Advice as freshmen head to college

APPLETON - It's not just the youngsters, college students across the area, who aren't already in class, are heading back this week as well.

But for freshmen heading to campus for the first time, September brings with it major life changes and sometimes those changes can be challenging.

Tuesday was freshmen move in day at Lawrence University. Garrett Evans came in from Colorado with his dad and said he's ready to take his place as part of the class of 2016.

"I'm really excited. I'm not nervous. I'm just excited to meet new people and be away from home," said Evans.

But Dean of Students Nancy Truesdell told FOX 11 meeting new people isn't without its challenges.

"For some of them, it's the very first time they've been away from home, for many of them, it's the very first time they share a room," said Truesdell.

Freshmen at many colleges can no longer rely on their parents to solve every problem.

So Truesdell said learning to compromise with people is important. She said new students should also reach out to everyone: including faculty and upperclassmen.

"And then when they need support, they have built up those relationships and friendships," said Truesdell.

According to Truesdell, first year students should be sure to make time for friends and extra-curricular activities to stay balanced, but, she told us, they should also remember classes will be different from high school: more challenging and less-structured.

"Setting up good study skills: making a schedule for the day, for the week, for the academic term," said Truesdell.

Truesdell even recommends scheduling meals and time for sleep and exercise to "remain healthy."

And part of that is avoiding temptations. Evans' dad says partying can be a dangerous draw.

"You really need to stop and think about your choices and how they're going to impact your goals and your future," Paul Evans advised.

"Do all my homework and that sort of thing and not get pre-occupied with doing other 'college' things, hanging out with people," said Garrett Evans.

But still, Evans plans to schedule in some time for fun too.

Truesdell told us freshmen should also remember: that making a mistake is not the end of the world. She says college is full of learning experiences.