Your first year of college is like stepping into a completely new world. With this new world come new challenges.

“From general experiences there are many issues faced by first-year students: more rigorous academic demands, a need to be more self-disciplined, new living arrangements, new friends and social situations which can be stressful, and the size of the university can all be very big challenges for a student to face,” said Chuck Walz, associate director of undergraduate admissions.

While these issues may prove difficult at first, there are many ways for a first-year student to approach these problems and overcome them with ease.

One problem that many new students face is the sheer size of NIU. It can be incredibly difficult to find your way at first, but fear not, you will get the hang of it.

“Getting to class on time was so hard in my first semester,” said senior nursing major Nicole Pynenberg. “For the next semester I really looked at the maps and figured which classes would work better next to each other so I could plan to get to class on time.”

There are plenty of maps around campus, like the one near the Normal Road entrance to the Holmes Student Center. NIU also has plenty of students who would be more than happy to help you find your way if you ask them. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

One thing I’ve noticed about new students is their tendency to not complete their work. This is the time in their lives during which they have to develop maturity and responsibility they’ve never needed before. They’re all now adults.

Mommy and daddy aren’t here to breathe down their necks and make sure they’re doing their work and submitting it on time.

“Prioritizing was a huge issue; I had to make sure that I had time to study,” said senior illustration major Andrew Carlson. “Once I got a routine down, this time is when I study and this time I relax, all started to go a lot better.”

The way professors and instructors teach here tends to vary from high school styles. There are a lot of PowerPoint presentations and lectures with a demand for constant note taking and memorizing.

The best way to handle that problem is to take copious notes, and perhaps sit next to a friend who is willing to compare notes in order to ensure accuracy. It may take you some time to get used to, but as long as you are attentive then you will do fine.

While it may seem like a whole new world, college is actually a lot of fun and easy if you decide to dedicate yourself. Just remember to prioritize your schedule allowing enough time for work and a little bit for play, use the maps around campus to find your way and be ready to take notes and study.

The first few weeks in college are a big change for everyone, but if you take time to get familiar with the campus and keep track of your work, you will make it through.