College Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Year

College Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Year
College Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Year

Embarking on the college journey is a very exciting experience. When you enter this journey and immerse yourself in this new journey, it's important to be a little more careful towards your every step.

It is crucial for one to look after his transition with the utmost care and wisdom. You would have read or heard a lot about what should be done in the 1st year of the college, but Apna Adda is here to tell you what are the things which should be avoided in the very beginning of your college.

Things To Not Do

Overcommitting

It is very normal for one to get tempted by every club, organization, and extracurricular activities available in the college.

Involvement in these activities may contribute to your personal growth and development, but overengagement in all these can lead to burnout and academic neglect, which is an extremely common thing one can face in the 1st year of college.

For this reason, choose only a few activities that really align with your interest and, in a true sense, can add some value or skill to your personality. Avoid getting engaged in the activities that give you some sense of stress, anxiety, and toxicity.

Skipping Classes

This is one of the most common tendency among students to skip or bunk classes. With newfound freedom, it's becomes a habit for some students to skip classes. It is also observed that many students prefer not to attend classes even while being present on college campus.

However, consistent attendance in class is one of the key for success. If you are attending one class and missing the next, it is natural that you won't be able to understand what is being taught, and eventually it leads to loss of interest in the subject.

šŸ’”
Missing lectures can result in falling behind your fellow students and ultimately lower grades. Prioritize attending the classes and engaging in the class activities for better learning.

Procrastination

Thing not to do in first year of college
Stop Procrastinating

Procrastination is the biggest enemy of productivity and learning. When you enter college life, peer pressure becomes a real thing and you get easily influenced by people around you.

In college, assignments and deadlines are a major part of curriculum and one should stick to it. Procrastination only causes unnecessary burden and backlogs on an individual.

šŸ’”
You should try to develop effective time management skills by creating a schedule of your own and you must stick to it for staying on track.

Ignoring Mental Health

The transition to college from school can be overwhelming, both academically and socially. You meet a range of people in college who belong from different backgrounds and even states; these factors influence the mental health of a person a lot.

It's necessary to prioritize your mental health over anything else and seek support when needed. A number . of counselling sessions and seminars on mental health take place on college campus; try to be a part of it.

Don't be ashamed of reaching out to people for help if you're feeling any kind of mental health problems or overstress.

Neglecting Self-Care

In this journey of performing better than yesterday, don't forget yourself, your worth, and your health.

Balancing personal, social, and college life along with self-care can be a little difficult, but don't neglect your physical and emotional well-being because, after all, health is wealth.

Isolating Yourself

Thing not to do in first year of college
Avoid Isolation

It is very commonly seen among students that they isolate themselves due to mental stress and homesickness in the starting phase of being away from home. Try not to fall in the trap of isolation.

College is about exploring new opportunities, ideas, cultures and talents. Make an effort to come out of your comfort zone and explore the new life you get after the beginning of the college.

Ignoring Academic Resources

College life offers a wide variety of resources to support students' curiosity and success., including tutoring services, writing centers, and academic advising.

Try to use most of the resources and facilities offered to the students and don't forget to take advantage of these resources if you're struggling with a particular subject and need guidance over exams and careers.

Engaging in Risky Behavior

College life is usually associated with parties, clubs, alcohol and all such things. While it's natural for one to socialize and have fun, don't forget your limits, your dreams, and your goals.

Many students fall under this trap of risking their career for the sake of looking cool and liberal, but keep in mind that being liberal doesn't mean having unnecessary fun all the time.

šŸ’”
Know your limits, prioritize your safety all the time, and do things responsibly.

Failing to Budget Finances

Thing not to do in first year of college
Plan Budget

Balancing finances is a critical part of students' life while in college. Financial management is often overlooked but it is a critical part of college life. From food, clothes, and stationery to all other necessary things, one should plan budget and do things accordingly.

šŸ’”
Create a budget that outlines your monthly spending, including allowances for entertainment and exploring activities.

Lacking Long-Term Goals

College is a time for exploration and self-discovery but that doesn't mean that you forget the long-term goals of your life. It's essential to keep in mind your motive for being in college all the time.

Take time to reflect on your work and do introspection on regular basis. Whether it's pursuing internships or research related to your respective field of interest, such activities can contribute to your journey of being successful.

Conclusion

The first year of college is a crucial time of college life and you must be aware of the activities you are involved in this time.

By avoiding the above-mentioned pitfalls, you can save yourself from falling on the wrong path and make the most of your college life. Appreciate this exciting chapter of your life journey by making full use of the opportunities offered to you.

For more such interesting and exciting updates about your college and upcoming festivals, stay tuned to Apna Adda!