Ah, the first week of August: a magical time where incoming freshmen prepare to leave the nest for their first semester in the wonderful world of college. It's an exciting time, and I am here to help you adjust to this transition with ease and grace if you choose to heed this advice. Here's you guide to college. Learn it, know it and kick butt your first semester.
1. Don't wear the lanyard.
It might seem handy and convenient to keep your keys, student ID and literally everything else around your neck on a string. It's not all it's cracked up to be.
2. Arrive with an open mind.
I know you probably have a few preconceived notions about what college will be like, but don't let them influence you too much. Take part in the welcome week activities, and forge your own path. You'll thank yourself later.
3. Go to class.
Seriously, you better get your butt up and have it in a seat ready to learn when the professor starts lecturing. Someone is paying for those classes, whether that someone is your parents, the government, the university, etc., and every session you skip, you waste a big handful of cash. And if you're a class skipper, don't you dare complain to me about not having any money.
4. Don't take an 8 a.m.
I don't care how tough you think you are. Even the strongest of us crumble under the weight of waking up only a few hours after we go to sleep. Trust me on this one.
5. Study. Like, actually study.
How do you expect to pass if you don't study. Learn the material, become the material. With that being said, see number six.
6. Don't procrastinate.
Once you get behind, it's hell to catch up. Take the time to do work you're proud of, and your professor will notice.
7. Use your resources.
The library doesn't exist for you to simply look at every time you pass by. Get in there and learn stuff. Know where to find tutoring, ask professors for help, be aware of the counseling services location and know who to ask if you are unaware of all of these things.
8. Get involved.
Most of the people that complain about hating college are the people that don't have any extracurriculars to be involved with. When you get involved, you make friends with similar interests, and you give yourself a productive outlet. Whether it's Greek life, pre-professional organizations or volunteer groups, you will be glad you got involved.
9. Take care of yourself.
Try to get plenty of sleep, have a balance between fun and classes, and try to eat properly. Your mental and physical health is very important.
10. Know your schedule before the first day.
Locate your classes before the first day to avoid scrambling and walking in late. You may also want to arrive a few minutes early to get a good seat, too.
11. Don't spend all of your time in your room.
Trust me, there are so many fun things outside of those four walls.
12. Don't go home every weekend.
Your parents will miss you. You will miss your parents. Do you know what else you will miss if you're constantly going home? A big chunk of your college experience, that's what. Hang around on the weekends, and take part in some cool adventures. College towns have a lot to offer.
13. Ask when you're unsure if a place has a student discount.
You're in a college town, and they expect it. Why wouldn't you want to save some dough?
14. Be safe.
Be safe in every sense of the word. We don't want to see you on the news.
15. Enjoy it.
Seriously, this might be the most important point. College is such an amazing experience, but it's up to you to make it amazing. Time flies, so have fun.
