College is the best time of most people's lives; but not many people know exactly how to college. This can make it very stressful for those entering college for the first time. Luckily, I've learned some pointers over the last couple years that can be helpful to all of you college newbies.
1. Buying textbooks? Avoid the bookstore
The bookstore is great for a lot of things. For example, clothes with your school's name on them or gifts for the family. But, despite its misleading namesake, textbooks is not one of them. If you're really looking to buy textbooks for a cheap price, Chegg and Amazon are great for that. The best thing about these websites are that they both offer the rental option, and sending them back is free! You can also sell them back to either website at the end of the semester and get a really good price on the books.
2. Use student loans to your advantage
Most students take out loans; which really aren't that bad while being in college. They help you out a lot and depending on the provider you choose, you can set up a reasonable payment plan. But if you choose to take out loans, use them to your advantage. By this I mean, instead of paying for your books out of pocket, apply for a couple hundred dollars more on your loans than you need. This money comes back to you anyways and can be used to pay for your books! Money saver 101
3. Schedule classes wisely
I will be one of the many people that will tell you this throughout your college career: 8 a.m's suck. If you are not a morning person such as I am, 8 a.m. classes are definitely not for you. When you plan to set up your schedule, have a backup plan for classes. For example, if you plan to take a class needed for your major and you notice it's at 8 a.m., why not take a general education class instead? Not only do you satisfy a requirement, but you avoid that dreaded early morning class. Score!
4. Get involved
At orientation, you're going to hear everyone say "get involved" and you're probably gonna think "eh I don't know." Honestly, getting involved in at least one thing is really good especially as a first year student. You make friends easier, it looks good to future employers and more likely than not, it's going to be something you actually enjoy. Plus, it's better than staying in your dorm doing nothing (trust me, I know from experience).
5. Learn where the off campus food is
This is a really important one. Dining plans are fabulous and you'll probably like the dining hall food for about the first couple weeks. Then you'll realize that the food isn't great or your meal plan simply isn't cutting it. The best thing to do is make sure you have a fridge, microwave and that you stock up on groceries. Don't want dining hall food? Ta-da! You have a whole stock of food right in your room.
6. What about the professors?
Everyone is going to have a different view on professors. One person could hate a professor that you love (and vice versa). When it comes to professors, the best thing to do is to try your best to get to know them. This might be more challenging if you plan on going to a larger school, but if you make an effort to get to know them it will work in your favor. Also, if you ever want the inside scoop on a professor, ratemyprofessors.com is a fabulous resource!
7. Party hard (but not too hard)
Of course you're in college, and I guarantee there's going to be parties somewhere on campus. If you choose to party, remember what you came to college for in the first place. I'm not saying "don't ever go to parties" because it's good to experience the college life. But if you're going to go out, be smart about it. Don't go too hard to the point your grades are suffering or you can't do what you went there to do in the first place. You're spending a bunch of money to go to college, it'd be a shame if it went to waste!
8. Freshman 15 is not a myth
When you first get on campus, you're going to be ecstatic. You're finally free for the first time in years. Your parents aren't there and you get to experience a whole new world. This will cause you to want to try new things, especially the food. You're gonna keep wanting this food until you notice a couple months later when you step on the scale. The Freshman 15 is a real thing, people; and it's not fun. Try your best to avoid this; your body will thank you later, I promise.
9. Have fun
College is either going to be a blast or the worst choice you ever made. It all depends on how you choose to make it. Don't be afraid to make new friends, try new things and make it all you want it to be. You've been through twelve years of school for this, enjoy these next four years while it lasts!
