The first day of freshman can be the most challenging one. This is obviously because being in a new environment with unfamiliar faces can be very confusing to an individual (Matlock, 2005). However, preparing adequately and gathering enough courage can help a freshman overcome some of the challenges. On the first day, a freshman is likely to be nervous.
No matter how nervous an individual is, he or she should find enough courage to stay calm. Nervousness is a weakness easily detected by senior students. Just in case senior students realize that you are a freshman, they will harass and frustrate you on the first day (Kaplan Higher Education, 2008). This is because all freshmen are underestimated by other students.
A new school environment can bring confusion to a freshman. It is therefore very advisable for a freshman to come with a map or a friend, who will act as a guide. Coming with a map or a friend will help an individual not to get lost, which can even be more traumatizing. To be organized, a freshman should ensure he has a program schedule on the material day.
After going through the orientation process, one should not ignore anything even the smallest detail. Ignoring details can cause a lot of harm to a freshman on the first day. So it is advisable to carry a schedule from room to room; that way, a freshman will look organized. By so doing, it is likely that no one will even realize that you are a freshman (Kaplan Higher Education, 2008).
It is also extremely important to come with most of the basics materials on the first day. Even if an individual does not have enough supplies, it is necessary to come with a book bag, which will fit all the materials (Matlock, 2005).
In addition, it is also important for a student to bring some of the course materials to avoid disappointment on the first day; mostly, it is advisable to carry a notebook, pencil, pen, calculator, and geometrical set, just to name a few of the essential items (Kaplan Higher Education, 2008). If you get an opportunity, you can always ask your teacher what will be needed so that you can come fully prepared the following day.
Most importantly, a freshman should form friendship with everyone he meets on the first day. Although this may be difficult, it is an important tool that will help every freshman to have an enjoyable time. Friends will help one to get organized and to stay updated, which is extremely important in keeping track of assignments, home works, and other course projects (Matlock, 2005).
Friends will also help you in terms of advice and they will also provide you company during this crucial time. Whenever senior students want to take advantage of you because you are a freshman, friends can really be helpful.
Undoubtedly, the first day as a freshman can be very challenging. For me, I was nervous and looked confused. However, I gathered courage and followed my friend’s advice.
I came to school on time, I attended the orientation, which was very informative, I brought with me most of the essentials, especially the book bag, and I become friends with almost everyone, including the old students. Although I was extremely tired at the end of the day, I had a lot of fun on my first day as a freshman, thanks to my friends’ advice.
References
Kaplan Higher Education (2008). From Here to Freshman Year: Tips, Timetables, and To Dos that Get You into College. Wokingham: Kaplan Publishing.
Matlock, M. (2005). Freshman: The College Student’s Guide to Developing Wisdom. Colorado: Nav Press.