College isn’t just about the next four years. It’s a new world that opens up many life choices for you. You must plan everything and be prepared for whatever you encounter.
Don’t worry about choosing your major right away. Most schools give you until your junior year to select a major, so you should take time to explore different options and figure out what you most enjoy and might want to make a career out of before you select your major.
If the campus you are attending is large, it is important to familiarize yourself with it during the first week. You should know how to get to the cafeteria, library, the Professor’s offices, college security, study rooms and the student center. Knowing the location of places you have to go saves time.
Consider living on campus even if you go to school close to home. Not only will you miss a lot of things going on, but you may miss out on your first opportunity to live on your own and make your own financial and social decisions. If you can possibly afford it, live in a dorm.
After you sign up for a checking account, make sure that you do not leave without getting the free checks that most establishments offer. Do not pay for extras. You may be surprised at how few checks you will use over the course of your four years in college. It is simple enough to get more if you need them, but you don’t want to waste money if at all possible.
When you go to college you often times will stay out late with friends to study or go to a party. Be safe, never walk home alone, carry your phone with you at all times, know where the safe zones are on campus, and consider carrying a small spray canister of pepper spray with you.
Use the many resources of the library. It is a great place to study, read and relax. When you really need to concentrate, the quiet of the library is a great place to escape the activity of the dorm. The library is also where you can find the most comfortable chairs on campus.
Develop
When you first apply for college, learn about the professors. It is important to develop a good relationship with the instructors if you want to do well. Talk to them all, and get to know their expectations. It will help you throughout your entire college or university experience to have them on your side.
Develop good study habits while in high school. College professors normally expect that students in their classes know the proper way to study for exams, write term papers and how to research information. By learning this while in high school you can ensure success in college. If you do not have good study habits, ask for help.
Develop a system with your roommate for studying. Decide on certain quiet times each day for your dorm room so that it can be used for studying completely. If you or your roommate know these times, you can make the conscious choice to stick around or leave the room.
Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. College students find that academics, jobs and a social life can all take a toll on the way they look, feel and perform. If you don’t get enough sleep, then focusing on classes will be difficult.
Going to college should be about getting an education but keep in mind that college is also a place where you will have an opportunity to make some new friends and develop your personality. Find some sociable activities. Meet new people and try new things if you want to really benefit from college.
Develop solid studying habits. Leave the partying and socializing at the door for a few hours (at least) every day. Gather all of your materials, notes, and books, and walk through where you are in each of your classes. Write out areas that you feel weak, and approach your professors with these questions during their open office hours.
Avoid signing up for a credit card while you’re in college. Student credit cards often come with absurd interest rates and bad habits can form quickly if you aren’t careful. It will be easier to pay your student loans off if you are not in debt.
Make sure you arrive to all your classes on time. You will need to learn to manage your time well. Be prompt by leaving early for classes each day. You will find out soon that tardiness can result in a lower grade and lost learning time. The last thing you want to do is get on your professor’s bad side.
You should now know a little more about the college experience. It’s best to be informed about college before you start.
