5 Tips for Surviving Freshman Year

Freshman year can be overwhelming. You are thrown into a brand-new environment, with unfamiliar faces and, often times, far away from home. You don’t know what to expect, and you are wary of starting this new journey of your life alone.

We’ve all been there. I was in that exact position a little over one year ago. And yet, every year, freshmen make it through their first year of college, and many have a much better time than they imagined. How do they do it?

As great as freshman year is, a little guidance never goes unwarranted. As the supremely wise sophomore that I am now, here are my 5 pieces of advice for surviving freshman year

1.  Don’t get discouraged by how hard your classes are.

Your freshman year academics will most likely be introductory classes. These classes, particularly STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) classes, are going to be difficult, and taught at a higher and more rigorous level than most of your high school classes. This is the reality of going to an elite institution such as Rice: you’re no longer the top of your class, because everyone here was the top of their respective classes, and you’re going to have to put more work into your classes than perhaps you were accustomed to in high school. Don’t let that discourage you, or make you think you shouldn’t pursue a specific career course that you are passionate about! Rice challenges you in many ways, and this is one of them. In the end, it teaches you to give all you have to pursue your passions.

2. Strike a good work-social balance.

While academics are the main reason you’re at Rice, it’s not the only reason! Your freshman year is the best time to meet new people and make new friends. The college experience definitely isn’t the same without some friends to make great memories with. Much of your Rice experience revolves around social events within your college and the university. It’s important that you learn how to balance your work and social life—they will interfere with each other sometimes, and it’s important when to learn which takes precedence in certain situations. If you feel as though this is a daunting task, do not fear—freshman year is a time to learn how to strike up this balance. Don’t feel as though you need to have it down perfectly your first week of freshman year.

3.  Keep your family close.

For many of you, this is the first time you will be away from your families for extended periods of time. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your college life and talk to your parents less and less as the weeks progress. Keeping your parents updated on your college life is very important—they will always be there to help you for any arising problems, and they miss you a lot! Sending them a quick text about your day, all the fun times you’re having, and all the friends you’re making will never go amiss. It will definitely help maintain your healthy relationship in the long run as well.

4.  Maintain your mental and physical wellbeing.

College is a great time, but it can take a toll on you mentally and physically. Elite universities such as Rice can be academically and/or socially stressful; additionally, the serveries provide a bountiful amount of food that, unfortunately, is not all healthy. Thus, it is as important to take care of your mental health as your physical health. Inquire around—there are plenty of services available to help you. Also, don’t think you are the only one who needs help; you are not alone.

5.  Have fun!

Welcome to the best four years of your life! Embrace new experiences; take the time to engage in some self-discovery, and decide who you want to be and what you want to accomplish in your life. The world is your oyster!

Serena Tohme is a Peer Career Advisor from Wiess College.  She is a sophomore studying psychology.