As your child moves through their senior year of high school and prepares to enter their first year of college, it’s an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time for both parents and students.
Creating a clear plan now can make the transition from high school to college smoother and help your young adult start their first semester feeling confident and supported.
This starts with helping them organize their application materials before the standard deadlines, giving them a jumpstart on their applications and reducing anxiety around the process.
Plus, understanding general education and major requirements can answer the overarching question of “What classes do freshmen in college take?”
Academic checklist
Making an academic checklist and a list of potential freshman college classes and what major your student may wish to declare is a great way to begin planning.
Choose your target schools and their program requirements
Together, make a list of your high school senior’s top college choices. From that list, you’ll start to gain a solid understanding of the application process and the admissions process for each school and program.
Knowing the deadlines and the different application options, i.e., early decision, early action, and regular decision, can help your child make the right choice for them.
Does your student have any transfer credits?
First-year college classes can be daunting, but many times, AP courses from high school or credits from dual enrollment can transfer in to start your student with a few credits ahead.
AP courses or CLEP scores easily transfer to your target schools through the College Board. This is also a good time to figure out which schools have articulation agreements with the college your high schooler enrolled in.
What classes do freshmen in college take?
Consult with an admissions counselor to get the particulars for each individual major’s course requirements. Though information is available online, a counselor can give you a better idea of course offerings for their first semester.
It’s also helpful to reach out to students who are currently enrolled in the same program your soon-to-be freshman wants to take. Having a well-rounded understanding of freshman college classes helps you manage your expectations. It’s also insightful to know what academic clubs are available that they could join and participate in.
How many classes do freshmen take in college?
You may also be wondering, “How many classes do freshmen take in college?” Most full-time first-year college students take four to five classes per semester, which typically equals 12 to 15 credit hours. Taking more than 15 credits may be overwhelming if you’re trying to ease into college life.
It’s important to know that 30% of undergraduates changed their major at least once. That’s why it’s often a good idea to take general education courses rather than core major classes during the first semester. General education courses often open students’ eyes to what other core major classes would be like.
Time management is a must
Understanding course load and what they may or may not be able to do within a semester can also help you both gauge a projected graduation date and plan accordingly.
Many first-year students underestimate how much time coursework requires. A good rule of thumb is that every hour spent in class can mean two hours of study time outside of it.
Discussing realistic schedules and balancing classwork with social or part-time job commitments can help your young adult build strong academic habits from the start.
Meeting with academic advisors
Most universities will have multiple advisors available to help first-year students, once they’re accepted into a university or college. In fact, many schools have peer advisors who, during or prior to orientation, help students get an idea of course offerings that they could register for.
Different types of advisors
Many schools also have offices for financial aid advisors, professional development, and academic advisors (to include major-specific advisors who have up-to-date information on any chosen program).
Registration planning
Different specialties give your child a leg up before they start their first year. Having a well-rounded understanding of expectations and coursework necessary in a freshman year of college will set your child up for success.
Make sure you note the registration deadlines after your child has chosen a school to attend. Registering for classes once they open can give your child the best chance at getting the classes they want on the first try.
Orientation and settling in
Before classes even begin, encourage your student to attend orientation sessions and college-prep workshops. Many universities now offer virtual sessions before the semester starts. They often explain academic expectations, campus life, and how to register for classes online.
These introductions can also familiarize students with key campus offices, academic support centers, career services, and tutoring programs. Getting involved early can reduce uncertainty and help your child feel a sense of belonging before move-in day.
Parents can also help by building a college readiness checklist that includes housing deposits, immunization records, and FAFSA deadlines. Staying organized ensures nothing slips through the cracks during this busy period.
Tips on how to support your college freshman
Going off to college is a big adjustment for both parents and young adults. It’s important to remember that this is a great step toward their future, and you want to make sure you’re supporting them without overstepping.
It can be a challenging balance, but in general, it’s best to let them take the lead on decisions. Your best superpower as a parent can be having all the knowledge about what they need for their first year of college when they need it.
Helping them with budgeting for books, food, school supplies, dorm room essentials, and organization tools can set them up for a seamless transition into their first year of college classes.
Continue your education at University of Bridgeport
College success is built on small habits: showing up to class, using campus resources, and asking for help early when challenges arise.
Professors and advisors want students to succeed. Staying proactive within the broader university community and being diligent with coursework and communication builds the confidence and independence needed during this formative first year.
Students at University of Bridgeport experience the benefits of community in a supportive environment that makes their first year go smoothly.
At UB, experience the support your child needs to start their college journey today. If they’re ready to get started, apply today, or learn more about University of Bridgeport’s majors today.