If you are currently finishing up your first month of college right now, odds are you have fallen on your face at least once and could really use some pro tips from someone who has messed up a lot and learned from his mistakes. Lucky for you, I am that guy. And as a gift to you, here are five pieces of advice I wish I had known during my freshman year:
1.College is not like American Pie.
The TV show "Blue Mountain State" is not an accurate representation of what your next four years are going to be like. Therefore, learn to act accordingly. Make classes and homework a priority over partying, because if you are going in debt for a degree, you may as well learn something in the process.
2. You are going into debt being a student.
Whether mom and dad are paying for college, or you have a mix of loans and scholarships, the truth is that most students do not independently pay their full tuition. Therefore, respect the money that isn't yours! By all means, have a good college experience; but this isn't high school anymore! It’s time to learn how to spend responsibly. You are broke and owe it to whoever is paying for your college experience.
3. Personal Motto: Due Tomorrow, Do Tomorrow.
College is stressful, so you have to learn to take it all one day at a time. No sense in worrying about a paper due next week if you have an exam in class tomorrow. Prioritize your stress, or it will take over your life.
4. It's hard to get reference letters if you're disliked by the faculty.
When you are a freshman, you are spending a year making a first impression. All of your illicit freshman year antics may make you look cool to your friends, but the hard truth is half of those friends you're impressing will drop out or transfer schools by your junior year. The university faculty members you piss off by doing stupid things on campus? They will still be there when you want reference letters for an internship, and they'll know just how irresponsible of an individual you are.
5. College is more than grades.
Despite everything else I've said on here, the biggest truth I can give you is this: college is 40% about making good grades and earning a degree, and 60% about networking and making connections that will help you in your professional life after college. In college you will meet people from all walks of life, and keeping in contact with them after college will help you while you try to further your professional career.
Heed my warnings or don't, it's completely up to you. Just know, if second semester rolls around and you're still doing a poor job of handling money and stress, and just can't seem to get an A; I will say I told you so.
