I officially survived my first year college! It is both awesome and crazy to say that, because if feels like I just started high school yesterday. Here, I recount a few things I learned from personal experience or the tips I heard from others that I found the most beneficial.

1. Get Organized

This is one of the most important tips, and although it may seem obvious, sometimes that is why it is overlooked. I highly suggest getting all folders, notebooks, binders, and bags/backpacks prepared beforehand so they’re ready to go before classes start, regardless of whether they’re online or in-person.

2. Find an ideal place to study

Having a quiet and relatively distraction free place to do study or complete assignments is very ideal for college in general, but especially the first year. It doesn’t have to be completely distraction free, but it would be good for productivity if it was at least mostly distraction free.

3. Don’t procrastinate

One of the worst things to do is procrastinate. I found it very beneficial for both my stress levels and my grades if I started working on things right away and even got assignments done earlier.

4. Ask questions

I was afraid to ask questions for awhile out of fear of looking stupid. I have gotten over that now, and it has been extremely beneficial. In my experience, professors are not out to make us look stupid or make us feel lesser than. They want to help, and asking them questions when something is confusing allows them to do so.

5. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed

It is okay to feel overwhelmed. College is hard, and there is no denying that. Doing the best one can is what is important. It is also okay to ask for help when feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes just talking things through helps.

I still have a lot to learn, both academically and in life, but I hope these tips can help someone who may be starting college, or even high school soon! Tell me your biggest tip in the comments!