Review: The Freshman Survival Guide, by Nora Bradbury-Haehl and Bill McGarvey

⬂↘⬊ Initial Thoughts ⬋↙⬃

       The summer between high school and college has been both very relaxing and very daunting for me, especially since I’m an only child. I’m about to take on the most significant change in my life without a whole lot of insight into what is to come. Though my parents have offered up their best answers to my never-ending stream of questions, my college decision isn’t much like the paths they took. For the past couple of months, I’ve felt like I’ve been in the dark about what to expect during my freshman 

year. However, reading The Freshman Survival Guide was more enlightening than I ever could have dreamed. As I read through each chapter, it slowly became a big sibling in my life. It talked about everything from professors to parties and didn’t ever hold back about the realities of being a college student. 

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⬂↘⬊ Real Advice from Real Students ⬋↙⬃

       My favorite part of this book was how the authors included advice from current students scattered throughout the pages. Though the advice the authors give is fantastic, there was also information from current students that made the book seem more applicable. Reading what real people my age had to say about their personal college experiences showed me that I’m not alone and not the first person to need advice or ask questions. I will definitely be taking their tips and tricks along with me into my college career. 

⬂↘⬊ That Stuff Nobody Thinks About ⬋↙⬃

       I was so glad to see all of the little pieces of information the authors included in this book. At every college event that I’ve been to, advisers and students alike always keep to the big-picture advice. “Get involved!” “Go to class!” “Study!” While all of this is good to know going into freshman year, I need more people to talk about stuff you don’t think of right away. I wanted to know what the dining hall culture is like, the best way to do your laundry, and if everyone parties like they do in the movies. All of these things were touched on in this book with even more topics first-year students don’t think about until they arrive on campus. These chapters were the ones I needed most because I don’t know what I don’t know! 

⬂↘⬊ It’ll Be Fine ⬋↙⬃

       Overall, this book reminded me that I’m not the first person to go off to college, and it’ll all work out okay. 

Your reassured freshman,
Ashton

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       In the four years since its initial publication, THE FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE has helped thousands of first year students make a successful transition to college life. However, much has changed on campuses. The explosion of technology, ubiquity of social media, and culture changes have all added new layers of complexity to the leap from high school to college. THE FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE's updated edition features new research and advice on issues such as mental health, sexual assault, and finding balance. It also features expanded sections on dating, money management, and an increased focus on how the over 1.5 million incoming freshman can prepare themselves for the biggest change they've encountered in their lives: heading off to college.

⬂↘⬊ Discuss ⬋↙⬃

Are you a current student in
high school or college? Graduates, what’s your best
​piece of advice for freshman?