The Freshman Survival Guide: Soulful Advice for Studying, Socializing, and Everything In Between [Paperback]

Nora Bradbury-Haehl (Author), Bill McGarvey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 2011

A values-based guide to navigating that critical first year of college that speaks to college students in their own language and offers practical tools that readers need to keep from drinking, sleeping or skipping their way out of college.

There are numerous guides for choosing a college, paying for college and getting good grades in college But THE FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE is the first to offer advice on academics, relationships and lifestyle and combine it with guidance on how to cope with the spiritual, emotional and ethical questions and issues that confront young adults.


Divided into five sections (Relationships, Identity &Spirituality, Academics, Risk, Balance), the book tackles issues that include: Homesickness * Learning Who You Are * Real Stats on Mental Health * 10 Reasons to Show Up to Class * Are Your Earning Your BA or Your IM * Safety: Don't Be Paranoid, Just be Smart * Doritos Is Not A Food Group * and 19 other equally pertinent areas that other college guides don't address.

This is one college guidebook that freshman won't be ashamed to read and keep in their backpacks.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Freshman Survival Guide is a strikingly clever work from Bradbury and McGarvey in which the potentially tremulous first weeks of college life are dissected into 25 must know survival tips. From healthy relationship building to avoiding the disastrous pull of procrastination, the guide colorfully dispenses common sense and holistic development. The newest members of any college community will find in this guide a wonderful blend of down-to-earth advice and answers to the deepest of life questions. It is not afraid to address the big life questions of faith, service, the meaning of life and one's spiritual journey. I can not think of a better gift to give a son or daughter, a niece or nephew, a godchild or grandchild who is heading off to college. (Michael Galligan-Stierle, Ph.D., President, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities)

College students arrive on campus with impressive resumes and advanced academic skills. Many, however, do not have the ability to confront the profound questions of meaning, values or spirituality that will face them as they enter the adult world. This book makes an important contribution to helping college students navigate these defining moments."
(Wayne L. Firestone, President, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life)

About the Author

Nora Bradbury-Haehl is a contributing editor at BustedHalo.com and a twenty-year veteran of youth ministry. Two decades of launching young people into college life have given her a unique perspective into the challenges they face, their fears and concerns, and the real risk involved in beginning college.

Bill McGarvey is the editor-in-chief for BustedHalo.com. He has written and commented extensively on the topics of pop culture and faith for NPR, The Tablet (in London), Time Out New York, Sirius-XM Radio, Commonweal, America and Book magazine

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Center Street; 1 edition (April 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446560111
• ISBN-13: 978-0446560115
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 1 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Education & Reference > Schools & Teaching > Counseling
  • #76 in Books > Education & Reference > College & University

More About the Author

Nora Bradbury-Haehl has worked with teenagers and college students for over twenty-five years. "The Freshman Survival Guide" emerged from that work. She writes for LTP and is a contributing editor for BustedHalo.com. She authored "ScriptureWalk", and "ScriptureWalk: Discipleship", and was a writer for "Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics" all with St. Mary's Press. She is a popular speaker and workshop leader and has presented at NCYC and NPM as well as numerous state and local conferences.

Nora grew up in a big family, is the fifth of seven daughters (nope, no boys) and thrives in the chaos. She is an advocate for young people and likes providing opportunities for them to talk about the things that really matter. She and her husband Greg have four children and more pets than they can count.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Resource August 15, 2011

By Jennifer Sawyer

Format:Paperback

I was the first in my family to go away to college, and as the oldest of all the cousins, I didn't really have someone that could give me advice on the major transition I was about to go through. I had all the guides in the world to help me get IN to college, but now that I was actually there, I felt a bit panicked. I wish I had this guide back in 2005 when I started school!

The Freshman Survival Guide doesn't just skim the surface. It takes a real, honest look at the logistical, academic, social, and emotional issues students will face during their first year at school, and gives thoughtful advice that comes from students, professors, and experts alike. Every incoming freshman should read this book.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Freshman Survival Guide--book trailer May 4, 2011

By billmcgarvey

Format:Paperback

Length: 2:12 Mins

A brief (2 min) video overview of the Freshman Survival Guide

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks May 24, 2011

By Frank Budd

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Very helpful book. So many freshman come to college ill prepared for the academic and social challenges they will face. This book gives them a helping hand.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect! May 22, 2011

By jmm

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

My daughter is heading off to college this fall. Here is all the information I want her to have presented in a way that's appealing to her. Perfect!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL!!! May 28, 2011

By etemple1158

Format:Paperback

Wonderful book! Wish I had this when I was a freshman many moons ago! It's easy to read, practical, informative and upbeat - making it a must read for entering college freshman! I highly recommend this book as a graduation gift for all high school seniors whether or not they plan on attending college. Great find!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars great for college freshman September 23, 2011

By David

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I got this book for my freshman seminar class and I found it helpful with things I didn't know. The book can new and in perfect unused condition.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift idea August 1, 2012

By Jeff Valentine

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Loved this book as a gift for a recent grad. It's balanced, well written, responsible, and fun. Highly recommended for high schoolers looking forward to college, and for their friends, parents, relatives, and friends them looking for a great gift idea.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Advice For My Cousin June 11, 2011

By Chaney

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I don't see my cousin all but a few times every few years. She is graduating high school this week and this is the book I decided on for her. It isn't intrusive, but give good advice. It has funny insights and those 'oh, yeah I guess that would be the smarter thing to do' kind of advice that is less threatening than if it came from a parent or other adult. I hope she decides to read it. I am excited for her to go to college with this in her bag. Thanks Nora Bradbury-Haehl.