6 Tips for Recent High School Graduates

Congratulations to the class of 2016! You've crossed a milestone that many people haven't gotten to. Now, onto bigger, better things. The transition from high school to college is never easy. You're going from a place where teachers were willing to help you every step of the way even if you didn’t ask for help, to a place where you have to fend for yourself. A lot of graduates get into college not really knowing what to expect because they don't hear from people with fresh experiences. Here are a few survival

1. Explore

Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. In fact, I’d encourage you to. It's the probably best way for you to find countless opportunities that you would not get just by going back and forth from your classrooms and your home.

2. Make Friends

This is something I heard a lot why i was a freshman. Make friends in your classes who could help you fill in the blanks in your notes. Also, make friends with upperclassmen. Whether or not they're in your major (although those in your major would be unbelievably helpful), upperclassmen can help you with classes and information in ways a teacher or adviser would not be able to.

3. Do NOT Procrastinate

Many people underestimate how easy it is to push something off to a later date. It could start with you wanting to take a break after class, then you go to eat lunch, and then maybe you want to take a nap afterwards. Stay organized, and set a time for all your assignments and breaks.

4. Talk To Your Professors/TAs

Professors are not, I repeat, NOT like your high school teachers. Some don't take roll and won't care whether or not you come to class. If you need help or don't understand something, they won't hesitate to fail you at the end of the semester. Once again, refer to tip 3. Don't wait till the end of the semester to ask for extra credit or help if you're failing, especially if you didn't go to see them all semester. They always announce office hours at the beginning of the semesters, and most of them urge you to take full advantage. The teacher's assistant(s) (TAs) are always there to help when the professor isn't available.

5. Manage Your Money Well

Once you get to college, the independence you feel is overwhelming. Your parents aren't there to tell you when to study, whether or not you can hang out with friends, and they definitely cannot tell you how to spend your money. This is where the practice of self-restraint comes in. You absolutely have to learn when you need to spend your money and what you need to spend it on. Many people tend to blow a lot of their money on food places (and there are A LOT of options) or accessories from the school store. Save that money for access codes and renting textbooks, and come up with a reasonable budget.

6. Get To Know Yourself

College is one of the best time to get to know yourself. You have freedom to find out things about yourself that you didn't know, such as your study habits (what is most effective for you), and just how ready you are for independence. In college, you are surrounded by all kids of people and all kinds of activities. This will test how responsible you are, and what your priorities are.

College is a where you can have fun and discover yourself, but also a time to realize that you are growing up and you have responsibilities. Make wise choices, and make the best out of your experience because it is not free.