10 Things to Remember for a New School Year of College

The 2025-2026 new school year of college has officially begun. While you are getting swept up with reconnecting with friends, new classes, and all the syllabi that comes with them, you may forget a few key tips that are essential for a successful semester.

That is what I am here for. I’m giving you some of my top tips that will help you have a better college experience. Whether it’s the things you’ve forgotten about, or some new information to help you, I’ve got you covered.

Helpful College Tips to Remember for a New School Year

Some of these tips may seem small or insignificant. Some may even seem obvious. However, they all play a part in making sure your college experience is the best that it can be. 

1) Don’t Do Your Laundry on a Sunday

Sundays are probably the most popular days to do laundry. If you live in a dorm, or share an apartment with others this means the laundry room will get crowded fast. Avoid this by picking another day to do your laundry.

I know having all your clothes clean to start the week has its advantages, but trust me it’s better to pick a different day. By choosing another day you are pretty much guaranteed to have a free washer and dryer waiting for you. 

2) Buy a Planner for Your New School Year of College

Trust me on this. You are going to need a planner. College classes have a lot more assignments and due dates than high school did. Then you have events, activities and meetings for any organizations you are in, and social happenings. It’s a lot to put on just your memory to remember.

A planner will help you free your mind and keep you organized. I love planners from The Happy Planner, but any planner will do. Your school may even have its own at the campus bookstore. If you function better with a phone app, find one that is specifically a planner and that works best for you.

3) Take Advantage of Professors’ Office Hours

Something that I wish I prioritized when I was in college was networking with professors more. They have all this experience and insight that is useful when you are determining what direction you want your future to go in. They also make great references for job applications you’ll be filling out later.

Most professors have office hours throughout the week. Whether you need help with a certain assignment, need mentorship, or just simply want to hear more about the industry, they are there to help.

4) Remember to Balance Yourself

It can be overwhelming how much there is to do as a new school year of college starts. This is especially true if you have multiple interests. It’s important to be mindful of everything you have going on.

You want a good balance between school work, activities, and a social life. Don’t spend too much time in the books that you forget to experience the fun that college can offer. At the same time, don’t party too hard that you aren’t able to retain all that you are learning. 

5) Be Open to New Experiences

Beyond classes, college is all about discovering who you are apart from your family and all you’ve grown up around. Take this time to try new things and have new experiences.

Dye your hair a different color, take an elective just because it sounds fun, join a club or sports team. Really let your personality and interests shine through in all that you do while in college. 

6) Find Your “Spot” this New School Year of College

This is a great tip for those that need a place to clear their mind or focus. Whether you find a happy place or a great place to study, find a place on campus where you can go to seek what you need.

At my college I liked going up to the rooftop of one of the academic buildings. It was a nice place to think and made me feel peaceful. It also had great views, especially during sunset.

7) It’s Okay to Change Your Mind

As I said before, college is where you discover who you are as you begin your twenties. Oftentimes the major you enter college with isn’t the one you leave with, and that’s okay.

As you start discovering what interests you you’ll have a clearer picture of what you want to do when you leave college. Even after college you may change your mind, also okay, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to stay in one lane.

8) Take Steps that Will Benefit You for Your Career

College isn’t all fun and games. At the end of the day you enrolled for a purpose. That purpose was to learn about your future career. It makes sense that while you are here you should think about what can help you benefit in your career.

What are ways you can build skills, gain connections, or gain experience? I’ll give you an example. I majored in Advertising and Public Relations in school, so I decided to join our school’s student-run PR firm. This helped me both gain experience and network. 

9) Call Your Family

For some of you this may be the first time you’ve been separated from your family for a long period of time. Even though you may be thriving, your parents and/or siblings may have a hard time adjusting.

Make sure that you don’t get too busy at college that you forget to stay in touch. Start early during your new school year of college to put this in place so you don’t lose track. Plan FaceTime chats, daily/weekly check-ins, and anything else you all need to make the transition easier.

10) Find Ways to Preserve Your Memories

Take it from personal experience, your college years are going to fly by. It’s important to make as many memories as you can, and document them too.

Whether that’s making a scrapbook of your college adventures, videoing outings with friends, or anything else, be intentional here. Years later you will appreciate the effort you took to preserve the memories.

A Wrap on Tips for Your New School Year of College

If you follow these tips I’m sure your year is going to be great. I hope you make all the memories, love your classes, and continue finding yourself. If you are graduating this year, soak it all in and hold on to the memories.

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