Photo: Flickr via carmichaellibrary
Coming into college for their freshman year, students usually have a pretty set idea of how their first semester will go. Thinking about how easy Facebook pictures make college life seem from older friends, you assume you will arrive at school and have it all together: friends, parties, good grades, and everything in between. And although not everyone can have a picture perfect freshman year, there is something every student will eventually learn: everything will all fall into place.
Social Life
Movies and television often depict college as one non-stop party where your days are filled with alcohol, drugs, and friends, and little (if any) academics. However, your social scene is what you make of it. Senior dietetics major Alexandra Raymond explains, “ I wish I knew that people don’t just party all the time and studying and class is the first priority.” Balancing a new type of social life may be hectic, but according to Collegestats.org’s How to Survive Freshman Year, “ partying is important, and you don’t want to miss out on too much of it. Reserve your weekends for socializing.”
Academics
By the time early warning grades are sent out, freshman are separated into two categories: those who will get a 4.0 their first semester and everyone else. Although not everyone can be a straight-A student their first year, or ever, it should not mean academics aren’t important. To ensure that homework always gets done, sophomore American studies major Lisa Berkowitz says, “have a place where you know you can study and get your work done.”
Use of Campus Resources
Photo: Jaclyn Turner
No matter what university you attend, it will be filled with numerous resources for academics and beyond. Perhaps one of the best things you can do is to take advantage of these resources. Sophomore kinesiology major Jessica Brown explains, “take advantage of all the resources like the writing center, math success, and other extra help.” Remember: beyond frat parties and Loose Tuesdays, you are at school to learn.
Network
Whether or not you go to a school the size of The University of Maryland, networking is a huge resource your campus has to offer you and can make the difference when you graduate. Raymond explains, “ I also wish I knew networking is so important. Take advantage of every opportunity because you don’t know who will be able to help you in the future.”
Campus Involvement
The University of Maryland offers hundreds of clubs to participate in and even more opportunities to start your own organizations, have internships, and take on leadership roles. Perhaps one of the best things a freshman can do is get involved from the start. According to sophomore Jewish studies major Baylee Less, freshman should, “say yes to things you may not have said yes to before.” Interested in trying Quidditch? Now’s your chance! Collegestat.org agrees, explaining, “getting out in the world and doing is part of growing up. New experiences shape who you are as a person. Isn’t that the purpose of college?”