typical college campus, but when you first arrive, the whole process can feel quite daunting. Indeed, many freshmen start feeling those pre-college nerves in the buildup to their first day, and even after arrival, a lot of people can experience anxiety about issues like studies, social lives, and so on. 

It's easy to see why this experience can seem quite scary. After all, for many people, this is the first big taste of independent life away from home. Suddenly, after years of living with your family and relying on them for all the assistance you need, you have to depend on yourself for all of your daily needs, as well as keeping up with classes, making sure you study hard and trying to have fun too.

Managing all of that all on your own may feel like quite a challenge, to begin with, but as long as you have the right attitude and approach, you can enjoy a lot of happiness and excitement in your first year on campus. This guide will go over some simple tips to help you enjoy your freshman year as much as possible.

Carry Out Plenty of Research Before You Arrive

In order to calm those pre-college jitters, a good method is to start learning as much about campus and college life as you possibly can. The more you know about the situation, the better prepared you'll be to deal with any challenges you might face, and the internet is a goldmine of articles, guides, videos, and blogs all about college, so you have an endless supply of resources to turn to.

Head to your college's website to find things like campus maps that can help you get around safely and easily, for example, and check out former or current student blogs to get an idea of what life is like at your chosen college. You can also find countless guides and articles about how to prepare for your freshman year and how to make the most of those early weeks and months.

Drive Safely on Campus and Elsewhere

A lot of college students have already learned to drive before they arrive and bring their own cars with them. This can be a big bonus for you, giving you the freedom to get around campus in your own personal vehicle and set off around the local area whenever you want to explore with your new friends, but it can also be a hazard too.

Statistics have revealed that young drivers, in particular, are at an elevated risk of auto accidents, so make sure you drive safely and carefully, wherever you go, always following the rules of the road. Even if you don't have your own car, you might still make use of another form of transportation, like e-scooters, to get around, Scooter accidents are increasingly common, so make sure to stay safe and drive with care.

Make Study Your Top Priority

Many young people get very excited about going to college, but not necessarily for the right reasons. A lot of freshmen put too much of their time and energy into things like partying and other social engagements. Making friends is a great part of the college experience, but you have to remember the main reason you're there: study.

Education is the purpose of every college and university across the globe, and if you don't work hard and keep up with your classes, you could find yourself dealing with a lot of extra unnecessary stress. Don't forget that you're going to be spending a few years at college. You'll have plenty of time to make friends and have fun, so there's no need to party too hard early on and jeopardize your education in the process.

A Balanced Diet and Plenty of Exercise

Many first-year college students fall victim to the so-called "Freshman Five" or "Freshman 15". These terms refer to the extra five to 15 pounds that freshmen students tend to gain when they first start college and suddenly have to make all their own meals. Many of them simply give in and start eating lots of junk and fast food, rather than homemade nutritious dinners.

Try to avoid making the same mistake. Your diet can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health, and a healthy, balanced diet will help you stay fit, alert, and active to have fun around campus and focus on your studies too. It's also wise to make sure you find time for exercise in your daily schedule in order to lead a healthy independent lifestyle.

Get Involved with the Extra-curricular Side

When you first start at college, you might feel a little overwhelmed by your day-to-day schedule and find it hard to manage your time effectively, but once you start finding your way around campus, making some friends, and feeling more settled, you'll quickly get into the swing of things, and that's when you can start exploring other options for activities to enjoy.

Colleges have huge lists of extra-curricular activities, including everything from active pursuits like team sports and self-defense classes to more unique niche hobbies and pastimes like arts and crafts clubs and improvisational comedy classes too. It's strongly recommended to get involved with one or more activities as a way to make some more friends and learn new skills.

Final Word

College truly can be the best time of your life, but you need to have the right approach. It's easy to make mistakes in the early weeks and feel overwhelmed by it all, but if you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to get off to a great start.

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