The transition from being a high-school student to a first-year student in college can be overwhelming. As a professional in higher education and a father of a college-aged student, I have a few tips on how to have a successful start to your college journey.

Whether you are living on campus or commuting from home, my first tip is to continue being yourself. It’s important to stay true to oneself, despite the environmental and life changes you will experience during the transition to college.

Inside the Classroom

Achieving academic excellence in an environment that is much different than high school isn’t as intimidating as it may seem.

Meet regularly with your academic advisor. This person will be your guide throughout your entire college career, from assisting in creating your class schedule to just being another trustworthy individual in your corner on campus.

Get to know your professors. Professors are there to help you achieve academic excellence and depending on the school you choose, can also be a valuable part of your support system. Even if you aren’t seeking help with a class, stop by during their office hours to create those valuable relationships that can be helpful down the line.

Go to class. This is the simplest thing you can do to set yourself up for success. If you are going to be absent, reach out to your professors to ask what you will miss so you don’t fall behind.

Pay attention to the course syllabus. The syllabus is your roadmap. It’s imperative to review the syllabus, as it provides assignment details, due dates, course materials, and basic information about your professor, such as contact information and office hours.

Be open. In the college setting, you’ll be exposed to a number of viewpoints and varying opinions. Be open to the opinions and differences of those around you.

Outside the Classroom

With college comes a newfound freedom. You may no longer be under your family’s roof with their rules, which means you are now largely responsible for your actions.

Know the rules. As a Dean of Students, I’d be remiss if I didn’t strongly encourage you to read the code of conduct and the student handbook at your school. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of what is expected of you as a member of the community.

Schedule your free time. In addition to newfound freedom, as a college student you will enjoy the luxury of increased free time. Don’t just sit in your residence hall room or go back home after class. Schedule study time, exercise, chores, etc.

Get involved. Part of scheduling free time involves getting involved on campus. During the first couple weeks of the semester, you will most likely receive endless amounts of information regarding the various clubs and organizations on your campus. An involved student is a connected student. A connected student is more apt to be successful in college than a non-connected student. Get involved, even if it’s only one co-curricular activity, and don’t succumb to pressure to over-commit.

Check in with yourself. It’s important to consider your mental and physical health. Don’t overwork yourself, whether it’s physically or mentally. Are you stressed, anxious, depressed, or feeling overwhelmed? If so, know that you have a bunch of resources at your disposal to help.

Josh Stern, M.S.Ed, is Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students, Gwynedd Mercy University.