The Freshman Handbook

College is a unique place. It is a place where people learn new things, make new friends,
and live new lives. It is not always easy, but throughout my journey, I have learned some key
tips that will have you living the best life a college student can live. Colleges, as well as people,
come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, making each and every one unique in their own way.
Luckily, the tips that I am going to share work for anyone, anywhere.

Tip #1 Transportation

For students who live on campus, I highly suggest investing in a scooter. They are cheap,
easy to ride, and will get you from place A to place B a lot quicker than your feet will. This is
something I did not take advantage of and highly regret. I attend a small university, and many
say it is a walking campus, but when you are in a rush and need to get somewhere ASAP, a
scooter is your best option. Having a car will not always save you; there will be some places
where you are not allowed to park, making it annoying and inconvenient.

TIP #2 Get Your Zzz’s

Naps are not a want in college, they are a necessity. Most college students struggle with
sleeping at night due to a heavy workload, so I suggest that you learn to take lots of naps in-
between your classes. Do not be surprised if these naps are for only 20 minutes. Power naps are
normal. You need them in order to function properly throughout your day. College is not always
like the movies. You do not have a whole lot of leisure time, but when you do, take advantage of
it.

TIP #3 Levy a Laptop

When I was in high school, I did not have my own personal laptop. Whenever I needed to
do work online or write any papers, I would use the computers in the library, but I do not
recommend that for college. If you do not have one already, I highly suggest investing in your
own laptop. You will have so many assignments that require you to use a computer, and a laptop
is the best way to get your assignments done. It is small, it is portable, and it will save your life.
Tip #4 The Buddy System

Being involved is the best way to make friends. If you do not play a sport, join a club. I
have met some of my closest friends through playing college sports. The friends that you make
in college are usually the friends you keep for a lifetime. They are the people that will walk with
you to class, sit with you in the lunchroom, and keep you sane when you feel like you are going
crazy. Participating in school activities and attending school events will help you gain the full
college experience. You may not have time for all the events that go on at your school, but
making an appearance occasionally will keep you involved and will help you make new friends.

Tip #5 Time Management

College is known for piling students up with assignments, and students are known for
saving assignments for the last minute. This is not a myth; it is a fact. Most students procrastinate
for as long as they can, and I was one of those students. It took me a while until I finally realized
that procrastination is not the answer. If you do not want to be under a tremendous amount of
stress, then plan your time out wisely. For example, say you have a month to do an assignment,
do not wait until the night before. Stay ahead of the game, and complete the assignment when it
is assigned. Taking advantage of the time that you have will allow you a better chance of
receiving a better grade. I decided to compare an assignment I procrastinated on and an
assignment I finished ahead of time. I found that the assignment which was not procrastinated
received a better grade because the quality of my work was more sufficient. So, take advantage
of the time you are given and do not procrastinate

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These five tips are all things that I have found helpful throughout my college career. I
have been to two different colleges and found that these tips are useful anywhere. A scooter will
get you from place to place, naps will keep you energized, a laptop will save your life, school
involvement will get you friends, and not procrastinating will bring you success. Follow these
five tips, and your college career will be rewarding.