Queries about the freshman year workload in college

I've heard many people say that freshman year in college is the 'easiest'. Why is this the case, and should I use this year to load up on core classes? Or should I approach it differently?

The perception that the freshman year of college is 'easiest' is often due to a combination of factors, rather than the academic workload being substantially lighter than in subsequent years. Here's a general breakdown.

First, a lot of colleges structure their curriculum such that first-year students take introductory or general education courses. These classes are designed to provide a broad base of knowledge across a wide range of disciplines and they are usually less specialized than higher-level courses. This doesn’t necessarily mean they're easy, but they may feel less intense than the deep-dive courses you take in your junior or senior year.

Second, many students in their first year of college also have fewer responsibilities outside of their academic work. As students progress through their college years, they often take on more leadership roles in clubs, research positions, internships, or part-time jobs. These extra responsibilities can make the upper years seem more challenging.

As for your strategy for freshman year, it can depend on your goals and the nature of your college's curriculum. If your college has a heavy general education or core curriculum, it's generally a good idea to try to complete some of these requirements in your first year. This way, you will have more room in your schedule for major-specific and advanced coursework during your later years.

However, it's important not to overload yourself. The transition to college can be quite a big adjustment as you're also acquiring new life skills, like managing your time without a structured high school schedule.

Remember, college isn't just about the classes. It's also a time for personal growth, making new friends, and exploring new interests. So it's important to make sure you leave some room in your schedule for self-care, social activities, exploring extracurricular pursuits, and adjusting to your new environment. Balance is key!