Adjusting to Adulthood

College, some claim to be the best four years of their life while others spend it making connections and studying endlessly. Here at Springfield College, every freshman is required to take College Writing, a course that provides instruction in the skills of writing communication, and are introduced to critical reading, basic research methods, and documentation of courses to name a few. While it may not seem like the most exciting stuff, I know, but these basic skills are essential creating a base for all future assignments, which for some may be numerous.

            An incoming Springfield College freshman needs to know a few tips to survive and succeed in College Writing 113. College Writing will be quiet different than any writing class you previously experienced, so it is important to be open to writing about new topics that you may not have written about before. Experimenting with your writing will be the first step to produce quality work through the semester and will also allow you to grow as a writing. If you were aware from the title, you will be writing often in this course. It is important to draft your paper as they due dates approach. Most professors will have multiple due dates throughout each portfolio for you to come to class with an outline, a rough draft, and eventually a final paper. Now that you are also taking on the role of a college student, it important to get in good habits of following these due dates and avoiding procrastination. If you wait to write your first draft or even apply edits for your second draft, you will not produce the same quality work as you would have if you followed the due dates the professor provided. Another important tip to succeed in this course would be to edit your paper outside of peer review in class. If you are not confident about the quality of your paper, you could even schedule an appointment with a writing tutor at the Academic Success Center. Following these few tips will allow you to succeed in College Writing 113.

            First semester of college could come as a surprise to many incoming freshmen that are unaware of the transition from high school to college. The first realization many college freshmen need to realize is how important it is to attend all of their classes. College is extremely expensive and not attending class is the same as throwing away money. You paid to attend class and earn a degree not to sleep or just skip class because you do feel like showing up. The workload is different compared to high school. If a professor assigns you reading for a course, that does not mean you do not have homework. Reading and outlining the chapter is a great way to familiarize yourself with the material before it is taught in class. It will make studying for the exams a lot less stressful since the information has already been embedded in your brain. Throughout freshman year of college, students often feel as if they do not belong. College becomes all about school work, classes, and grades, overall a stressful environment. Joining different clubs on campus and even getting a work study job can make college seem less like homework and more like your home away from home the next four years. Being social the first couple months of school and freshman year may lead to great friendship over the next four years. Everyone is in the same position and is looking to make friends so you will not be the only one. 

            It is likely that you will face unexpected challenges through your first semester and even year of college. Past relationships from high school and at home are still important and they still need attention, however, they should not dictate the decisions you make your first year of college. You will miss home, your friends, and family a lot more than you think and that is completely normal. Schedule daily or weekly phone calls or Facetimes with your family to check in. A quick phone call can really change your day around. While the first couple months, you may feel as if the work and college was the wrong choice for you. The work may seem overwhelming in the beginning but developing good study habits and finding a quiet place you can be productive such as the library, will make a huge difference with the adjustment to college. It takes time but good friends and avoiding procrastination will allow you to be successful your freshman year of college.