Having spent a year at college, there have been many learning experiences for me in college and in life too. So with college starting up soon for many students, I am here to shed light onto a few friendly tips that may help first time freshman save a little time (which you will learn is a scarcity already).
1. On-campus amenities.
The first tip I offer is to spend part of a day locating the on-campus amenities, which you have already paid for such as the on-campus health clinic, various computer labs, fitness centers and gyms and whatever other services offered to you that you can benefit from using. So when the occasion arises you are not stuck in your dorm or apartment unsure of where to print out those 15 slide shows, you know exactly where to go and get it over with. This way you can get ready to begin studying, highlighting, making notecards, or crying over the slides in preparation of the exam.
2. Schedule yourself.
My second tip is to find a healthy schedule of sleep and studying that allows you the discipline you require to succeed in school. This will probably include something like afternoon snacks with headphones and notes in the quad, or a café near your dorm. It is important to stand by your schedule and to only go out a few weeknights and only miss a few days of class.
3. Local hangouts.
A third tip I wish I had discovered sooner is to have a local environment work for your needs. Find the local hangout spots and diners you enjoy and keep an ear out for other similar places that are sure to exist. This way when your turn to DD for "the squad" and the hungry drunk comes out in your friends, you have a greasy fix for them like Taco Bell or, in Cowboy stomping ground, the infamous KD's Diner.
4. Success and failure.
A fourth tip is to be prepared to succeed and be brave enough to fail. There are many new things you will try in the coming months but don't worry if you aren't all for them, stick with what you enjoy and are good at. This is a where you are most likely to find yourself with people that are much like you, people who you may end up hanging out with for the next four years and in many cases end up forming lifelong friendships and connections.
The reason I have given only four tips is because college has no single right way to live happily, and some things are more valuable if you can learn them firsthand. Bear in mind you are in college to get a degree, but don't doubt your potential, and there is nothing wrong with making it a time to live and learn about life, too.
