How to Thrive in Your First Year of College

Written By Gracie Sprague

The transition from high school to college is a transformative experience. As you further your academic journey, coming to our campus, you’re probably feeling excited, nervous, or a mix of emotions. With the right mindset, you can not only survive but thrive during your first year of college! Here is some helpful advice as you prepare to begin your first year:  

  1. Be Open to New Experiences: During your college career, I recommend taking time to explore and discover your passions. It’s important to be open to trying new things, whether it’s joining a club, participating in campus events, or being engaged in the college community. Coming to college is a major life transition; embrace the change that comes with it. Being away from home, making new friends, and adapting to the environment is a lot easier with a positive attitude and open mind.  
  1. Build a Support Network and Use your Resources: Connecting with others is an important aspect of college life. Here at ATI, we have staff, professors, and faculty who care about you. Familiarize yourself with the support system around you. This system will provide valuable support when you encounter challenges and during your future endeavors. Ohio State ATI provides countless resources to help students succeed academically and personally. Utilize our library, peer tutoring, and learning support to get the most out of your educational experience.  
  1. Develop Time Management Skills: At times, college life can be chaotic, with classes, assignments, and extracurriculars. Developing effective time management skills is crucial to balancing it all successfully. Understand your priorities as a college student and create a schedule to achieve your goals for your academic and personal life. By using a calendar on paper or digitally, you can track your commitments and use your time wisely.  

By embracing change, developing effective habits, and building a support system, you can thrive academically and personally. Remember, it’s okay to face challenges and seek out help. College is an exciting chapter of your life. Good Luck and Go Bucks! 

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