The Ultimate Guide to Thriving in Your First Year of College

Matt Crow/Undergraduate Admissions

Welcome to college! I know this is a thrilling, scary, "don't-know-what-I'm-doing" kind of experience, but don't worry -- we're all in this together! I am here to tell you my top five tips for surviving your first year at a university.

1. Organization

The app Google Calendar (*not sponsored*) was my saving grace throughout my time at Wichita State. You can conveniently put all your commitments in one place and the app allows you to color code everything, making it easy to stay organized and keep your schedule aesthetically pleasing. Another thing I really enjoy doing to stay organized is making to-do lists. This allows me to see what I need to get done that day and cross it off my list as I go. There is no better feeling than having a fully completed to-do list.

2. Practice Resiliency

College is one of the first times you are fully on your own and taking care of yourself. You are in your own space, feeding yourself, paying your own bills, making your own doctor's appointments (this one is scariest I know) and have to make sure you are waking up and doing what you need to get done each day without someone next to you every step of the way. I'm here to assure you that you WILL make mistakes, but it will be okay. The way you recover from those difficulties will truly impact your college experience. College is a time to discover who you are, grow from previous experiences and set the path of who you want to become!

3. Establish Priorities

I like to make a master list of my responsibilities and star what is most important to get done first. With this, I consider deadlines for each task, as well as how long each one will take. I think it is also important to plan for the unexpected, as well as reward yourself for getting certain tasks done (like scheduling that doctor's appointment yourself).

4. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is so so so so important! It allows you to release your stressors, relax your mind and make you more productive. One of my favorite forms of self-care is exercise. I used my free student membership at the Steve Clark YMCA to stay active. I also taught boxing and HIIT 45 there! Other self-care activities I like to do are having dance parties to my favorite songs, hanging out with friends or watching some of my favorite TV shows. Another great way to practice self-care is writing affirmations on sticky notes and leaving them around your room when you need a pick-me-up. Find something you love and prioritize your physical and mental health!

5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Everyone at Wichita State is there to help you succeed. Don't be afraid to reach out about anything and everything. This could be anyone from a professor to a roommate to a coworker. We all want what is best for you and will do everything in our power to get you the resources you need to be successful.

Overall Advice

My biggest piece of advice during your freshman year of college is to step out of your comfort zone. One of the best lessons I have learned is that many of the greatest things in life come from the most unexpected experiences. Go to all the events, get involved in the clubs you're interested in, meet new people and do things you never thought you'd do. College goes by in the blink of an eye. Make the most of it and have fun! Learn a lot, not only academically, but also about yourself. Figure out who you are and who you want to be. Go forth and do good. Go Shocks!