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Five Tips for College Freshmen

by Cindy Bond

Vincent Tinto, professor of Education at Syracuse University, has these tips for first-year and transfer students.

Find out what kind of freshman orientation is available. Most colleges offer something, but the quality can vary from a basic orientation that's stretched out over 15 weeks to a well-crafted course that teaches study skills, time management, and how to get along with others.
Get connected, get support. It's important for students not to feel isolated. Find a study group, either in your dorm or classes. Get involved with extracurricular activities, such as intramural sports, the school paper, political groups. See if the school has "learning communities," where students can enroll in classes with people they already know.
Get academic help early, when you need it. Ask for help with study skills, tutoring, or advising.
Keep up with your classwork. Don't leave it until the end.
Don't be content with just classes. Given that you can manage your schoolwork, take advantage of other valuable opportunities, such as internships or work-study programs.

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