6 Tips for College Freshmen

1.  Take basics at the start.
On average college students change majors three times.  If a student starts out taking classes in their major and then changes, then those classes are not beneficial overall.  If possible, take only required basics the first semester.

2.  Your first three weeks set the pattern.
What you do the first three weeks often set the pattern for your whole college life.  Get into a regular pattern of going to classes and having a set time to do assigned reading and study.

3.  Remember that going to class is the easiest thing you can do to do well in college.
Most students who have grade troubles skip class.  Most professors will lay things out in front of you....if you are there.  Some even give the benefit of the doubt on a close final grade, if the student has been there all the time.  If you miss because of illness, get a note from the infirmary or your doctor in order to do any make-up work or tests.

4.  Choose your friends by your priorities...not your priorities by your friends.
If you are a Christian, it is important that during the first three weeks you connect with other students who share your faith.  Go to Christian events during the start of school in order to meet and connect.  You will become like the people with whom you hang out.

5.  Be a part of a group.
Studies show that students who are involved with a campus group tend to be happier, stay in school and make better grades.  Again, if you are a Christian this can be a group such as the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM, BSU, BSM) and or a local church college ministry.  Look for their start of school welcome events.

6.  If joining a fraternity or sorority is a possibility for you, consider waiting until second semester.
This will allow you time to get settled in a good study routine and know what a group and the people in it are really like.


Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook form on Amazon.com for 99 cents each.  FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY is also available in paperback format.