Although some freshmen might be feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, NIU offers sources to ease the stress.

Rich Golimas, graduate assistant in charge of the Learning Assistance and Study Skills Lab (LASSL), advises freshmen to develop new study habits.

LASSL is a service of the Counseling and Student Development Center which assists students in developing effective study skills.

Golimas said the hardest skill for freshmen to learn is time management.

Everything in high school was regimented,” he said. “When students come to college, schedules are changing everyday. Students have to learn to manage time and prioritize items in order of importance.”

Jill Bollenbach, minority adviser in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said the most difficult adjustment for freshmen is coming to NIU and being just another new student.

Bollenbach said freshmen and new students should “ask questions and speak up.”

“The more involved you get, the more contact you’ll have with professors, other students and you’ll get more out of class,” she said.

Marshall Dirks, a resident assistant in Stevenson Towers North, said freshmen should figure out whether they are here to study or to have fun.

Students should get an even balance between extra activities and classes, he said.

“Put effort into everything you do,” he said. “You’ll be more proud of the things you’ve done.”

Golimas, Bollenbach and Dirks suggest that students get date books to help manage time, prepare in advance for tests, have a positive mind set before a test, attend class, make class interesting, sit in the first two rows, pay close attention, take notes from textbooks, go to class prepared and be confident.

If students run into problems, they can consult LASSL, academic advisors and RAs.