Year 1 (Freshman)
This is one of the most exciting, but also one of the most anxiety-provoking years of your college experience because you are still transitioning from high school to college life. You may know recognize a few of your high school classmates and friends, but you may not know the majority of the students attending your university. You also have no clue as to where all your classes are. Your classes, your teachers and your environment are all new and this can often be intimidating.
Solution: familiarize yourself with your university and network with other students and teachers who will help you to feel more comfortable and show you around the campus. Sooner or later, you will know how your university's system works as well as all of the cool hot spots around campus to buy lunch. Just don't rush yourself in trying to join on-campus clubs yet. That can be saved for your second year. It is important to focus on your schoolwork and be informed about what your university has to offer.
Year 2 (Sophomore)
Okay, so you are already familiar with your university's system inside and out. Your second year is about keeping up-to-date with all your academic progress and making sure that you have completed your prerequisites for your major. This year is pretty much a continuation of your first year. However, you have to make sure that you have officially documented your major at your university and that you have decided to continue studying your chosen major. Go to your academic adviser if you need assistance in creating your four-year plan or need to track your academic progress for both major and general education requirements.
In addition to keeping track of your academic progress, your sophomore year is a great time to join some on-campus clubs that you may find interesting. There are a variety of different clubs to choose, so don't limit yourself and be open-minded. The University of Hawai'i, in particular, has over 1,000 different clubs including an array of major-related clubs, service clubs, religious-affiliated clubs and athletic clubs.
Year 3 (Junior)
Your Junior year is when you can finally take all of those non-introductory and upper-level courses that you've been dying to take ever since you were a freshman. Take a bunch of different classes and again, stay open-minded; and expect the unexpected. Junior year is stressful and involves a lot more studying, but it can also be fun if you make it fun. If you are taking a bunch of science classes or difficult classes, also incorporate a few easy classes to create balance in your academic schedule. This will also help to take off some of the stress load, so that you can still have some leisure time to spend time with friends and family; and to spare you some time to do your hobby.
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