NewBridge, a non-profit 501(c)(3), is dedicated to helping people find balance in their lives by providing affordable and innovative behavioral health and education programs
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NewBridge Offers Tips For College Freshmen:
10 Tips to Help You Survive and Thrive
Pompton Plains, NJ - August 18, 2004 - With a new school year approaching, many teens will be heading off to their first year of college. NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit, community provider of premier health and education programs and services, offers tips to ease the transition for college freshmen. Whether you are living away or commuting to college, the first few weeks on campus are extremely critical for new students as they acclimate to a new environment, new people, new rules and perhaps even new learning styles.
"College freshmen should expect to feel some stress and homesickness" explained Michelle Borden, Associate Executive Director, NewBridge Services, "but freshmen will also experience excitement and newfound independence. Entering college can be one of the most exciting, and at the same time, most nerve racking times in a person's life. It is important that freshman understand that these feelings are normal and can be managed."
NewBridge offers the following 10 tips to help make the transition to college a happy and successful one:
- Go to all orientations. Do you really need to go on yet another campus tour? Yes. The faster you learn your way around campus -- and around all the red tape -- the more at ease you'll feel and the better prepared you'll be when issues arise. Orientations often include a "getting to know you" activity where you will meet other freshman-- these new friendships help make the settling in process a little easier.
- For those living on campus, get to know your roommate and others in your residence hall. The people you live with, most of whom are going through similar experiences and emotions, are your main safety net -- not only this year but for your entire college experience.
- If you have decided to commute to school, investigate the organizations on campus - in many cases there are student groups just for commuting students. Make a deal with yourself to meet one new person in each of your classes, this will expand your network of friends, which can be a crucial resource at times and a social benefit at other times.
- Getting organized is the first step to a successful college experience. In high school, the teachers tended to lead you through all the homework and due dates. In college, the professors post the assignments -- often for the entire semester -- and expect you to be prepared. Buy an organizer, a PDA, a big wall calendar -- whatever it takes for you to know when assignments are due. Become an expert on course requirements and due dates. Professors spend hours preparing course syllabi and calendars so that you will know exactly what is expected of you -- and when. Telling your professor: "I didn't know it was due today," is no excuse.
- Find the ideal place for you to study. Whether it be your dorm room or a cozy corner of the library, find a place that works best for you to get your work done with limited distractions.
- Go to class. Obvious, right? Maybe, but sleeping in and skipping that 8:00 am class will be tempting at times. Avoid the temptation. Besides learning the material by attending class, you'll also receive vital information from the professors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc.
- Meet with your professors. There are only upsides to getting to know your professors, especially if later in the semester you run into some snags. Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students -- take advantage of that time.
- Get to know your academic adviser. This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semesters, deciding on majors and minors. This person is a key resource for you and should be the person you turn to with any academic issues or conflicts.
- Seek balance. College life is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don't tip the balance too far in either direction. Often times with newfound independence there is difficulty finding balance between your academic and social lives. According to American College Testing (ACT), nearly half of all freshmen will either drop out before obtaining a degree or complete their college education elsewhere. Make the right decisions the first time around!
- Get involved on campus. A big problem for a lot of new students is a combination of homesickness and a feeling of not quite belonging. A solution? Consider joining a select group -- and be careful not to go overboard -- of student organizations. You'll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school.
Feelings of stress and anxiety are common during any life change. If you do feel overwhelmed by your emotions, remember, NewBridge is here to help.
About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.
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