How to Succeed in Your First Year of College: Six Tips for Freshmen

Starting college is an exciting time of new experiences, freedom and personal growth. It can also feel overwhelming. The good news? With the right strategies, you can manage your time, ask for help when needed, get involved and take care of yourself along the way.

As Kate Kearney, associate dean for undergraduate advising at Immaculata University, puts it:

“Starting college is an exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, time. One of the most important things to know as you start this journey is that it takes time to adjust. Give yourself time and take it class by class and day by day.”

To make that adjustment a little easier, here are six practical tips to help you stay grounded and adjust and thrive in your first year.

1. Make the Most of Your First Year Seminar (FYS)

Think of your First Year Seminar (FYS) as your launchpad, it’s where you’ll start building the skills and connections that make the rest of your year smoother. A required course for all incoming freshmen, FYS is designed to help you build academic skills while focusing on overall wellness — physical, occupational, financial, intellectual, environmental, spiritual and emotional.

A portion of FYS focuses on the fundamentals of college success, helping you build self-awareness, develop effective coping and communication skills, and engage meaningfully in the campus community during your first semester. While seminars vary, themes align with Immaculata’s wellness framework and address seminar-specific questions, encouraging you to think creatively and critically while connecting course content to real-life growth. You’ll also have the opportunity to present your work from your seminar at the University-wide showcase in December.

FYS serves as a strong foundation for your first year, helping you build connections, develop effective study habits, and learn how to balance your academic, social and emotional well-being.

2. Go to Class (and Participate!)

It might sound rudimentary, but showing up consistently and engaging in class can be one of the most powerful academic tools. Attendance improves comprehension and builds connection with professors, especially in smaller classes where your voice can truly be heard.

Jim Siburt, Ph.D., who has taught the honors FYS for the past four years, encourages students to see class time as more than just assignments and grades.

“Class time is a safe space where the priority is on learning rather than knowing. Students are expected to exercise their minds, make mistakes and engage collaboratively with one another. The true goal and reward lie in what they learn, not in the pursuit of a grade,” Siburt said.

In other words, don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions or get something wrong. The more actively engaged you are, the more you grow both intellectually and personally. And when you participate regularly, your professors take notice.

3. Manage Your Time Wisely

College life moves fast, so learning to juggle everything without feeling overwhelmed is a game-changer. It may feel like there’s never enough time at first, but with a bit of planning and consistency, you’ll find a rhythm that works for you.

Start by creating a schedule using a planner, Google Calendar or a dedicated scheduling app. The key is to be intentional: block out time not only for classes and study sessions but also for campus activities, work, and, crucially, personal time and breaks. For example, scheduling consistent, daily study hours over frantic cramming sessions right before exams dramatically improves your retention, reduces stress, helps to prevent burnout, and leaves plenty of time for the things you enjoy and other priorities in your life.

This kind of structured approach is the bedrock of effective time management. By proactively establishing these rhythms and honoring your scheduled commitments, you create the necessary discipline to handle the competing demands of college life and cultivate balance.

4. Ask for Help Early

One of the most common mistakes students make is waiting too long to get help. No one expects you to do it all alone, so reaching out for support sooner rather than later can reduce stress and keep you on track.

At Immaculata, Learning Support Services — located on the second floor of Gabriele Library — offers a range of academic resources to help you succeed. Through the Writing Center, Math Center and peer tutoring, you can get free support with writing, study skills, course material and academic guidance.

And for personal challenges, Immaculata’s counseling services provides free, confidential support. You can talk to a counselor about stress, anxiety or just the transition into college life. You can schedule a session or take advantage of daily walk-in hours to ensure you can get help when you need it, quickly.

5. Get Involved on Campus

Classes are important, but some of the best memories and connections come from stepping out and trying new things on campus.

Immaculata offers dozens of ways to get involved on campus, from 30+ student clubs and organizations that develop leadership skills to Campus Ministry and Commuter Central, which helps off-campus students feel more connected. Additionally, you can join one of 23 varsity sports teams or participate in Cue & Curtain, the University’s theater group.

Even if you’re shy or unsure where to start, attending one event, joining a club or simply visiting a common area can open doors to new friendships and experiences.

6. Take Care of Your Health

Don’t forget yourself! Keeping your mind and body in check makes everything else fall into place more easily.

Immaculata’s Student Wellness Center, located in the Bruder Center, provides both health services and counseling services. The Student Wellness Center offers therapy sessions (as mentioned above), physical care for minor illnesses, wellness programs, and a relaxation/art room designed to help students de-stress.

Self-care isn’t optional; it’s essential. Here’s how you can prioritize it:

• Sleep: Stick to a consistent routine. 7–9 hours a night is the sweet spot.
• Nutrition: Use campus dining options mindfully. Don’t skip meals.
• Exercise: Use the IHM Student Center’s 34 fitness stations, go for a walk or try a group class.
• Stress relief: Journal, pray, meditate, go for a walk, talk to someone or spend quiet time in the relaxation room.

College is a time of both challenge and opportunity. By attending class, managing your time, seeking support, getting involved and prioritizing your health, you’ll build a strong foundation for success. With these six strategies and the resources at Immaculata University, your first year isn’t just about surviving — it’s about thriving.