Top 17 Tips for Freshmen

Student life revolves around eating, studying, playing, and engaging in activities. It's essential to prioritize studying above all. College isn't just about learning basic knowledge; it's about applying what you’ve learned when you enter the workforce. Therefore, give more attention to your studies and self-learning.

Apart from the classrooms, many students prefer to study at the library, a space where most universities invest heavily in building infrastructure, acquiring textbooks, and gathering research from esteemed professors, PhDs, and experts both from Vietnam and abroad. The library is typically a quiet, calm, and spacious environment. The moment you step inside, you'll feel the atmosphere of focus and determination from fellow students, inspiring you to dive into your own work.

Additionally, a quiet corner in a café or a peaceful outdoor spot can also work, as long as it’s a place where you can study without distractions.

In high school, attending classes on time was mandatory, and skipping required permission. However, in college, you have the freedom to choose whether or not to attend, and no one forces you to go. This freedom often tempts many freshmen to skip classes, especially on chilly mornings or hot summer afternoons when the idea of staying home sounds so much more appealing.

But remember, you can’t skip classes forever. Think about the money you've spent on tuition, or the effort you put in during high school to get into your dream university. Also, consider how much more motivating it is to avoid the possibility of having to retake courses in your final year. During your lectures, you'll not only gain knowledge from your professors and advisors, but you'll also receive key insights like which topics will be on the exams, changes in deadlines, and valuable stories from their own experiences.

Every assignment, essay, and project in college comes with a deadline. This is a major difference from high school, where deadlines were often more flexible. In college, professors give you a fixed timeframe, and if you miss it, you risk failing and having to retake the course. Many freshmen find it challenging to meet deadlines, partly due to the adjustment to the new learning system, but also because procrastination and lack of focus can hinder their ability to complete tasks efficiently.

As mentioned before, time management is a crucial skill that freshmen need to master. If you know how to manage your time well, you can avoid the pitfalls and finish your work on time without the stress of last-minute rushes. Don’t make excuses to delay your assignments. The earlier you start, the sooner you can finish. If you wait too long, you’ll end up scrambling to meet the deadline.

Just like in high school, where you have a homeroom teacher who manages the class, in college, there are academic advisors who oversee students' academic progress and well-being.

Your academic advisor is the person you turn to for guidance with your studies. They can assist you with tasks like adding or dropping courses, planning your schedule for the upcoming semester, and choosing your major. Besides academic matters, advisors also provide support with personal issues and emotional concerns, offering a safe space for students to share and seek advice. Throughout your time in college, this is the person you'll turn to most often for help.

One of the biggest challenges many freshmen face is homesickness and the feeling of being lost in a new environment. The solution? Get involved in campus organizations, clubs, and teams! College is not just about academics. If your education is only about studying without pairing it with experience, you’re missing out on invaluable opportunities to grow in all aspects, from knowledge to practical skills. Participating in campus events is a hands-on way to learn, gain valuable soft skills like teamwork, time management, task delegation, planning, and leadership. Joining extracurricular activities also helps you integrate into the community, giving you a chance to explore and affirm your identity.

By engaging in extracurricular activities on campus or in dormitories, and joining clubs that organize events, you’ll enhance your social communication skills, connect with new people, and build unforgettable memories throughout your college years.

Today, universities are making significant investments in their infrastructure and resources to support students’ learning and research needs. University libraries are filled with thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of books covering a vast array of subjects—from economics and politics to social sciences and law, both from Vietnam and around the world. These resources provide an endless wealth of knowledge and information for you to explore. Additionally, many universities have developed online library systems, allowing students to borrow and return books remotely. Take full advantage of these opportunities to enhance your studies!

Moreover, you can form study groups to collaborate, exchange ideas, and support each other throughout your academic journey.

Student life is a colorful mix of academic numbers and theories, balanced with carefree moments of fun and socializing. You’ll build friendships and relationships with teachers and peers, but sometimes you may feel drained. That’s when it’s a sign that you should take some time for yourself, to reflect and appreciate the good things within you and in the world around you.

Set aside a weekend morning for personal relaxation—watch a movie, go shopping, or simply unwind to release any stress from classes. No matter how busy life gets, always remember to treat yourself with kindness and love.

As a student, you’ve entered a phase of learning and growth that will shape you into a fully mature individual—both physically and mentally. Every decision you make should be carefully considered, as you must understand the consequences before taking action. Avoid making decisions in moments of anger or frustration, as they might lead to regret.

Never look to blame others or external factors for your mistakes. Have the courage to admit your faults, and take steps to correct and minimize them instead of passing blame. Of course, nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. Treat these moments as opportunities to learn and grow, and use them to better yourself moving forward.

Health issues are a common concern for freshmen, often lingering for a long time and sometimes leaving lasting effects. Many new students, away from home, are no longer supervised by their families and enjoy the freedom of choosing their own food—often opting for convenience items like instant noodles, sausages, or sugary drinks. These are all highly detrimental to your health if consumed regularly, leading to digestive problems and more.

Make sure to get enough sleep, incorporate vitamins into your diet, and aim for a balanced eating routine. Avoid relying too much on ready-made foods and try to engage in some form of physical activity to keep your body in good condition. If you can't cook, choose trusted food vendors that ensure proper hygiene and food safety.

For most new college students, life at university means living away from family and friends, and adjusting to an independent lifestyle in an unfamiliar place. However, this new chapter can sometimes bring challenges like theft, getting lost, health issues, or even mental health crises.

In these moments, it’s important to quickly seek help from experienced people around you—whether it’s your academic advisor, dormitory manager, school nurse, or local police. They are there to support you when things go wrong, so don’t try to solve everything alone if the situation is beyond your ability or knowledge. Instead, reach out to these resources for guidance and assistance. Make sure to collect their contact details during your first days at school.

How much should a student spend in a month? This is a common question for many new university students. While living at home, students can save a significant amount of money, especially on major expenses such as rent, food, and healthcare.

When living away from home, students need to be more conscious of their spending. University life requires independence, and without proper financial management, you might find yourself living like a king at the start of the month and struggling at the end. This scenario is not uncommon.

Managing your finances wisely also alleviates the burden on your family, easing their concerns about your well-being. Many students rely on their parents for financial support during their first few years at university. If your family is financially stable, this may not be an issue, but if not, it can become a serious problem. Therefore, budgeting and controlling your expenses should be a top priority.

Becoming a student means you are now 18, and with that comes the responsibility of being independent and accountable for your own life. University education emphasizes self-study, where you are expected to read and research on your own. You should only seek help from professors or advisors when the issue exceeds your understanding. This method of learning is widely adopted by universities, where attendance and performance are not strictly enforced, and it’s up to you to manage your education.

Each university and program has its own curriculum, but most degree programs span four years. Many students might feel that four years is a long time, thinking they can take their time. However, this mindset is a huge mistake that you should discard immediately. You need to clarify your purpose for attending university—what kind of person do you want to be after graduation? Do you want to graduate on time? University knowledge is vast, valuable, and essential for both learning and career advancement. So, study diligently, with discipline and self-motivation, so that you won’t find yourself later saying, "I wish I had taken my university studies more seriously."

It’s important to mentally prepare yourself for the challenges of student life. Many freshmen are often disappointed when they step into university life. It’s never quite as you imagine. There will be moments of joy, sadness, frustration, hope, and disappointment, all mixed up with the balance of studying, socializing, and living.

At times, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks or think that you’ll never get everything done. Problems you thought would never happen to you will, in fact, arise. Many freshmen, struggling to adapt to the new environment and lifestyle, find themselves unable to cope and end up abandoning the path they chose. So, the advice is: 'Prepare for the unexpected,' and remember, everyone goes through it. Just keep in mind that 'everything will be okay' and you’ll soon find your rhythm and adjust.

Foreign languages may seem familiar to many students today, as they are often exposed to English from elementary school, or even earlier. However, not everyone has the aptitude or passion for learning a foreign language, particularly English. Many university students, despite nearly 7 years of study and practice, still struggle to speak or write correct English grammar, let alone speak fluently. For some, learning English even triggers anxiety. But this is not a reason to give up on learning a foreign language, especially when you're still a student.

Most textbooks, research materials, and even university lectures use specialized English terms, so you need to allocate time to learn new vocabulary before class in order to keep up with lessons.

Additionally, with the increasing number of foreign companies and multinational corporations entering Vietnam, and the high number of graduates each year, the job market is highly competitive. Many employers now require candidates to be fluent in English, and sometimes even additional languages like Korean or Chinese. Without at least a basic command of English, your employment opportunities will be severely limited. Therefore, conquer your fears and invest in learning English as a student.

Why should you visit the campus before classes begin? The answer is simple: the earlier you familiarize yourself with the university environment, the quicker you'll adapt to the new surroundings and be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Typically, you'll need to arrive at the university a few days prior to the start of classes to complete necessary paperwork. After finishing these formalities, take the time to explore the campus and get to know the layout, classrooms, campus grounds, and the cafeteria. If you're lucky, you may even meet senior students who can offer guidance and support. To truly immerse yourself in the university atmosphere, observe the students in the dining hall or student clubs. This will give you a glimpse of what student life is like and help you get comfortable with the university's rhythm and culture.

Many students who live far from home opt for dormitories because they are close to the university, offer good security, reasonable costs, and a lively, communal atmosphere that alleviates homesickness. However, once you move in, you quickly realize there are countless funny and frustrating situations that come with dorm life, and not everyone gets to experience these unique aspects.

Some students fear living in dorms due to potential conflicts with others, but it's precisely because of the large number of people that you'll have more opportunities to make friends. These friendships can make your student life more colorful, giving you much more than just academics. In fact, some of these new friends might teach you valuable life lessons and skills that you hadn't encountered before.

Moreover, since you're all in the same situation—away from home, adjusting to new environments, and managing independent living—your dorm mates become a support system, someone to lean on when times get tough. So, don’t hesitate to connect with your dormmates and make lasting friendships!

One of the most common challenges faced by new students is time management. After finishing their major graduation exams, many students still have the mindset of taking a break, even after they've started their studies. Others quickly become overwhelmed by a busy social life, leading to a mix-up between academic work and personal commitments. They struggle to manage their time effectively in the new environment.

It's essential to learn how to manage your time wisely. You could use a notebook to track daily tasks, set reminders for upcoming assignments, and establish a consistent schedule for rest to avoid compromising your health or studies. Alternatively, you could download a time management app or keep a calendar on your desk—anything that works best for you to stay organized.