Going to college is a dream that many parents have for their children and that many students have for themselves. It takes a lot to get into college so it is important to make sure that you can successfully navigate your way through 4 years of college. This article can help you orient yourself, set priorities and create a plan for success.
When you are choosing a major, do not simply think about money. You do not want a career in something that you find boring or uninteresting. A good choice is a major that will keep you interested fifty or more hours a week for the rest of your life. Explore your interests.
If you can you should open up a bank account at a bank that also has branches in your home town. This way it will be easier for your parents to put money into your account and it be available right away instead of having to wait 3-5 business days.
Student’s discounts are one of the best perks of college, especially if you need to save money. Check with your student resource center or ask an adviser for a list of perks. Many local restaurants, movie theaters and bookstores offer generous discounts when you present a student ID. This allows you to save money and show school pride.
Take time to meet your professors. Be sure that you know where their offices are and how you can easily get a hold of them. When you have a relationship, they’ll be easier on you when you need help.
Take advantage of the office hours offered by your academic instructors. These hours are provided for your benefit. There is no better source of help or information about a class than the person who teaches it! Use the time to ask questions, seek clarification, or discuss your in-class performance.
It is important to choose your classes wisely. Try to avoid taking a lot of classes that you are going to have to devote a lot of time and attention to all at once. Instead, alternate these harder courses with easier ones to make your semester and college experience a much easier one.
Consider living in a dorm room during your first year at college. While it’s not as fashionable as having your own apartment, it’s a great way to become more involved in campus life. You’ll be close to other students, making you more likely to make new friends and avoid the loneliness of living alone.
Schedule study time every day. There are a lot of distractions in college, but you can find the time you need! Working study time into your daily schedule is critical to your success and can save you from performing poorly. Follow a schedule even if it is hard to remain motivated. Habits are easy to form when you put in effort.
Buy textbooks secondhand. If you buy your books new you will be spending a small fortune. Saving some money on textbooks is a great way to pinch pennies during your financially-strapped college years.
Give yourself needed breaks. Though study time is key, breaks are often just as crucial. Take a short break every hour or so to remain focused on your studying. Develop a schedule and work on adhering to it.
To get textbooks inexpensively look at a variety of online and offline textbook stores. College textbooks can be extremely expensive; however, with the abundance of places selling both used and new textbooks, you can keep within your budget. The college bookstore also offers textbooks for lease which can save you money.
It is important to remember that college is not all about studying. College is a significant step into adulthood and should be treated as such. While you should not party the night away, do not keep your nose in your books to the point that you do not get to enjoy this time of your life.
Do not sign up for college if you are not sure of what you want to do after you graduate. Going to college is expensive and this investment will benefit you if you have a clear idea of what kind of career you want to have after you finish college.
Eat well. You may have heard of the ‘freshman fifteen’, or the 15 pounds that many college freshmen gain when their moms are not watching their diets! Remember that good food makes you feel alert and energetic, and the wrong foods will make you tired and hinder your performance. Eat right!
As you well know, college is a dream for parents and students alike. It marks the end of child and the beginning f adulthood as the student takes on adult responsibilities and makes their own choices. This article was designed to help you make the right choices for your college experience and to get the most out of your college years.
