Facing college can be overwhelming; where to live, work and how to get through all those exams and lectures may seem impossible, but you’ve got some good advice in the following article. Learn from those who have gone before you and avoid costly mistakes. Most importantly, stick with it until graduation!
Saying no to things that make you uncomfortable is just as important in college as it was when you lived with your parents. Many students experiment with alcohol or sex during their college years, but if you don’t want to do these things, don’t let anyone pressure you into them. Your college experience should be about having fun, exploring who you are and preparing for your future via your classes–not about doing things you don’t truly want to do.
Find out where the admissions office is located and visit it before choosing a college. This way you can explore whether the school sponsors scholarships you may qualify for. Different schools offer different scholarships. Paying a visit and chatting with admissions staff can help make sure you get every available dollar.
Why are you attending college? It is important to answer this question for yourself. Are you in college just because it seems like the thing to do? Are you there to just have a college experience? Are you there to learn a specific subject. Carefully evaluate why it is you are attending college and prioritize.
Download foreign language learning podcasts and MP3 lessons onto your MP3 player or tablet. Listen to the lessons while driving or riding the bus to school. This will help prepare you for your foreign language classes. You can practice pronunciation, and work on vocabulary instead of wasting your travel time.
To avoid problems with the freshman 15 or even the freshman 20, be sure to keep a close eye on the amount of simple carbohydrates you consume. Avoid refined sugars, preservatives and fatty foods. Your energy is best produced and preserved when you take in fresh vegetables, fruits and grains. Try not to build your diet just around protein, as that is not optimal for your health.
If you are struggling in your classes, ask the professor if there are any tutoring options available. By enlisting the help of a tutor you will normally be able to score better on tests, learn the information better and get a more rounded understanding of the curriculum. If a tutor is not available, ask around on campus. There are many study groups available that are student led.
Listen to your parents if they have input as to what major you should decide on. They are older and wiser than you are, and you should respect their opinion, especially if they are helping pay for your college education. However, just listen. Only follow their advice if you know in your heart that is right for you. It is your degree, regardless of who pays for it.
When you are assigned a paper to write, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time. You do not want to have to rush through it. Turning it in on time is just as important as the content in it. Start planning as soon as you are given the assignment.
Avoid distractions when you are in class. Sure, it may be tempting to send a text or write a note in class, but by becoming distracted, you are not going to learn. You can prevent distractions by limiting what you bring to class with you; for instance, leave your cell phone in your dorm.
For many students there will come a time where he or she has to choose between taking out a student loan or quitting school. Always take out a loan! While the thought of paying back thousands of dollars might seem daunting, the chances of finding a decent job without a college degree is even scarier.
Be careful with your laptop when at school. Even college campuses are not immune to theft, and you probably don’t have the money to replace your computer if it is stolen. Always lock your dorm room and keep your computer in sight when you are in the library. Don’t take any chances.
Financial aid students can study abroad. It is a common myth that only affluent students can afford to study abroad. The truth is that students who are receiving full and partial financial aid also can study abroad. Talk to your financial aid and study abroad advisors. They can help you determine which study abroad program is right for you.
Getting through all those years of college may look like an eternity now, but in a few years, you will look back on it and be so glad that you saw it through. Let nothing stand in the way of your collegiate dreams and the places that will take you!
