College. For some, it’s an exciting time. A chance to start fresh, meet new people, and gain a wealth of knowledge. For others, it’s a big undertaking that leaves you needing to make many decisions that can be exciting or daunting, depending on your personality.

However, most first-year college students don’t know what they’re into. So, how can you prepare yourself for the real world and handle your first year of college?

Get to Know Yourself

You may have been required to take certain classes and follow specific schedules in high school. Now that you’re out of school, there’s no one telling you what to do. It’s up to you to figure out how much time you want to devote to your schoolwork and when you want to do it.

So get in tune with yourself as a student by asking yourself: How much studying do I need? How much time do I have? What are my priorities right now? Are there any factors that could affect my ability to study (such as work or family)? Once you know what your goals are and what factors might stand in their way, it’s easier to decide how much time and effort goes into each task.

Think About Your Major and Career Goal

This is also an excellent time to start thinking about what kind of job or career path you want after graduation (if you’re not sure yet). Think about what classes will help prepare you for that job and what classes might be interesting even if they don’t directly relate to your major or career path — such as history or art history classes. This could provide insight into what interests you outside of schoolwork (and maybe help make studying more enjoyable).

Choose a College or University That’s Right for You

Choosing a college or university is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. It can be an exciting time but also stressful, so take your time and make sure it is the right choice. There are many factors to consider when choosing a school, including location, cost, and size of the campus. Think about where you plan on attending after graduation; some schools have strong alumni networks that can help with job placement.

Check out Classes and Programs that Interest You

Next, check out the classes and programs that interest you most. Make sure they’re offered during times when you’ll be able to attend them — if not right away, then at least within the first few weeks or months of school. And look into whether they’ll fit into your schedule once they start: Some schools offer morning, evening, or weekend classes, so students can choose when it’s easiest for them to attend lectures and labs.

Learn about Financial Aid Options

The federal and state governments offer a variety of programs that can help you pay for college, including grants and scholarships. Many colleges and universities also award scholarships based on academic performance.

You should apply for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1st of your senior year in high school. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal grants and loans, but many states also have their forms.

If you’re not sure which type of financial aid program is best for you, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website or talk with an adviser at a college or university near where you want to attend school

Build up Your Study Skills

Your academic skills will improve with age, so take advantage of this opportunity in high school to develop them further. If you still struggle with reading comprehension or writing skills after graduating high school, consider taking classes at a community college or continuing education program to perfect them before entering college.

Also, consider taking an economics class to learn how money works and how much it takes to pay for college and living expenses while attending full-time school. This knowledge will help keep your finances on track and ensure you have enough money saved up by the time your college career begins.

Learn How to Budget Money

One of the most important things you need to do when preparing for college is learning how to budget money. This may seem odd to mention, but it is something that many people struggle with when they first go off on their own. College is expensive, and keeping track of expenses can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Thankfully, plenty of resources online can help with this process. You should also talk with someone who has already gone through this process before so that they can tell you what worked well for them and what didn’t work so well.

Familiarize Yourself with the Application Process for College

You may need to take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT to apply for admission into certain schools. These tests generally take place during high school and are administered by companies such as ETS (Educational Testing Service). Contact your high school guidance counselor or other staff members at the school where you plan on applying to learn more about this process.

Get Your Requirements In Order

You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to get all your classes in order, so make sure you’re organized and know what you need to take. You can find most of this information on your college’s website or in the catalog for each class. If you have questions about whether you’ll need a particular course, talk to an advisor at your school’s counseling center or admissions office.

Remember that college is about more than just getting good grades; it’s about having a rich and fulfilling experience. Don’t be afraid to explore your options because whatever your desired expertise may be, there’s likely something on campus that will fit the bill.