So, you’re a freshman, and you’re anxious to experience this thing called “college”. Eager to explore a new scene, make new friends, and to start learning about things you actually care about. But let’s be real, as exciting as it is to be a freshman, it can be a daunting prospect. Her Campus™ Lawrence is here to offer some tips to get you started on the right foot. I had the chance to sit down with one of the guidance counselors at the Health Center, Scott Radtke, who shared some good insight. (And by the way, Lawrence offers great free counseling services. Simply go to the health center and tell nurse Suzie you’d like to see one the counselors, it’s that easy! It’s a great option when things get overwhelmingly stressful).
Get Some Sleep
Scott says that sleep is one of the most important thing you can do for yourself. Sleep is important not just for surviving college, but for surviving life. Without sleep we don’t function properly, we can get irritable (which probably isn’t the type of first impression you wish to be making), and it prohibits you from performing at your best. Let’s face it, Lawrence can be very demanding, so make sure to take care of yourself so that you can meet these demands to best of your abilities. ??
Eat Right
Nutrition is another important factor that Scott mentioned. A healthy diet, like sleep, is vital for your body to perform at its best. Bon Appetite has worked very hard to provide Lawrence students with a tasty but healthy selection of foods from 7 am to midnight, so take advantage of it! (Here’s an article with more tips on how to make healthy food choices while at college)
Keep Moving
Exercise. Exercise is a great way to keep energy levels high and stress levels low. If you didn’t know this
already, exercise produces endorphins, which leave you feeling happy and refreshed! Lawrence has recently revamped the Wellness Center and now offers a great selection of work out equipment. Additionally, the YMCA offers a free membership for Lawrence students during the academic year. For more information about the YMCA’s free membership you can go to the LU Wellness center and fill out a quick application!?
Maximize Your Opportunities
Get involved! Getting involved is great for several reasons. One, its an excellent way to meet people, and two, its an excellent way to pursue or even discover new passions. Lawrence has a great selection of clubs, like the new anthropology club, or the photography club, to name a couple. If you don’t see a club you like, take the liberty of starting your own! The intimate atmosphere of the Lawrence community makes it easy to get a club started. Take advantage of these resources.
Office Hours Aren’t Just for Questions About Your Midterm
Get to know your professors. One of the greatest things about the size of Lawrence is that it enables students to get to know their professors on a more personal level. This helps create a sense of security, which might push you through your nerves of going to meet with them one-on-one. It’s not at many schools where you can find professors as available and eager to help their students as they are at Lawrence. Remember, at Lawrence, you’re not just a number you’re a name!
Let Loose
Have fun! School is important, but so is having fun. It’s really important you take the time to chill out and spend time with your friends. College is a great environment because you are always surrounded by people. And not just by anyone, but people who are in the same boat as you. Lawrence might be “small”, but you’ll never run out of new people to get to know.
Goals, Goals, Goals
Set goals. This might be something fun to do, and it might help guide you through these four years. Make a list of goals, both academic and personal. Where do you want to see yourself at the end of the four years? Maybe you want to graduate with a 3.5 GPA, maybe you want to start your own club, or maybe its something more personal. What ever your goals are, make note of it and remind yourself of them every time you feel lost or are having a hard time making your next move. Than when you’re a big bad senior, you can hopefully look back at that list and check off all of things you accomplished.
Lastly, college is an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll probably grow the most in these four years. Have fun, balance your time, be social and academic, make good choices and focus on being all that you can be. Most importantly, don’t stress. There’s always someone to talk to here. Someone you can relate to, whether that be a friend, professor, RLA or a counselor, there’s always an option! So buckle up, and get ready for the BEST four years of your life!
Photo Credit:
http://cdn.womenshealthmag.com/files/images/0812-sleep-myths_0.jpg
http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2010/05/woman-running-outdoors.jpg
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