Identify “Tips for Success” as a First Year College Student

Overview

In this section, you will explore practical strategies to support a successful transition into your first year of college. While beginning this new chapter is exciting, it also brings challenges such as increased independence, greater responsibility, and the need to balance academics, personal life, finances, and well-being. By learning how to establish effective habits and access supportive resources, you will be better prepared to navigate these adjustments with confidence.

By the end of this section, you will be able to identify key practices that promote first-year success, including time management, organization, campus involvement, self-care, and seeking support when needed.

Learn [Part 1]

In this article, you are introduced to five core college success areas including time management, organization, utilization of college resources, campus involvement, and prioritizing health and well-being.

You will read the How to Do Well in College: Essential Tips for Every Student (Figure A) article linked here and below.

Apply [Part 1]

(Optional) Use the information you learned to complete the activity outlined below.

After reading the How to Do Well in College: Essential Tips for Every Student (Figure A) article, please complete the following steps:

1. Choose two strategies from the article that you believe will be most useful to you.

2. Explain “why” these strategies matter to your success and “how” you plan to use them in your first year of college.

Learn [Part 2]

In this activity, you are introducedto practical, experiential insights from a student perspective. The College 101: What you Need to Know Before you go to College (Figure B) video focuses on what incoming students should expect, how to prepare for the first year college experience, and on tips for success and mindset during the transition to college life.

You will watch the College 101: What you Need to Know Before you go to College | 23 min (Figure B) video linked here and embedded below:

Apply [Part 2]

(Optional) Use the information you learned to complete the activity outlined below.

After watching the College 101: What you Need to Know Before you go to College (Figure B) video above, please complete the following steps to create your own "My College Success Starter Toolkit":

• 1. List 2-4 strategies from the “College 101” video that you will commit to implementing during your first year at college. Examples might include a weekly planner, meeting with professors, campus engagement, health breaks, etc.

  2. Reflect and respond to why you selected the strategies.