It's time. All those years of ACT and SAT prep, maintaining a good GPA and hours in organizations like DECA have led you to this moment—college. I understand how you feel; I’ve been there too. Your college years will shape your future, as the habits you develop and the choices you make will have lasting impacts. I navigated these years successfully, and you can too.
Here are some tips from my experiences and universities with active Collegiate DECA chapters to help you Be The One in your freshman year.
1. Improve Your Time Management
You will need to improve your disciplined time management to balance academics, extracurriculars and yourself. Use planners or digital calendars to track assignments, exams and social events. This will help you stay organized and reduce stress.
2. Get Involved Early
Join student organizations like Collegiate DECA to enhance your college experience. You will make friends, find good connections and improve your college experience outside the classroom through leadership development, teamwork and new skills. Become a member of a good fraternity or sorority, join a club that shares your values and make sure to maximize your levels of fun. These experiences are crucial for career success and will shape your life unexpectedly.
3. Find Academic Support
Use campus resources like tutoring centers, writing labs and study groups. Engage with professors during office hours to ask questions on course material and career guidance.
4. Build a Support Network
Connect with peers, mentors and faculty for personal and academic support. Being part of Collegiate DECA will help you build a strong community to navigate challenges and maximize successes. In addition, make sure to connect with your classmates and join clubs with people who share your interests and values.
5. Balance Social and Academic Life
Balance is difficult, but not impossible. Prioritize your responsibilities but make time for relaxation and social activities. Never push away family, friends or great experiences to get a better grade. Maintain balance while staying focused on your career to prevent burnout.
6. Explore Career Services
Use your college’s or online career services and sites to explore internships, job shadowing and career counseling. These services will help you build a professional network and enhance your career readiness.
7. Stay Healthy
Being healthy is key in college. Your greatest investment and resource is your health; maintain your physical and mental health. Eat well, sleep, exercise weekly and go out into nature. Many colleges have fitness programs or clubs on or near campus; they will help you practice healthy eating and good habits.
8. Be Open to New Experiences
Embrace new. This is your chance to absorb new things like a sponge. During these formative years, you have countless opportunities to explore and grow. Stepping out of your comfort zone can build confidence and reveal new interests.
9. Get Good At Personal Finance
Learn to manage your finances early. Learn how to budget, save and use credit responsibly. Learn how to maximize your savings and investments, and try to stay out of debt. This knowledge will serve you well during and after college.
Starting college is an exciting and transformative period. You can make the most of your freshman year by managing your time effectively, getting involved, seeking support and maintaining a healthy balance. Remember, the experiences and skills you gain will set the foundation for your future success. You got this!
