Being a freshman in college can be stressful as for most incoming freshmen, it is their first time living away from their family. As the weeks go on as a freshman the more you start to adapt to college life and it starts to become your new normal. However, it can be tough at first so here are 13 tips to help you out! 

1. Be Accountable 

Incoming freshmen gain a new form of independence that can be difficult for some people. With this new independence, you need to start being accountable. Whether it is waking up for practice on time, getting your homework done, or showing up to class, It is your responsibility and nobody else's. It can be difficult, but if you start each day by making a set schedule it will be easier for you to adapt to college life.

2. Time Management 

Being a student-athlete in college can be very stressful with the commitment of practice, games/competitions, classes, and homework. The best way to manage a busy schedule is by planning out your day beforehand and making sure you stick to the schedule. Some schools have a requirement that freshmen to go to athletic study hall for a certain amount of hours a week, so make sure you attend these and take advantage of getting work done. 

3. Sleep 

Sleep is very important for freshmen because as the year starts to progress as a student-athlete, you will likely find yourself going to bed later and waking up earlier. Try your best to get enough sleep each night as an athlete. This will not only improve your performance in your sport, but also your school work, energy level, and overall mood. 

4. Nutrition 

Making sure you are eating the right foods and keeping up with your nutrition can be difficult for freshmen. However, as a student-athlete, this is very important. It is crucial to make sure that you are still getting a proper breakfast, lunch, and dinner by taking advantage of the food choices at your university. If you have a dietary restriction you just need to talk to the school and they will accommodate you to make sure you are getting what you need. Also, you can always talk to a coach, nutritionist, or athletic trainer at the school if you are having difficulties with your nutrition.

5. Make Connections 

Making connections with your professors, classmates, and friends is very important because the more connections you make, the more help you can get in the future. Connections can help you with applying for jobs, getting help in classes, or even just making new friends to hang out with.

6. Ask Questions/Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

As a freshman, it can be scary to ask for help but make sure you do when you need it. Depending on whether it is for a class, about practice, or just in general, it is important to find at least one person either on your team or that you met somewhere else that you feel comfortable asking for help. It will save you a lot of stress in the future.

7. Join Clubs 

Joining clubs is one of the best ways to get involved on campus and meet new people. There are tons of different clubs at all universities that you can join whether it helps you with your major or you just want to do it for fun. It is a great way to get connected with your school!

8. Stay on Campus 

The first few weekends of your freshman year, you might feel tempted to go home and see your family or friends at home, but it is important for you to stay on campus during this time. There are many different events that happen the first few weekends on campus and by attending them you will meet new people and you will get more used to being away from home.

9. Experience New Things 

College is the time when you need to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Use this opportunity to experience new things that you never thought you would before because you never know what you might enjoy. 

10. Do Your Homework/Take Advantage of Tutors 

Homework is a very important part of your grade that can seriously be affected if you do not do it. In college, you have fewer classes a week than you do in high school which means that the amount of homework you have increases. Make sure you stay organized and get everything done. Take advantage of tutors, study groups, and friends who have taken the class before if you are struggling. 

11. Check Emails Often 

Checking your emails is the most important thing if you want to stay updated with all of your classes and homework so make sure to always have the notifications on. You will most likely get a special email for your college so make sure that email is your biggest priority. It is also very important to reply so your professor or coach knows you are engaged.

12. Get close with your team/coaches

At the start of the year it can be intimidating to join a group of people that have been together for 2,3, or even 4 years. However, your teammates and coaches will become like a family to you throughout the next four years so it is important to build connections and get comfortable with them. You will spend most of your time with them between practices, games, traveling, and just hanging out so make it a priority to be a part of your team and don't just be there to play your sport and leave.

13. Do Not Skip Practice

Sports are a huge time commitment. It can be draining to keep up with everything, but you made a commitment to your coach and team so you need to stick by it. You are on the team for a reason and it is important for you to prove this to your coach and team by showing up every day and working as hard as you can.