Getting through high school was nothing compared to what you will face in college; have no fear, the following article has a lot of advice to offer you. Considering all the aspects of campus life, lectures, exams and the socializing, you have a lot on your plate! Hopefully, the following tips will help you out.
You should not consider going to college unless you have a good idea of the kind of career you want or at least have a general idea. Meet with a career counselor to find out more about your different options and take the time to do some research about different schools and programs.
When you enter your room on the first day of college, the best thing that you can do is to fraternize with your roommates. These are going to be the people that you spend the rest of the year with so it is very smart to make friends with them immediately.
If you want to get an education on a limited budget, consider going to a community college for two years before transferring to a different universities. You will find that community colleges are cheaper than other schools and your credits will transfer as long as you complete your general education before transferring.
During college, there are going to be classes that you realize are too difficult from the onset as you should drop these immediately. These classes can put a lot of stress on you, as you would be better off with an alternative. Also, a different teacher may be able to explain the material better.
Always buy used textbooks. It can be very costly to buy the books you need for school. If you already have to pay quite a bit for your education, you’re probably wishing to save a few dollars. There are many great sources for acquiring used books on the Internet, in bookstores and through other students on campus. If you buy used books, you will save a ton of cash.
Don’t buy books unless you’re sure that you will need them. Oftentimes, you will not need to purchase all of the “required” books. This is especially true for online classes. In most cases, the Internet study and professor lectures are all you need to pass.
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.
You should take advantage of all the resources you have available to you on the college campus, especially when it comes to academics. There are most likely plenty of study spaces, computer labs, etc. that you can go to get some peace and quiet and quality study time in.
You should consider signing up for a work study program if you want to get some professional experience. Most work study programs will require you to alternate between taking classes and working as an intern. This is a good way to finance your education while gaining some professional experience and building a professional network.
Make sure you take care of yourself when you are away at school, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and try to eat three meals a day. This will keep your sharp as a tack and ready to tackle even the hardest term paper that your professor throws at you.
Remember to eat right while going to college. Many people become so overwhelmed with the pressure that comes with college that they do not eat how they should. This can cause weight gain and frankly, can impair your brain function. Plan out your diet as you would your studying to find success in college.
Use statistics to narrow down your college choices, but not to make the final decision. The right college for you is a good match to you personally, not a prize that you win. Never select a school because a lot of your friends are going there, nor because it holds a number-one position on some published list. Only a visit to the campus can really tell you if it is right.
On the first couple of days of class, make sure that you personally introduce yourself to the professor during their office hours. This can go a long way in showing the professor that you are interested in the class, and will also help them to put a face to a name quicker.
College can be very intimidating, and some people cut-out too soon; prepare yourself well and stay committed for the long haul. When you finally reach graduation day, you will be able to look back on some amazing memories and will be able to look forward to a better life!
