If you are a new student or a freshman, this article is for you.

By Joy Purcell, Staff Writer and Artist

Every college student has experienced freshman year of college. The first year can be an adjustment; some adjust quickly, and some take a little longer to adjust. Adjusting to college life didn’t take that long for me, but I learned some things along the way that I’d like to share. 

  1. Keep up with your syllabus. Usually, the syllabus has important dates as far as when homework assignments are due, discussion topics for the class that day, and dates for quizzes and exams. The professors usually don’t announce what they will be discussing or what is due for homework. Moodle can be a challenge and an adjustment as well. Some professors don’t even use Moodle, but it’s easier to use once you get used to the site.
  2. Go to events. There are a lot of events that are held here on campus. There are floor events, floor worships, and events hosted by groups like Awakening Fire, which hosts Spark worship nights and medieval-themed parties. There are also campus-wide events such as the Hoedown and Olympiad. These events are good for making connections with others and getting to know each other better. Even though there are many events, you do not have to go to every single one. This leads to my next point.
  1. It’s okay not to go to every event. If you are an introvert like me, sometimes events can get overwhelming. Sometimes, you just want to go someplace quiet and relax and recharge your social battery. The events on campus are not for everyone. Some may like events involving games, while others enjoy events that are a bit more laid back and vice versa. 
  2. Keep up with self-care. Self-care is still essential here at college, especially during the stress of schoolwork. If homework is getting too overwhelming, take a break. Go for a walk, take a nap, draw or color, watch a video, hang out with a friend, get off-campus, etc. Keeping up with hygiene is also vital for self-care. Don’t forget to take a nice shower, brush your teeth, and put on your favorite outfit!
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is one thing I knew I needed to do. I honestly feared people would judge me for asking for help with something, or I would look like a fool to them. Don’t be like me and give in to those thoughts. There are people here that are always willing to help. If you are struggling with a class or a homework assignment, the ACE center is always there to help. If you are struggling mentally or with some issues, there are counselors here on campus that are willing to listen. Trust me, they are great (especially Martha Smith, she is the best!). Your RAs and Sojourner are there to help in any way they can or if you just need someone to talk to. As a Sojourner myself, I am always willing to help others or be there to listen. 

Some of these tips I got from upperclassmen as a freshman. Don’t be afraid to reach out to upper-level students either. They were once first-year students, too.