Here is a list of college tips that will help ensure you great success while in college.  Not all of them will apply to everybody, but that’s for you to decide. Enjoy!

Academic

• Meet with Professors. If they know you, recognize your face, and have met with you frequently, they are much more willing to help you out in any way (including that extra point to get the A).
• Read outside of your major. College isn’t just about a career. It is a preparation for life. Read about anything and everything you can get your hands on. It’s only going to help.
• Don’t commit to a major on day one. Any big ticket purchase takes time. Choosing a major is no different.  If you are hasty in selecting a major you may find yourself in a disadvantaged situation (i.e. non-transferable credits, wasted money, wasted time) Therefore, unless you are 100% sure, just take general education courses your first year. For additional tips, click here.

 

Social

• Homesick is natural. Distract yourself, make friends, and keep in touch with family, but be prepared to still be affected by it (especially during the first 8 weeks of the semester)
• Do not procrastinate. Some people perform well under pressure but it usually backfires.
• Join clubs and organizations. They are the perfect place to network with others with similar interests or career choices. They also look really good on your resume. For additional tips, click. here.

 

Financial

• Get financial aid. Even if your parents are millionaires, there is still free money out there. Don’t you want it?
• Never buy new books. This one is a no brainer. Websites such as Half.com and Amazon.com will save you hundreds.
• Make travel plans in advance. Remember, other students leave for spring break, summer, winter, thanksgiving as well. Also, at most institutions students are asked to leave during the holidays and other breaks. For additional tips, click here.

 

Other Tips

• Go to all orientations. The fact is, you can never know too much about your school, and any knowledge you do have can only be useful.
• Take advantage of as many campus resources as possible. If they have computer labs, print from them. If there is a gym, use it. Math/Writing/Science labs are all staffed with people to help you. So take advantage of their expertise.
• Be prepared to still be overwhelmed. It’s not like high school. It’s not like adult hood. It’s a monster all to itself. Nothing worth having is easy!