15 Mistakes Every Freshman Makes and How to Avoid Them

This post is about mistakes college freshman make.

Starting college is a fun and exciting experience. It’s the next big step in life after high school. The first time moving out of your parents house and living on your own! Aside from how fun it is there is still a lot of learning to do.

There are so many common mistakes that freshman make. Here is a list of some common mistakes freshman make so you can try to avoid them as best as possible.

Mistakes College Freshman Make:

1. Packing everything you own

Don’t bring all your belongings to your dorm room. There isn’t much space in your dorm so it’s best not to bring everything. You most likely won’t use the majority of the things you bring. Play it safe when it comes to packing and just bring the necessities to start. You can always have your parents ship things to you or bring it to you when they come for Parent’s Weekend.

2. Not reading the syllabus

This is a huge mistake. Always make sure to read through every syllabus and write down any due dates or exam dates in your planner. It will save your grades down the road. You’d be very surprised how fast due dates pop up once the semester gets started.

3. Not using a planner

Get yourself a cute and efficient planner that you will use! It’s important to write down when assignments are due and exam dates. Once the semester starts it will feel like you will blink and it will be midterms. Make sure you don’t miss assignments so you don’t fall behind!

4. Not using office hours

Make sure to attend your professors office hours. Most professors don’t offer extra credit, but if they know you put in a lot of effort during the semester they are more likely to round your grade up.

5. Forgetting to check your student email

It’s so important to check your email. You never know, there just could be a class is cancelled email in there.

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6. Not having a budget

Create a budget for yourself and try to stick to it. Try not to get food delivered all the time even though it’s really hard not to. Save your money and utilize your meal plan if you have one.

7. Taking an 8am class

Sometimes taking an 8am class is unavoidable but it’s best to try to avoid them if you can. In college you’ll have way more responsibilities and studying to do so sleep is very important. Unless you are a morning person and love waking up before the sun then I suggest you start your day a little bit later.

8. Not using the fitness center

There are so many classes offered at school gyms that you should take advantage of. If you aren’t really into working out just try a yoga class or rocking climbing if your college offers that. It’s a great way to get involved and make friends.

9. Not having a side hustle

It can be hard to have a part-time gig in college with how much work and activities you’ll have, but try to do something for some extra cash. I know a lot of people who babysit in the evenings which works well with busy schedules. There’s bound to be families in or around your college town that could use a babysitter!

10. Not going to the activity fair

Make sure to attend the activity fair! There are so many clubs for all kinds of interests. And if there isn’t a club that you would enjoy, don’t be scared to start one yourself! It’s a great way to meet people with similar interests as you.

{ Related: 10 Items Every College Student Needs In Their Dorm Room }

11. Not making friends with your dorm neighbors

Go knock on your neighbors doors and make friends with them! Some of the people on my floor freshman year still keep in contact 2 years later. You might meet your best friends and make great memories with your floor!

12. Not dropping a class

If you don’t enjoy a class and it’s not a requirement for your major – drop it! Don’t let a free elective bring down your GPA. Be smart with your classes and make sure you enjoy them and will do well in them. Don’t be scared to drop and add classes that will benefit you.

13. Paying full price for textbooks

Never, ever, ever pay full price for a book! There are so many resources to get used books or rentals. Amazon is your best friend when it comes to textbooks. Check out their used prices and rental prices. Shop around and make sure you are getting the best price.

14. Getting dressed up for class

No one judges you for rolling out of bed, throwing on sweats, and running to class. Get your sleep, you’ll need it. One time I went to class in my Pink Floyd pj pants with the dark side of the moon all over them. No one cares, we’re all just trying to get through the week without having a mental breakdown.

15. Not eating healthy

Just because you don’t live at home anymore doesn’t mean you can have ramen or pizza for every meal. Make sure you are eating well and taking care of yourself. Your campus probably has a ton of food options so make sure you are using what they have to offer. I’m not saying never order a pizza with your roomies, just make sure to have a balanced diet. You don’t want the freshman fifteen to sneak up on you.

Remember to keep these things in mind when you are starting college. It will really help you out to avoid these common mistakes.