When you get to college, it is a strange feeling. You have to go to class, which you are used to, but you have a lot more freedom than you may be used to. There are a lot of things to know about class, but there is much more to know about your life at college. Here are some tips to help you.
College is filled with a lot of stress as the best thing that you can do in regards to school is to prepare in advance. Avoid procrastination at all times, as this will only add to the stresses that you already face. By doing your work ahead of time, you can feel prepared and organized as college goes on.
Research and educate yourself the vast array of the scholarships that are available to you as a college student. A variety of options will be available, even for things you can’t imagine are real, like a left-handed scholarship! There are a lot of state and federal grants you can get that don’t even have to be paid back.
Going to college is a real commitment. If you are thinking about getting an education, you need to make sure you will have enough time to attend classes and do your homework. You might have to make some changes to your schedule, talk to your family and to your employer before you enroll for school.
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.
As a college student, you will have access to many different jobs on campus. If you do not already have a good job, you should look for a job on campus. You should choose a job that will allow you to acquire some new skills and meet some interesting people.
Do not crack under the stress of selecting or declaring a major right away. Some professors might try and draw you into their department early on, as the more students they have the more job security they have. Never rush major decisions, and do what is right for you, not anyone else.
If you are staying on campus and you purchased a meal plan, make sure that you take advantage of it. Don’t leave any meals uneaten, particularly if they don’t roll over from semester to semester Depending on the rules associated with your plan, you will probably be able to pick up what you want and take it with you. Therefore, if your friends are having a meal somewhere else, you can still join them without spending any extra money.
Participate in the events that are held at the dorms to meet new people. You will enjoy pizza night, movie nights and other events. It is a great way to meet the people that you will be dorming with for the next several months. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself to others.
Learn to prioritize your classes in regard to study time. Not all of your classes will be intensive for you. Those classes that you excel in, are often easy for you and do not require as much study time. Be smart and use that study time for other classes that do require more of your attention; however, always refocus your efforts should challenges arise in the easy class.
If your courses give the option of attending real class or taking classes online, do both. Go to the real class, and then make good use of the Internet class for an excellent study and review tool. This is a great way to make smart use of your college dollars. Of course, if you are ill and miss a class, you should always take advantage of the internet class to make up for your absence.
Keep a notebook and a folder for each class. Even if it isn’t required, you will find that keeping each class’ work separate is easier for staying organized. Keep any returned assignments or handouts in the folder. Use the notebook for taking notes or recording your thoughts after class.
If dragging yourself out of bed at 6:00 am is impossible, don’t torture yourself with 7:00 am classes. Most schools offer classes in a wide range of time slots. Take advantage of the classes later in the day and in the evening if you aren’t a morning person. You will be more likely to go and will get more out of the course.
Now that you have had time to read through the tips laid out here, you have a better understanding of how to lead a fulfilling life at college. College is a fond memory for many, but you have to make sure that you have fond memories for you. This is your time!
