Tips and Tricks for Freshman Year

Kate L.

You've just graduated high school and you're about to start your first year of college as a nursing major. What can you expect? What should you know before? Is it really that hard?

Freshman year is a year of firsts. First roommate, first time living away from home, first time sitting in a lecture hall with 100+ people, the list goes on. It's a big transition from high school and takes some time to adjust to.

Here are some things I wish I knew before starting freshman year:

1. Prioritize and learn to manage your time. Learning time management is one of the most important skills to have in nursing school. Making a schedule or to-do list can help you prioritize your tasks and stay organized. Utilize google calander, notion, or a planner, so you can get ahead of your week before it begins. Be realistic in planning and note your deadlines so you can priotize your tasks and avoid falling behind.

Tip! Once you get your syllabus for each class, add all tests and important dealines onto a notion/calendar at the beginning of the semester!

2. Balance is key! This applies to everything, not just nursing. Balance studying with short breaks, eat a balanced diet, and create a balanced routine. It is possible to balance your academics, social life, and self care!

Reflecting back to my first semester, I realized that nursing school is demanding and while hard work is essential, taking time for yourself is also a key to succeding. Go for a run, watch your favorite show, hang out with friends, the list goes on. Taking care of yourself and priotizing your mental health is so so important!

3. Find a support system! Whether it's family, friends, peers, professors, or clubs. This can help make nursing school a bit lighter and less overwhelming, not only as a freshman, but throughout college.

As a first year student, you have the option to live in the Nursing Learning Community (NLC) in Mountainview.

• NLC holds a variety of academic and social activities designed specifically for nursing students throughout the year.

• Members of the NLC often take nursing prerequisite courses together and it's a great opportunity to form study groups and meet other students in your cohort.

Tip! Join a nursing organization. There are 2 undergraduate nursing organizations: Nursing Student Association (NSA) and Mary E. Mahoney Nursing Support Group

• The Nursing Student Association (NSA) is a platform for collaboration and communication among members of Binghamton's nursing community.

• Mary E. Mahoney Nursing Support Group exists as a safe haven and resource center for underpresented nursing students and prospective students.

What I've learned:

Start professional development early! You'll thank yourself in the long run. As a junior, you'll most likely be applying to externships and as a senior, you'll be applying for jobs; starting early gives you a head start. The Fleishman Center has amazing resources and services for career and professional development.

Tip! Create a LinkedIn, get a free, high-quality headshot at the Fleishman Center, work on your resume, and start making connections.

Lastly, be patient with yourself, give yourself time to adjust to everything. It might seem like the end of the world, but trust me you WILL get through this!!