The Johnsonian welcomes the Winthrop Class of 2023. Hopefully you’re ready to start college life, but if not, that’s okay. College can seem overwhelming at first, but you can do this. Here are some tips and tricks from an upperclassman to help make your transition into freshman year go smoothly.
- Learn how to study. College is nothing like high school and you’ll have to put the effort in to get the grades you want. Don’t cram; invest in flashcards and find helpful apps that will help remind you about your upcoming assignments. Don’t forget to give yourself study breaks.
- Don’t be afraid to go see a tutor. You aren’t dumb for talking to one. They are there for a reason and can be the difference between a C and an A in a class. You get two free tutors at the Academic Success Center per semester and you can go to winthrop.edu/success/ for more information.
- Make friends with your classmates. It’s always good to have someone’s contact information so you can make a study group or share notes. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know people.
- Talk to your adviser. They know the exact classes you need to take in order to graduate on time and can help you plan for that. They can even be helpful resources for references.
- Get involved. It’s the best way to meet new people and expand your horizons. Winthrop has over 180 clubs and organizations for you to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.
- Price match your textbooks when possible. Check out bookfinder.com, where you can compare prices from all across the web. This way, you can get your textbooks for cheaper prices.
- Go to your professors’ office hours. Especially if your class size is big. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a one-on-one session when you don’t understand something or to just get to know your professor.
- Look up your professors on ratemyprofessor.com. Thank us later.
- Invest in a good planner. Learn how to manage your time before, between and after your classes so you can keep up with your class syllabi.
- Don’t forget the benefits of being a college student. Some stores and restaurants give small student discounts. Amazon gives free upgrades to Amazon Prime, you can get a discounted pass to Carowinds and a discount on Spotify Premium with Hulu and Showtime.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to practice self-care. College can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stressed 24/7. Take care of yourself with time to relax and de-stress. Even if you take a day off to do absolutely nothing, it can make all the difference.
Good luck with your first year in college and welcome to the Eagle family!
