1. Get involved. Join an organization, attend a recital, volunteer to tutor
local kids…or whatever. Involvement promotes positive thoughts and
feelings and will allow you to develop new relationships in your new community.
2. Think positive. Cultivate an optimistic attitude. Give things your best effort and give yourself and others credit that you’re doing the best you can.
3. Go to class. Class attendance ought to be a top priority. Your academic success and successful stress management depends on being there regularly.
4. Eat and sleep well. We function at our best when our bodies are appropriately nurtured.
5. Stay on campus when you can. Staying on campus on weekends to participate in campus activities will help you develop a sense of your own identity separate from your family and the folks back home.
6. Practice good stress management. While some stress is inevitable, there are things we can do to prevent or reduce stress. Seek out and practice these methods.
7. Communicate productively. Be assertive with others so that your own needs are met, but do it in ways that are respectful of others. Embrace diversity.
8. Maintain healthy relationships. Stay in touch with those who support you. Work to avoid "toxic" relationships. Put effort into resolving conflicts in ways that honor yourself and others.
9. Party smart. If you choose to drink alcohol and enjoy socializing, do it in ways that don't result in harm to yourself or others, or in poor academic performance. Let moderation be your watchword.
10. Stay focused. Academic life requires focus and concentration. Work to avoid or reduce things that distract you.
(adapted from the University of Alabama)