Whether your college start is in a different state, a new campus, or at home!
Some students start dreaming about college as early as middle school, or even earlier if it’s a topic that comes up often in their family. It’s a jump to adulthood, a chance to pursue academic interests, and a place where we make life-long friends.
Yet it’s hard to know what you’re in for, no matter how excited you are to get there. That’s why these college freshman tips can help you start strong!
College today offers more flexibility than ever, but that also means students need stronger habits, independence, and self-direction from the start. Many of our Sammamish, Redmond, and Issaquah students come from high-performing schools with strong academic expectations, and often have access to private tutoring or even private school coursework to support them. That may change in college, depending on your support system.
At Pacific Learning Academy, we regularly work with families looking for a Sammamish, Issaquah, or nearby private school option, private tutoring, or an online tutor to help students stay on track or get ahead. In college, however, that support doesn’t automatically show up. Students are expected to recognize when they need help and take the initiative to find it themselves.
Here are 5 things that every college freshman should know to be successful.
A College Freshman Tip for Everyone: Cramming is not your friend.
Study challenges likely came up in high school, but when an entire course moves quickly, cramming won’t help students retain information beyond the exam. College courses build on each other, and you’re expected to remember what you learned weeks or even months earlier.
Looking for an alternative? Try Spaced Learning Practice, Active Studying, and Learning with the Senses. We’ve also seen highly effective flashcard systems that help students review over time instead of all at once. Take advantage of TA office hours and consider joining a study group. All of these steps will help you build consistent habits that can help you avoid cramming!
Your professors expect you to take the lead.
College instructors can be supportive and approachable, but they expect you to manage your own learning. You’re responsible for figuring out how you learn best, keeping up with assignments, and engaging with material that may not be covered in lectures.
That said, professors hold office hours, and using them is one of the best ways to stay on track and build relationships. Academic support services like tutoring are often available, but it’s up to you to seek them out. Whether it’s campus help desks or an online tutor, find out what supports are in place as early in the semester as possible, and then take advantage of every opportunity to connect with these resources every week.
Your time is yours to use or waste.
Many incoming freshmen feel overwhelmed by the sudden freedom in their schedules. Without structure, it’s easy to fall behind. Strong time management is one of the biggest predictors of college success. The good news is that by being intentional with your study time, you actually free up more time to enjoy college life.
Successful students treat study time like a commitment. It goes on the calendar, happens regularly, and is protected just like a class or appointment. We have found that timers can keep us on track, such as the Pomodoro Method, and that certain note-taking styles can lend themselves to self-quizzing. Check out Cornell Notes (use the left column for anticipated test questions), mind mapping, or Sketchnoting
You’ll be managing your money and meals.
For many students, college is the first time they’re responsible for budgeting, saving, and spending. Planning ahead for essentials like housing, food, and supplies can prevent unnecessary stress later.
Meal plans and dining choices can add up quickly, especially when social spending comes into play. Setting a weekly budget and tracking expenses helps build habits that last beyond college. A popular budgeting app we recommend is YNAB (You Need a Budget), which offers a student version with full features. Their student version is more affordable and includes all the features of the full program. So many new college students mismanage their credit cards and student job paychecks. Don’t be one of them! You can get one month free with this link
You’ll be managing your moods.
Adjusting to a new environment without familiar support systems can be challenging. It’s common for freshmen to experience ups and downs as they find their footing.
Most campuses offer mental health resources, and building connections through clubs, classes, and social groups can make a big difference. Prioritizing sleep, routines, and self-awareness will help you stay grounded during transitions.
College is a time for exploration, connection, and growth.
You’ll be navigating shared spaces, new responsibilities, and increasing independence. It may take time to adjust, but with the right expectations and habits, your transition into college life can be smoother and more rewarding!
Ready to explore options for your student and learn more about Accredited Middle & High School classes or academic support (tutoring)?
Schedule a free consultation with one of our Academic Coordinators
Pacific Learning Academy is a one-on-one school based in Sammamish, Washington, offering single courses, dual enrollment, and graduation pathways for students studying curriculum at the middle and high school level. Pacific Learning Academy is Washington State Approved and a nationally accredited private school (Cognia). High School coursework is approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for student athletes and we are also a member of the Washington Federation of Independent Schools. Besides academic credit, the Academy offers tutoring support in all subjects from 6th to 12th grade either virtually or in person (in your Sammamish home, our Sammamish school office, or in local libraries across the Eastside). See more at www.PacificLearningAcademy.com.