For those that are getting ready to begin their first year of college, here are some tips to manage the huge journey that you're about to start.
1. Procrastination and college do not mix at all.
I promise you, when they say high school is nothing like college– they actually mean it. Unlike the times that they've told us script is the only format that you write in high school. Note to self: study as the prof goes to the next module or chapter. Break out of this as fast as you can, you'll be getting a major wake up call soon.
2. Finding out who your professors are before you actually start class will help you tons.
Figuring this out from upperclassmen or peers is a must. Everyone lectures different. Analyze how you learn and what is right for you then affiliate that to each particular professor. I can't promise you perfect lectures, but it will make it easier on you for every exam. You might even enjoy going to class even more, who knows?
3. Take initiation and participate in the classroom.
I can tell you, out of all of the times that someone that actually participated and engaged themselves with the curriculum– which was very rare, I've learned more. You affiliate their examples, opinions or just reason to argue with what you're being taught to help you understand more. Trust me, your prof will appreciate it, too.
4. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize.
If you're managing to go to school with a full-time or part-time job– please believe me when I say that I understand. You are going to be tired. A sort of tired that you have never experienced before and what I've come to the realization is that college tests your obedience. You're social life, relationship, family, school work and your job all have to be managed in the little time that we have within the day. And for some reason, it seems like you'll only have five. Take into consideration as to what is a priority to you. Bring work to school and school to work. Study as time goes on, not last minute. Ask yourself: Do you really need to go out tonight? What needs to be done today?
5. Organizational skills = key to success.
If you're already naturally slight OCD with a pinch of photographic memory, awesome. If not– get a planner, binders, color-coded notebooks or whatever can possibly help you to manage your assignments. By the end of your first week, you most likely have 5+ assignments due. Stay on top of the game and just avoid frustration, kid.
5. Fast food may be one of the main reasons you're broke right now.
Unless you have a stash of money saved up in the bank, you're good. Other than that, full course meals are no longer a thing. Take out is, unfortunately, going to consume a majority of your life. Don't worry– I won't say anything about the 5 pizza boxes you have stashed in your room.
6. Find out if you actually need the textbooks.
One thing that I miss about highschool– everything of use was free. College? Textbooks might cost up to $900 or more. If you're paying out of pocket, God bless you. Find out before and don't buy the books up until class starts to find out if you'll actually be using them. College is where debt piles up and you need all the money you can get right now.
7. Create connections. Network. Network. Network.
Get out of your shell. Make new friends. Become close with your professor's. Surrounding yourself with the right people will benefit you in the long run. You never know who they are affiliated with.
8. Don't stress yourself out.
It's different and something that you're not used to. They don't babysit you and you're practically your own person now. Learn independence. Learn to be comfortable with being alone. You'll obtain that degree, you'll get your dream job and the right internship if you work hard enough. Stay determined, stay focused. Work above and beyond by all means. Stand out, kid.
