Developing time management skills and learning how to make new friends are just two of the issues that many college freshmen find themselves struggling with as they begin school. If you are wondering how to juggle course assignments and independent study obligations with establishing a fun and fulfilling social life, then these pointers are for you!
Meeting New People at College

College freshmen, particularly those who leave their hometowns to attend school, are often eager to establish friendships with classmates. You can easily broaden your social circle by:

--Join campus clubs or organizations as early as possible: Most colleges have student recreation centers and bulletin boards where clubs will advertise for new members. Choose activities that interest you: if you enjoy acting, try the Drama Club; if you are interested in Greek life, pledge a fraternity or sorority.

--Initiate and engage in conversations with classmates: Many fellow freshmen are looking for new friends as well, and will appreciate the opportunity to chat while waiting for class to begin. As exams approach, ask your classmates if they would be interested in forming a study group.

--Introduce yourself: If you're living on campus, introduce yourself to the people on your floor and invite a few new acquaintances to lunch or dinner.
Managing Studies

College courses differ from high school courses in that students are expected to complete assignments and study for tests in a more self-directed manner. Avoid becoming overwhelmed with academic work by following these time management methods:

--Make a Chart: When you first receive your class syllabi, make a chart that shows when papers are due for each class, when exams take place, and when midterms and finals are scheduled. Refer to the chart throughout the semester to make sure that you're staying on track.

--Make daily "goal" lists: outline the assignments or studies that you need to complete before the day ends. Check off each goal once you've finished the work.

--Choose a specific time of the day to focus on schoolwork: Schedule your studies during a time when you're most productive and able to concentrate without distraction.
Finding the Ideal Balance

Once you've found a group of friends and have adjusted to your course-load, you may find it challenging to prioritize your college experiences. Strike a solid balance between work and play by:

--keeping a detailed calendar of upcoming social and academic events: If you have a paper due on a Friday and have a club meeting scheduled for Thursday night, the calendar will help you focus on completing the paper in advance so that you can attend the meeting.

--multi-task when necessary: If you want to spend time with dorm mates but need to prepare for a presentation, ask if your friends will act as your audience as you practice.

--weigh your options according to priority: Though it's hard to pass up a spontaneous party invitation, you may have to do so if you need the time to prepare for a major exam.

The concepts of developing time management skills and learning how to make new friends may be difficult to balance at first, but with patience and practice, you will soon find yourself adjusting well to the experience of attending college. The skills that you learn as a new student are greatly beneficial in terms of improving time management and interacting with others throughout your adult life.