1. Try New Things.
Live a little. Pick up a few electives that interest you. Chances are, they will give you a better idea of what you want to do in the future if you declared undecided. Even if you already have a declared major, studying a new subject can give you a taste of your other options if you ever decide to change. Besides, broadening your horizons is never a bad thing.
2. Study.
I know this sounds extremely cliche, but practice really does make perfect. Studying increases your chances of passing an exam and is necessary when finals week rolls around. Don't wait until the last minute either.
3. Choose Courses That Interest You.
This kind of goes hand in hand with trying new things. My advice is to take as many college credit courses as you can while you are still in high school. At the school I went to, I was able to graduate with 54 credits that transferred to my college. The best part? They were all free of charge and now I am going to graduate college a year early because I came in with so many credits.
4. Ask For Help.
Struggling in one of your classes? Professors hold office hours where students can come in and ask questions about the course or get help on assignments. They have these for a reason. Use them! Another bonus? You can establish a positive relationship with your professors.
5. Expand Your Social Circle.
Talk to that cutie in your math class. Take a chance and make some new study buddies. Campus events are also a great way to meet new people.
6. Put Yourself First.
In college, you need to make yourself your first priority. Focus on your grades and personal health. Not feeling good? Schedule an appointment at the health center or stop in at a local urgent care to get checked out. Don't risk your health. As for academic behavior, don't party too much.
7. Spread Passion.
Share your interests with the people around you. If your school does not have a particular club, why not start it yourself? Chances are, your school will offer you some type of funding to start it up and keep it going as long as there is enough interest.
8. Disconnect.
While social media is a great way to connect with new friends, there should be a limit. Checking your Instagram should not be your top priority each day. Also, it's a bummer when you're trying to have dinner in the dining halls while all of your friends are texting and scrolling through their feeds. Start a conversation. An actual one.
9. Set Goals.
This could be as simple as keeping an agenda or writing a weekly goal checklist on a whiteboard. In college, it becomes really important to hand in assignments by the due date. Also, it's good to set a few realistic goals concerning your GPA. Trust me, it will serve as motivation.
10. Eat Some Food.
Do not starve yourself. I repeat. Do not starve yourself. This goes right along with staying healthy. Scared of the Freshman 15? Go to the gym and burn some calories a couple times a week. Skip the french fries station and opt for a trip to the salad bar. My picks? I love some Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, egg pieces, chickpeas, and light Italian dressing. Not only is a salad a healthy choice, it is also a filling meal that leaves you feeling good after.
