The move from high school to college can be terrifying, especially for engineering students. You must go through so many stringent screening and selection processes before you get an entry into your dream college that you completely overlook the challenge ahead, which is surviving the first year of engineering.

First-year can be a nightmare for students, with the sudden change of environment and the pressure to adjust and adapt to it. Additionally, you are expected to be more responsible, be in control of your habits, and much more. Fret not, here are a few tips that will help you get through your first year of college.

Learn all about GPAs

Grade Point Average, also known as GPA is very important throughout your academic year. It is a standardized method of calculating how you perform in a semester. To a great extent, your chances of bagging your dream job depend on your GPA. On top of that, if you wish to apply for a master’s degree or MBA to universities outside India, then your GPA plays a crucial role. While most colleges in India employ a 10-point GPA scale, the 4-point GPA scale is prominent in the US. Below is a table that will help you understand the Indian GPA system:

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_grading_in_India

Maintain your GPA

At the end of the engineering course, your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is calculated, which is the sum average of your individual GPAs. It plays a crucial role for an engineering graduate when applying for a job or a college for higher studies. So, ignore the late-night study advice given by your seniors and study consistently right from the first term without losing your focus. Besides, scoring marks in the first year won’t be a problem as the first year’s syllabus mostly comprises of basic concepts. Follow this tip and you are sure to score excellent marks without burning the midnight oil.

Maintain a budget

First-year college students are highly susceptible to overspending. It is mostly because this is the first time that they are given complete freedom to manage their expenses, with minimal supervision. Hence, establishing a practical budget is essential. You can classify your spending in categories such as needs, wants, fixed expenses, variable expenses, and emergency funds. This will help you evaluate what expenses are essential and what you can do without. However, while you are planning your budget, keep some money aside for a short getaway at the end of your semester. After all, you deserve a break.

Study in groups

You often have to deal with the stress of transition and academic pressure during the first year of engineering college, and studying in groups can help you cope up with this stress. Many students have even stated that being in a group has been a great help when it comes to sharing or managing their problems on a personal and/or academic level. So, try to find a group of friends who have similar interests and form a peer group not only to handle your academic and study-related problems but who can also help you in your hour of need.

The first year is definitely a challenge but keep up your persistence and determination as it is true that the greatest rewards come with the greatest struggle. To sum it up all, the first year won’t be such a nightmare if you follow the aforementioned tips.