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The fall semester is underway, which means as a freshman, you’re probably feeling nervous, excited, and maybe even a bit overwhelmed. Starting a new semester, let alone a whole new period of education, is a big deal and there are a million things that can fill your mind upon setting foot on Campus.

As a freshman, you might feel completely lost as to what to expect, what you need, and how to navigate life as a College student. Sure, you have your parents, but they’re not always immediately around to come to the rescue. If you’re looking for some tips as you start your freshman year of college, here are eight to get you started on the right foot!

1. Establish a Schedule: College can become overwhelming fairly fast between balancing making new friends, going to campus events, getting to classes, and doing school work. To avoid driving yourself into the ground or falling behind on your responsibilities, establish a schedule for yourself right away, even if you think that you can handle everything at once. Start with your class schedule and write out the duration of each class/lecture, then incorporate time for school work and studying, cleaning, extracurriculars, and unwinding. Doing so can seem a bit boring and lame, but trust me, having all of our import dates and duties in one place will make it easier for your brain to handle.

2. Explore Campus Clubs and Organizations: There are plenty of activities to do on campus, ranging from trying out different restaurants to watching movies at the student center, and joining some of the several campus clubs and organizations. While you may be thinking that there isn’t a club out there to suit your needs and interests, I promise you that there is! From language clubs to political/activism clubs, and even music and movie clubs, there is bound to be an organization that taps into your interests. Go out of your comfort zone and give one of the clubs a try- not only can you make new friends, but you can also find new hobbies and interests you may not have known about before!

3. Get Familiar With the Dining Hall: The dreaded “freshman 15” is often discussed when talking about the terrible diets first-year college students take on during freshman year. Getting caught up with assignments and studying can take a toll on you both mentally and physically, which can make the thought of preparing a decent meal for yourself overwhelming. Instead of resorting to fast food, get familiar with your dining hall for a plethora of options that will help nourish your mind and your body. More often than not, you can find options if you have dietary restrictions and allergies, as well as healthier foods if you are wanting to make better choices!

4. Utilize Campus Resources: Campus resources exist for a reason, so while you’re getting acquainted with your new home for the next few semesters, be sure to utilize campus resources like the academic advising center, career center, and professor office hours. All of these resources serve a specific purpose to help you succeed to the best of your ability as you move through your college experience.

5. Keep in Touch with Family/Friends at Home: Being in college can be an exciting time, but it can also be isolating and lonely if you have trouble being social. It’s not always easy to make friends, so if you find yourself feeling blue and homesick, keep in touch with your loved ones and friends back at home through texts, Facetime calls, and even letters! Doing so will make you feel connected and a little less discouraged about being far away.

6. Protect Your Belongings: Moving to a college campus and a new living area means bringing all of your belongings with you, ranging from electronics like a laptop and tablet to sentimental items like jewelry, and even transportation items like a bike or scooter. Though being trusting of those around you is an admirable virtue, it doesn’t help to keep your items safe, but GradGuard can! GradGuard provides college students with insurance coverage for a number of things, ranging from tuition to rent to even personal items at an affordable price, so it’s worthwhile to have for your expensive items!

Making the leap from high school to your first year of college is a big deal. Having the right mindset and tips to follow, however, can make your freshman experience a stress-free and memorable one!

It’s no secret that college costs a lot of money. Make sure your investment in higher education is protected with GradGuard. Our affordable tuition insurance and renters insurance plans are specifically designed for college students. Customizable plans make it easy to protect your tuition, room and board, laptop, bike, and so much more.