When I first started college two years ago, I thought I had everything under control, but truthfully I was clueless. Going off to college after being home for your entire life is literally like turning your life upside down. Now all the decisions my parents made for me became my own. I decided when I wanted to study or if I wanted to go out and nobody was there to tell me to stay on top of my life. College gives us the chance to grow into young adults, it gives us a great amount of freedom which also means a great responsibility. With this, we have the freedom to grow and be successful, but we also have the freedom to completely screw up.
As the new school year rolls around and my years of undergrad start to come closer to its ending. It reminds me of those clueless times and how I wish I knew what I know now then, and I'm not talking about the stuff I learned in my stats, and physics classes, which let's be real I forgot most of that after the final. I'm talking about the things you will learn outside the classroom that will help you succeed inside of the classroom.
1. Take advantage of office hours and ask questions.
Few students take advantage of office hours, so simply showing up puts in a better position than most of your peers. Office hours are not just for when you have a major question or concern. This is actually a great way to get to know your professor and clarify anything you didn't understand in the lecture, they will also be able to put a face to your name. By doing this every so often you will be able to create a relationship with your professor, and that could mean the difference between an A- and a B+, also keep in mind you will need your professors for recommendation letters in the future so its important to keep in touch even after the semester is over.
2. Become friends with at least one person in each class.
This can be a life saver if you ever have to miss class, or forget to write something down. Find someone who will be willing to share notes with you in case you're ever in need.
3. Go to the career center.
Just like office hours this is something very few students do however, it can help out so much in the long run. It is extremely valuable resource when it comes to landing internships, career counseling and brushing up on your resume. If you're ever going to apply for anything career related pay them a visit, chances are they can inform you about things you never knew you were missing.
4. Get a part-time job and an internship.
Stop hassling your parents for money and get a part-time job. On campus jobs are relatively easy to find and not demanding, you can even get some homework done while at work. This will also give you something extra to put on your resume.
When it comes to internships don't wait 'til the last second to find one start your searching now. Campus jobs are great but chances are to won't help you advance in your career so don't let the money fool you into skipping out on an internship. Its hard finding an internship as a freshman but its not impossible, try to get into one to attend during the summer, it will give you real-life experience in your career and make you a more completive candidate when it comes to getting a job after you graduate.
5. Choose your classes based on the professor.
This is so important I can't stress it enough. Know what you are getting yourself into before you go to your first class, each class being taught will have more than one professor teaching it, do your research and pick the professor the best suits your learning style. Ratemyprofessor will be your best friend, I promise.
6. Consider Greek life.
Greek life is nothing like what you see on TV. Joining a sorority has been one of the best decisions I have made in college. Aside from the socials, my sisters have helped me gain more confidence in myself, and provided me with life-long connections and trust me come graduation time when your looking for jobs those connections will come in handy. For more info on Greek life is really like check out my other article.
7. Learn to manage your time.
Doing well in your classes and having a social life is not impossible but you'll only get out of it what you put in. If you want to make it happen learn to manage your time well, and be productive. Develop good study habits early on and stick to them, if a grade comes back lower than you want thats a sign that something needs to change. If your having trouble setting a schedule meet with your advisor and draw up a manageable weekly schedule and try it out, take it from me, it will be so much more efficient.
8. Be aware of student discounts.
You only get to be a student for so long, take advantage of it. There are so many places that offer student discounts with a valid student ID, and if your ever not sure it doesn't hurt to ask. Studentrate will supply you with everything you need when it comes to saving money with student discounts (You're welcome!).
9. Develop professional skills
Don't just go to class alone -- make time to attend professional work shops, this will help you work on your interviewing skills, networking and personal branding. No matter how technical your major may be, a candidate who can efficiently display good soft skills will always be more employable than those without them.
10. Stay on top of important dates.
When it comes to bigger universities and/or popular majors waiting to sign up for classes can be the worst thing you can do, and can result in delaying your graduation for longer than you expected. Keep important dates such as registration, exams and meetings always listed and highlighted in your agenda, even set a reminder on your phone if you have to.
11. Get involved in research projects.
As a psychology major, I have learned so much about my field by doing this. It's also a great way to get to meet grad students in your field and learn from their experiences they have been through what your about to experience, soak up all of their advise, your going to need it. Plus most times there is even a cash incentive to be a participant which makes 8 am projects a little less sucky.
12. Depression is real.
With so many changes happening when you're in college, depression can be a very real thing. It's important to have people to talk to that you feel safe and comfortable with. Emotional and mental problems is a very scary reality for a growing number of college students, most schools offer free counseling if you ever feel you need it take advantage of it, nobody is going to judge you, and either way your mental state comes first. Keep around you who are positive and will help you flourish not ones who look for the little negative thing in everything.
13. Take advantage of the gym.
The freshman 15 is real, people! Your college gym is being paid for with your tuition money, and its free. to you Find time in your schedule to go to the gym a couple times a week. A couple workouts a week will leave you feeling much more energetic and alert, and it can also help combat against emotional and mental illnesses. Most colleges will even offer fitness classes, grab a friend and check them out, I promise you won't regret it.
14. Be mindful of your diet.
As you grow older your metabolism will start to slow, and let's face it -- college students probably eat the worst. Just because you have the freedom to eat pizza for breakfast everyday doesn't mean you should. If your feeling sluggish it could have something to do with your diet. Yes pizza is great but make it a goal to eat mostly fresh meals instead of boxed or fatty foods, it will make a tremendous difference in how you feel.
15. Explore
One of the best things about going off to college is getting to be in a new city, so get off campus and experience it -- take a road trip with your friends around town, go to the beach, do something you've never done before. Just get off the damn phone and meet some new people. The memories you will create will be worth so much more than just sitting in your room watching Facebook videos.
College will be an experience dependent on what you make of it, so make it a memorable one. Try new things, meet new people, but remember why your there. Further yourself in every way you can, you only get this opportunity once, don't take it for granted.
