First Week of College FAQs

So you moved in, said goodbyes to your family, and finally met your new roommate. You've started your freshman year but still have some questions. 

Here are some of the most common things you'll wonder about the first week of freshman year.

What is the first week of college like?

The first week of college is a blend of excitement, anxiety, and adjustment. 

• The campus: The campus buzzes with energy as new and returning students mingle. Orientation events, welcome activities, and social gatherings are common, creating a vibrant, almost electric atmosphere. 
• Academics: The first week is usually made up of introductions and syllabus reviews. As it was in high school, professors usually outline course expectations, grading policies, and important dates. 
• Making friends: Many students are excited about making friends and connecting with others. Conversations often revolve around shared experiences, such as living arrangements and class schedules. 

Is the first week of college hard?

The first week of college can be challenging, but each student feels the challenges differently. Moreover, the challenges come from exciting new things that will lead to personal growth. When feeling challenged, it helps to remember that.

Here are some areas in which you might feel those growing pains:

• Adjusting to independence: For many, this is the first time living away from home. So, feelings of homesickness and anxiety are common. Students must navigate newfound responsibilities and make decisions with little support. 
• Navigating social dynamics: Meeting new people and forming friendships can feel daunting. It's not uncommon to feel an unfounded sense of pressure to connect quickly, leading to stress if you put too much pressure on yourself to find your best friends immediately. 
• Accommodating the heavy workload: The transition to college-level coursework can be steep. The increase in workload and expectations compared to high school can be intimidating.
• Balancing competing demands: Balancing classes, studying, and social activities requires effective time management skills. You may feel overwhelmed if you didn't build these skills in high school.
• Navigating the campus: Learning the campus's layout and finding classrooms can be confusing. Getting lost or running late to classes can add to the stress of the first week.

Strategies for managing first-week challenges

• Build a foundation for independence: Start by building a routine that includes time for academics, self-care, and relaxation. Navigating from a stable position like this will help you make sound decisions and feel comfortable managing new responsibilities. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from peers, advisors, or campus resources when needed.
• Make social connections at your own pace: Don't feel rushed to meet people. Attend social gatherings when you're ready. Approach new friendships with an open mind, and remember that meaningful connections take time to develop. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate these new relationships.
• Be strategic with your academic workload: Prioritize your assignments and break them into manageable tasks. Use planners or digital tools to keep track of deadlines and create a study schedule that allows for regular review sessions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors or teaching assistants if you need clarification or assistance with classwork.
• Develop effective time management skills: Experiment with different time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking. Allocate specific times for studying, attending classes, and participating in extracurricular activities, ensuring you also schedule downtime to recharge.
• Take advantage of campus resources: Use all available resources on campus, like academic advising, tutoring centers, and mental health services. These resources are designed to support your success and well-being, so don’t be shy about using them.
• Practice self-compassion: Remember that everyone adjusts to college life at their own pace. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that sometimes feeling overwhelmed is normal. Celebrate small victories and progress, and remind yourself that challenges are growth opportunities. By implementing these strategies, students can navigate the first week of college more smoothly and set a positive foundation for their academic journey.

What should I do to get ready before classes start?

Familiarize yourself with your schedule and the campus layout. You should know where all the important things and places are. Find your classrooms, the library, and student services. You'll probably want to know where the fitness center and dining spots are, too. 

Buy some of the basic supplies you might want or need to stay organized and prepared for classes. You can also sock up some snacks for the week so you're sure to be nourished and not stressed and hungry. 

When & how should I buy my textbooks?

The good news is that you don’t need to get your books immediately. In fact, it's best to wait until after the first class to find out which edition your professor requires and if they have tips for saving money on the books. 

You should be all right if you have your books by the second week of school. 

Here are a few places to look for books:

1. CampusBooks.com: This platform allows users to compare prices for used college textbooks from various sellers. It also offers high buyback prices, making it a useful resource for purchasing and selling textbooks.
2. CheapestTextbooks.com: This site finds the lowest textbook prices by scanning multiple online retailers. It provides options for renting or purchasing, and also offers tools to determine whether buying or renting is more economical based on the duration of need.
3. SlugBooks: Students can find the best prices for buying or renting from various marketplaces by entering a textbook's ISBN. This tool helps them compare costs efficiently across different sellers.
4. TextbookRush: This site offers a large selection of cheap college textbooks, including used and international editions. They provide free shipping on orders over $35 and a return satisfaction guarantee.

How can I meet new people?

All freshmen are somewhat nervous about making new friends when they arrive on campus. This is a normal concern. 

The good news is that getting involved is the best way to find your people. Participate in orientation activities, join clubs or organizations, and attend social events. Engaging in group projects or study sessions can also help you connect with classmates.

If you're not super outgoing, it's okay! Most students find they end up living down the hall from the friends they’ll keep in touch with for the rest of their lives. 

There's no need to worry if you don’t experience connections immediately. Like any process, good things take time.

When should I join clubs, sports teams, and Greek life?

If you're eager to start, you can attend activity fairs or information sessions in the first week or two. But don’t feel pressured to make these commitments right away. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus later in the year, and many other freshmen spend their first week getting to know campus life. So you won't be left behind.

If an appealing opportunity arises, consider it. But don’t feel pressured. Joining groups just to get involved quickly can be stressful. After all, your grades will be your biggest priority.

What should I do if I have trouble with my classes?

If you find yourself having trouble, it's time to set clear boundaries for study time and social activities. Schedule specific times for studying and stick to them. Allow yourself to enjoy social events, but prioritize your academic responsibilities.

You should also contact your professors to touch base and see if they have suggestions for you. Also, connect with your academic advisor, who can connect you with free tutoring and other resources. 

Remember, there is support for you to use. It's far better to ask for help than have to retake the class and potentially cause your GPA to suffer.  

Can I drop a class?

Before you decide, take at least one more week to attend the class and weigh the pros and cons. That's unless it's too late and you've reached the drop date. 

If, after greater consideration, you still want to drop the class, don’t feel embarrassed. Many successful students drop classes for various reasons. 

You should also familiarize yourself with the drop deadlines and try to replace dropped classes so you still earn enough credits for the quarter or semester. Ideally, retaking the class will show graduate or professional schools that you respect the academic process and want to learn.

How long does it take to adjust to college life?

Transitioning to life on campus can be different for everyone. Your first week may feel hectic and filled with information, but rest assured that it will calm down. You’ll grow accustomed to having a new schedule, and you'll make friends naturally. For a few weeks, life will feel unusual, but things will normalize as the term gets underway.

Should I look for additional college scholarships?

Yes. It's never too late to pick up more free money for college. 

You can use Appily's scholarship database to supplement your existing financial aid. We have millions of dollars worth of scholarships you can apply for to help bring down the cost of college, and they've all been vetted, so they're legit and scam-free.

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