It was difficult to get admitted into college and you’re finally here. What should you do at this point? Sometimes it’s scary and frustrating to get into the college lifestyle. Following is some advice to help you adjust to college more quickly, so you can make the most of your experience.
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.
Always carry around a bottle of water while on campus. You need to be hydrated all day. This is extremely important to do when you have a number of classes scheduled close to one another and do not have time to break for a meal. Constantly drinking water is a great way to help you remain focused throughout the day. Water fountains make it easier to refill all kinds of water bottles now.
Make sure that you purchase a pair of flip flops for showers in your dorm. These are essential as you do not know the forms of bacteria that are on the shower floor. Also, they can serve as a form of comfort for you during your shower. Flip flops are inexpensive and can be stylish, as they make a great addition to your shower arsenal.
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.
After you sign up for a checking account, make sure that you do not leave without getting the free checks that most establishments offer. Do not pay for extras. You may be surprised at how few checks you will use over the course of your four years in college. It is simple enough to get more if you need them, but you don’t want to waste money if at all possible.
Try to do everything in moderation when you enter college for the first time. This means that you should not party too hard or work too hard during your experience. Have a lot of fun, but make sure that you understand you are going to college to learn and expand your possibilities for employment.
Don’t select courses based on whether or not they seem easy. Instead, opt for courses that you find interesting and relevant to your needs. It is very rewarding to challenge yourself. You will learn more from difficult classes, and you may even make contacts that can help you in your career after you graduate.
When it comes to saving money, it is wise to always purchase your textbooks used. One of the biggest expenses in college is your textbooks, especially if they are new. Used text books will save you a great deal of cash.
If you are unsure about which major to choose, use your first two years of college to take a wide variety of courses in addition to your core courses. You may find yourself interested in things you might otherwise never have considered. An eclectic course of study gives you greater insight into possible career choices.
When you are in class, take as many notes as you possibly can. In college, professors will tend to leverage off of the lectures more than the books, as this can help you to get better grades on tests. Also, taking notes is a very important skill that you will need throughout college so it is important to practice.
Develop a system with your roommate for studying. Decide on certain quiet times each day for your dorm room so that it can be used for studying completely. If you or your roommate know these times, you can make the conscious choice to stick around or leave the room.
Technology
If you are a woman, consider a STEM major. STEM majors are those that are focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Since women are less likely than men to choose these fields of study, there are many scholarships and grants available for women. These fields also usually end up being more financially beneficial after graduation.
Make the most out of your college experience. You worked hard to get here, and now you have to work to make sure you get everything you can out of it. Utilize the tips provided above to help with this. Make sure you have a fun, rewarding college experience!
