Check out organizations, clubs or activities to grow that pool of social connections. However, college can be a dreadful experience if a person is not prepared properly. Whelan and Silverman seem to point out the biggest problem most often. www.curry.edu - Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students. For many students, increased transportation costs alone eat up most of the savings on housing, and that doesn’t count utilities and other expenses incurred while living off campus. But studies show that college students who don’t go to bed or wake up at consistent times every day are more likely to have lower grades and be sick more often. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. And, of course, it’s best not to post any negative comments, offensive jokes/photos or compromising photos. In some cases college students may use different forms of stress-relief to cope with their classes and assignment, which may range from smoking to alcohol consumption. As … Being aware of the potential pitfalls is key to navigating a successful first year. 4. Unfortunately, college students typically face high interest rates, leading to large debt for those who don’t repay balances quickly. Lack of friendship and peer support make the student feeling overwhelmed, isolated and lonely. “I think students are afraid, they don’t know exactly what to ask, so they don’t ask anything, and then they miss a deadline, pay too much or submit the wrong kind of work.”. Students struggling with mental health issues should reach out to others in their dorm, such as a roommate or resident adviser, and take advantage of on-campus counseling resources. Procrastinating college students suffer greater rates of colds and flu, gastrointestinal problems and insomnia. It takes commitment to establish good work and study habits, but it’s achievable, and the payout is worth it. b). For students who are having difficulty juggling their courses, it might be wise to drop a class and retake it later, rather than letting the course pull down their GPA. But what you’re really missing isn’t posted online — it’s the experience of being in the classroom, listening to professors’ insights and participating in discussion. 22 Tips for First-Year College Students How to start college on the right foot. Establishing personal connections with professors can demonstrate a student’s good attitude and willingness to work, and can translate to higher grades and more opportunities. According to the 2013 National College Health Assessment, about one-third of U.S. college students report trouble with depression, and almost half felt overwhelming anxiety. Most students experience a new level of independence while away at college. Roadblocks, setbacks, problems—whatever you want to call them, you’re going to have some challenges your first year on campus. Sometimes college freshmen are intimidated to reveal that they don’t know what to do. Instructors have office hours specifically for students to ask for help — but it’s not necessary to wait until problems arise. They should also educate themselves about what various cards offer, why their credit scores are important and how to maintain a good credit record. At this point, the decision to return home is rather common. Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, Sexual misconduct prevention & intervention, Struggling to develop habits such as time management, prioritization, and staying healthy, Acclimating to academic expectations that may be more challenging than anticipated, Managing a level of social and cultural diversity that may be different from the communities with which they are most familiar, Comparing oneself to others and becoming discouraged, Having difficulty managing relationships, both at home and at school. You’ll thank us … Talking with an academic adviser can help students find the best option. In fact, a Harvard University study found that almost half of college freshmen overestimate how many connections their classmates actually have. But keep these common mistakes in mind as you go through your first year to make sure that you are properly setup for the rest of your college career and your life thereafter. Problem is, it’s not entirely true. While some students are naturally outgoing, most have to work to make social connections. Fortunately, many schools have financial literacy programs for incoming freshmen, offering tips on forming a budget and sticking to it. With room and board, the number rose to $24,623. Challenges. Students can gain weight during the first year eating too much fat, starch and junk food. Every situation is different, but before delving into apartment life solely to “save money,” students should crunch the numbers to determine whether it’s more cost-effective to live on or off campus. It can be fun and educational and, on the other hand, full of hardships. Homesickness This includes Personal, Educational, Environmental and … The demands of classes, managing finances, starting a new social network from scratch and possibly balancing a job can conspire to create anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders or other mental illnesses. At the beginning of the semester — or possibly sooner — students should sit down with a financial aid adviser or counselor to discuss what needs to happen and when. Many times, the student health center on campus can refer students to where they need to go. Weight Gain The rumor of the “Freshman 15”—the 15 pounds you supposedly gain during your first year of college—is grounded in some truth. One of the cultural problems faced by first year students is culture shock. Bottom line: it may take a while to get out of debt or restore your credit, but it’s not something that has to follow you around forever. Students also need to be aware of future ramifications: More than two-thirds of employers use social media sites to research — and sometimes reject — prospective employees. Despite having just finished 12 years of school, many college students simply don’t know how to study effectively. They might consider becoming authorized users on their parents’ credit cards, or search for cards with low spending limits, to build their good credit for future purchases down the road. Finally, ask about who your student has met and learn about their new relationships. Most students will complain about the food. “Dip your toe in first.” Keep classes paramount, and then build in the extras. Homesickness. ; and to understand all the deadlines.”. Find opportunities to meet with professors during office hours to discuss material that may not be clear and reach out to fellow students to start study groups. “Often this happens right around winter break, when students begin having issues with roommates and they aren’t getting along,” Nelson says. Recovering from those problems could take time, but the situation may not be hopeless. Nelson also recommends checking out advice from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 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First-year students have to make a lot of adjustments. I always advise students to check salary websites to get a better understanding of entry-level salaries for their prospective careers.” Having an accurate sense of what to expect in the future can start as early as freshman year so that students can plan accordingly. College is a place of new beginnings, firsts, and excitement for high school graduates. The most important thing is to not ignore the warning signs. University life can be a great experience. If the situation is worse, consult a financial adviser and put together a plan to turn things around. Most campuses have career planning services to assist students; counselors are trained to help with everything from resume preparation to interviewing, to identifying careers that interest them, to making connections to employers. Facing Challenges Be sure to have a conversation before the first visit, or shortly after the visit begins. Without proper rest, students are vulnerable to physical and mental health problems. But I think these are valuable lessons.” Students who rack up debt, for example, may need to cut back on entertainment and pick up a part-time job. Reminding them of their values, interests, and goals while also providing family support is important in helping them navigate their first year. Increase your odds by signing up for classes at times that you’re most likely to go. How much they should put aside varies and will depend on individual circumstances. Students should try to treat freshman year as a time to explore interests, build that resume and make a wide circle of friends — they’ll be great resources during difficult times. Your student is likely to experience the ups and downs of emotional and practical challenges associated with college life. In other words, it’s an established college tradition that you be broke or nearly broke all the time. Although perhaps supportive of higher education, their parents and family members may view their entry into college as a break in the family system rather than a continuation of their schooling. Remember, you’re paying for every class, even if you aren’t going. Student-faculty contact outside the classroom contributes to better graduation rates, better academic performance and greater overall satisfaction with school. Being aware of the potential pitfalls is key to navigating a successful first year. Problems students face by not exercising in college include weight gain, less social bonding and lower grades. First, students should approach instructors in the classes where they’re struggling and explain their desire to improve their performance. Get involved in campus activities, use social media to help stay connected with your friends and family back home, and form study groups. But don’t worry; not everyone is hanging out without you. Students should realize that colleges want them to succeed in classes and to enjoy the college experience. Plus, grades often are tied to attendance, so don’t risk your academic success by skipping. Keep reading to find out some of the major trouble spots, and how to steer clear of them. Research continually suggests that First Generation College Students are at a definite disadvantage when compared to students from a family with previous college experience. And, students should remember that they’re paying for many of these services as well — that’s what those student fees are for. Taking in-class notes is one way to ensure you have the necessary information, and the act of writing may aid in memorization. References - Common Problems College Freshmen Might Face. The problem for married students is that they are isolated with their love ones and causes home-sickness at all times. It’s nice to get that financial bump at the beginning of the semester, but it’s important to budget funds so they last from month to month. At the same time, they continue to take out student loans with no plan about how to pay them back. The more different the new culture is … College ain't cheap. Contact an on-campus counselor, a friend or a family member and ask for help. Students may expect a year filled with bonding with roommates, meeting world-renowned faculty and enjoying their newfound independence. 11. Discussions with faculty and staff about careers — the sooner the better — significantly help students to feel more confident about their preparation for the workforce and can help students determine where further coursework might be needed. However, knowing when to seek help isn’t an admission of failure — it’s a hallmark of learning responsibility and knowing when it’s advisable to turn to people with more experience or expertise. 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