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What does a typical college freshman first semester entail?

I was curious to know what people experience as they enter into their college career.
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Richard’s Answer

There are several aspects you will need to get used to: academic, social, and basic life skills.

The school work will be much more challenging than high school, but adequate learning tools will be provided. However, college has much less required work. The tools they give you are optional, such as readings from the textbook, practice problems, and practice exams. It's up to you to utilize all the resources that college will offer you, so much more self discipline will be necessary to succeed. By putting the work in while studying and practicing, you will do well.

However, this is difficult when the college environment also offers you a whole new level of freedom. You're allowed to spend time doing whatever you want, and are around others your age much of the day. This makes it much harder to do those school assignments you need to. To lessen the impact of this, you'll want to do a great job of budgeting your time and planning, always allowing yourself enough time to study and work.

Furthermore, you'll need to do all this while ensuring that you go to class, do your laundry, eat meals, and keep up with your health. It's possible, but you will need to look out for yourself and make sure you spend time doing all the work necessary for you to learn if you want to be successful.
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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Lillian! The first semester of college for me personally was just getting use to the environment. I was a psychology major on the premed route, however I was only taking one class in psychology and the rest were general education classes, so it was a pretty simple semester. I think colleges just want freshmen to get use to the environment and being on their own before going into workload, so they kind of set up your schedule for you. However, even though my classes were not as difficult as the upcoming years I still had to study and attend lectures because you still want to do well especially since you have no credits and the first semester is going to be the first time you get your GPA for college. I was also interested in finding work so I could financially support myself, I was approved for work-study and then began as a server at a diner near my house.

I also think that if you are out of state or are in a dorm that could also entail different things, like getting use to your roommate and the general environment of being away from your family. There is also the opportunity to check out clubs and organizations especially since your inbox kind of gets flooded with updates on events. This gives you a chance to find clubs that are interesting to you and that align with your goals as well. Also definitely check in with your adviser and make sure you have your schedule set for next semester and know what classes you will be taking.

The overall point of the first semester is becoming more independent and shaping your career choice! Best of luck!
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Paul’s Answer

Hi Lillian:

One thing I have always encountered with individuals first entering college is the huge cultural shock and enormity of the campus environment. Basically many of them had issues with "College Navigation" and ended up in my office wondering where they needed to go, what buildings they needed to find for their classes, what they needed to do after the classes ended, and where were the resources they needed in order to be successful.


The fact is that college is not like high school. No one is requiring you to be there, and much of the responsibility of registering for courses, finding the resources you need for success, and navigating around the campus environment is pretty much now the responsibility of the student.


The first semester in particular is a transitional phase for students. You will initially be confused and will need to determine where you will need to go and at what times you will need to be there. Another typical freshman experience is the increase in volume regarding the academic work. Many have discovered that the skills they obtained while in high school, which earned them an "A", at the college level only earns them a "C". So they will need to improve their academic skills in order to be successful. Some may be discouraged and want to give up, but like many things in life college is a period of adaptation, and eventually those skills will get better, whether it be writing, math, science skills and other course requirements.


I believe that you will also discover that students and the faculty are very serious. The individuals who were disruptive (the class clowns) usually do not last very long in the college environment. So only those individuals who are self motivated and industrious will be the ones who will ultimately be successful. In the long term this will be helpful to you, because the knowledge and information these individuals posses from their experiences will make you a better student.


I think that freshman will also be experiencing a need to maintain a balance in their lives. Some social activities you may have pursued in the past, you may not be able to do for a while, especially if you have a class load and homework responsibilities which require a large amount of your time. You may have been able to work, while you were in high school, but those may not be possible anymore because of the class schedules and the times you must be on campus. You may also be living on your own now. Which means that the responsibilities for paying bills and other utilities now falls upon you. So keeping a balanced schedule is also something you will need to incorporate as a college freshman.


Your college years are meant to be both fun and engaging. So definitely plan your time schedules, both academic and social and enjoy your time on campus.

Paul recommends the following next steps:

As a freshman expect the unexpected. Yes, it will be initially confusing and a culture shock, but try to be proactive regarding campus navigation. Carry items which will assist you in campus navigation where you can find the resources you will need to be successful. Carry maps, names of advisors and their emails and phone numbers, along with locations of your classes and class schedules. Learn the streets and regions around the campus. Places like the bookstore and student union building have many resources you can utilize.
As a freshman you will need to prepare for an increase in academic volume. Attempt to find resources you will need for successful completion of assignments. Get to know the library and the tutoring center. Plan you social and academic calendars, so there is no conflict with events, work and college courses. Time management is mandatory for success in the college environment. There is no one there to make you attend classes. Remember it is up to you to maintain a balance between your on campus activities and your off campus ones. John Wooden once stated that "failing to prepare, is preparing to fail" so definitely be ready for the adjustments when they come.
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