Advice to pnms beginning their College/University experience…
 

We give tons of advice about recruitment. What to wear/what not to wear.
But if you are a woman interested in joining a sorority it stands to reason you are a woman of some motivation and energy. Those qualities should not be wasted and there are a myriad of ways to ensure your college experience is the most varied and interesting it can be. I’m not sure if this is the correct forum for this and I know there have been similar threads, however I’m going to try this here and see what happens.
I hope other alumnae and actives will post their tips and recommendations for beginning your experience.


My recommendations for the very beginning of University life are:
A. Get a day planner or calendar. It’s not necessary that it be a blackberry, I still just use the paper kind and this works fine. Start writing down each event, class, lunch, studying. You’ll get a picture of how much work versus free time you have. This is so important in gauging which activities you want to add to your schedule and how much of a commitment you can reasonably give.
B. Find the library. I know that sounds funny, but I’m serious. Go now while it’s filled with only grad students. Figure out how to find it and use it. At larger Universities they offer tutorials on how to use the Library system. Be humble enough to take one, or simply say hello to the staff and ask how their system works. Don’t depend simply on your facility with the internet to do all of your research; books actually have some rather good qualities. Many outside materials for classes can only be found within a library. Also, scope out a good study spot and make appointments with yourself to be there at least 4x a week.
C. You may have received a Student Activities booklet, if not the list of your college’s various clubs and organizations will most likely be on their website. Pick three organizations you are interested in; contact them and make a date to go to their first meeting of the year. Were you president of the French club in High School? Well then go to the French Student Club on your campus. Did you write for the paper, make a date to go to their kick-off meeting. Do it now, as a freshman or sophomore. May people will tell you to wait and see and adjust. But I am saying get out there and get involved now! There is no reason to wait. Use your skills; meet people who have similar interests; this is what college is for. If you wait too long you’ll never go and check it out. Semesters fly by, I promise, and the thing you think you’re going to check out in August seems too hard to try and do in October and not worth it at all come next March. Do the things you are interested right now!
D. Go to office hours. You will find on your syllabus for each class that professors have office hours where students can go and ask questions about the lectures. No one uses them until right before the exam. Go the first or second week. Go in introduce yourself and ask 1 or 2 questions about the lecture and about what the professor’s expectations are. Keep going, at least twice a month. This pays off in ways you cannot imagine. Professors know your name, know you are interested. They see your paper and remember the conversations you have had. And when it comes time to obtain recommendations from a professor (and yes, there will come a time) you will have your choice of men and women who would be happy to write you a recommendation for grad school, a job or for homecoming queen.
E. Do your homework the very first week. Do all the reading. Don’t skip anything. You do not want to have to play catch-up right before the first exam. It is the worst feeling. Give yourself time to understand how much time you need to study and where on campus is the best place. In your room, the library, the local Starbucks. Give yourself some choices.

Okay, I’m sorry I’m so verbose but I get passionate and wordy when I think about all those women who are getting the opportunities of a lifetime and will fritter it away watching Full House repeats in their room. Or women who believe that getting a bid is the end of any effort on their part. There is so much else to do!
Okay I’m slowly climbing off my soap box. Whoo, it’s high up there.

-If possible, buy your books prior to your first week of classes. I was behind from the very first day of school, due to not heeding this advice.
-Get a map of the campus, and have a vague idea of what is where. The larger your school is, the more important that is!
-Even if you're not taking Phys Ed, know where the gym is, and when non-majors are allowed to use the facilities. You can work off a LOT of frustration there!
-Having one pen or pencil is never enough - always have at least one spare. If yours doesn't work, you have a backup. If yours does, the person sitting next to you may need to borrow one. It's well worth the investment!
-Work at NOT becoming the "I'm so drunk!" girl at parties. Seriously.
-If you fall behind, find a tutor. I don't care if you've taken Advance Placement classes all through high school, it's a new ball game. Learn to play it!
-Call your family at least once a week. They won't admit it, but they're probably worried sick that you're homesick, struggling, or partying too much.

Go to class.

If you want to save some extra money you can do so by buying your textbooks online. Some websites where I have saved a decent amount of money include:
half.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com there are probably others too.

If you do your research on textbook prices, you can save yourself a hell of a lot of money.

Good luck! :)

That is the one thing that people asked me in college is, how can you be so involved on campus and SK and still get such great grades?

I FREAKIN' WENT TO CLASS EVERYDAY!! It's just that simple :)

New to Campus?

1) Print out your class schedule and get to campus a few days early to find your classes.
2) Got a car? Don’t speed on campus or park illegally—the campus police will find plenty of other reasons to cite you.
3) Buy your books before classes begin. Books sell out quickly on and off-campus. Better book deals are available online or off-campus than on-campus, usually.
4) Buy school supplies—binders, notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, etc. You do need these.
5) Buy a planner and USE it. It doesn’t have to be a blackberry—paper and pen work well enough for a college student!
6) Cell Phones are turned off when you’re in a classroom. Period.
7) Go to class. Be on time. Be a few minutes early, in fact. Being late is very rude and can mean the difference between pass/fail if you’re on the edge.
8) Don’t cram all your classes over two days so you can have a 5-day weekend. Sounds good in theory, I know...
9) Go to office hours to introduce yourself to your professor. Even if it is just to say, “Hi, I’m Suzy and I’m in your 11:30 Bio 101 class. Just wanted to stop by and say hello and introduce myself!” It can be a 20 second conversation. Just do it. Relationship building is an important part of college and can sometimes mean the difference between pass and fail if you’re on the edge. Get on their good side. Email them relevant articles about their field or clip them and bring them to office hours. It’s called networking and finding a mentor.
10) No make-up tests means no make-up tests. Don’t expect your college professor to make an exception for you. (S/he may if you’ve gone to office hours for help or to say hello a few times and they know you… but don’t count on it.)
11) In a lecture class, there may be a sign-in. Don’t sign-in your friends if they’re not there. AND don’t sign them in if they are there. Let them do it themselves.
12) Plot out your week—social and study time. You’ll get more done.
13) Talk to your adviser about classes to take.
14) Are you on financial aid? Get your FAFSA in as soon as legally possible. The earlier you turn it in, the higher the chance of getting FREE money you don’t have to pay back. The later it is, the less FREE money is available. The early bird catches the worm. Also, make sure your financial aid went through. You may be taking classes that were dropped because the school didn't get paid!
15) Are you a sorority member? Go to your mandatory sorority events and put yourself on a “fun” allowance. DO go to mixers and socials, but you don’t have to go to all of them—after all, you need time to study and time for yourself, too! But DO come around to the chapter house, the occasional intramural football game, etc. It’s a great way to meet your sisters.
16) Have friends outside the sorority.
17) Join at least one non-Greek related campus activity.
18) Internships and school come first.
19) If you have the opportunity to join a pre-professional society, do it. Schedule classes around their meetings during class registration. These clubs can help you network your way into an internship, provide mentors to guide you through grad school selection, and carry weight on your resume to help you land that first job.
20) If you’re not doing well in school, get a tutor and shrink that “fun” allowance.
21) Don’t go home every weekend. You’ll never get settled at college if you’re always going back to high school.
22) The Internet is one research tool of many for your papers and assignments. Use books, newspapers and magazines, too.
23) Go to at least one school football game. Even if you hate football.
24) Learn the Fight Song for your school!
25) If you join a sorority, don’t discuss sorority internal “drama” with anyone who isn’t a member of that chapter, especially on the Internet. Bad new spreads and spirals—making the original problem 10x worse and harder to solve, not to mention the bigger hole you are digging for your chapter’s reputation on campus.
26) Don’t hook up with random guys or go home/bring home random guys. You WILL develop a reputation.
27) If you develop a reputation, it 1- hurts your chances of getting into a sorority, 2- injures your relationship with your sorority or the image of your sorority and its members and 3—hurts you! Don’t act like a hooker and then wonder why you he didn’t call. If you act like a hoochie (do people still use that word?) expect to be treated like one.
28) Safety in numbers. Don’t allow friends to go off with strangers when you’re out on the town, even if they’re a casual acquaintance. This is especially true of Spring Break trips.
29) As a sorority member, your actions, academic performance, personal appearance and treatment of others reflects back on every other woman in your chapter. AND to non-Greeks, this also reflects on the entire Greek System. Act like a lady and help your sisters to do the same, because their words and deeds also reflect back upon you.
30) Be nice to others.
31) Look presentable in your letters. Don’t ever smoke or drink in them.
32) Don’t talk to the press about your sorority, even to the student press.
33) If a sister or group of sisters behave in such a way that you don’t agree with, talk to them. Or talk to the Standards Chairman, the President or your Adviser.
34) If a sister or group of sisters try to coerce you, harass you, hurt you, or do anything that smacks of hazing, SAY NO AND WALK AWAY. Call your new member coordinator, chapter president, or adviser as soon as possible and tell them everything.
35) Think before you act.


Can you tell I’m not in the mood to work today? ;)

Shower (yes I'm serious, and this really goes for people w/co-ed showers) If you aren't comfortable with the showers, find a time of day that you are comfortable using them. If that doesn't work, talk to your RA, but for the love of everything and your roommate SHOWER!!!!!!

Find the laundry room and don't forget to wash your bed sheets. Learn how to do laundry BEFORE you leave.

If you move from Hawaii to Wisconsin they do have stores up here, you can buy winter stuff here. A Hawaiian sweater does not cut it in Wisconsin. Find someone who has been through a winter to help you find the apropriate weight jackets and sweaters. If you go w/others freshman Hawaiians, it is the blind leading the blind (I love my hawaiians though)

Be careful if you are eating snow...

Don't sleep w/the first guy to hit on you. I swear there will be others.

Do NOT, take open drinks from strangers. (well you shouldn't be really drinking underage but if you are going to) If someone is getting a beer or drink for you, watch it get poured and keep you hand over the opening to prevent stuff from being put in.

Don't let others pressure you to drink, sleep around, or do drugs, you have to live with the consequences later.

Say Hi to people,

Enjoy it, college is an amazing four years and you'll never experience anything like it. try new things, figure out what you like and don't like. You'll never have so many things at your fingertips again in your life. Don't letb your friends deter you from doing what you are interested in.
:)

This is sooooo true! I went back home every single, solitary weekend my freshman year (I wasn't a DZ then), even though home was an hour and a half away, and I only had like 3 or 4 friends there. (There were a whole lot of reasons for this, none of which I'm going to get into.) Finally, I came to my senses the summer before my sophomore year and realized that I needed to make some friends in college. That was one reason I decided to rush!

One more thing--if you go to class and try hard (or even if you don't), and you still find yourself doing badly in a class, for the love of God, drop the thing! One class that you can take again with a different professor some other semester is not worth ruining your entire college GPA over. If your grades start out badly, it's very hard to improve them. However, if you're failing all your classes, maybe it's time for some soul-searching....

Take at least one fun class during the semester. Be it a ballroom dance class, self defense class, Rec and Leisure class... whatever. It doesn't matter if it's only one unit and not part of your major requirement... it will keep you SANE! And you will meet lots of people.

Alcohol on a Tuesday night=no sleep=not a good idea... especially if you were a person in high school that would require a minimum of 8 hours of sleep.

Walk everywhere! If you have a compact campus, walking will help with that Freshman 15. I swear... after that dorm food, you WILL gain weight. And it can cut back on gas spending.

And good lord... stay away from the campus advertised credit card scams!

If you are bombing a class DROP IT DURING DROP/ADD. Don't wait too long and muddle through, because then you'll either lose your $$$ or get a terrible grade. Neither are worth it.

*Especially if you have deferred recruitment, meet as many sorority women as you can. We don't bite, and if you mention that you're going through recruitment, most folks are more than happy to talk about their sisterhood, what'll happen at parties, etc., introduce you to other sisters, etc. If we know you, we don't have to start out with "so, what's your major?" at parties or anything lame like that.

*HUGE ditto to "go to class." Study hard, and aim for a 4.0. Even if you don't make it that high, at least you'll have tried and sometimes if all you're expecting from a class is a C, that's what you'll end up with when you could have done better if you tried.

*If you go to parties, go with a group of friends you trust and have at least one person stay sober for the night and make sure that nobody gets too sloppily drunk, does anything too embarrassing, and makes sure that everyone's accounted for and back at home by the end of the night. If you do get a bit tipsy, it helps a lot to eat something either before or after and to drink lots and lots of water, and if you're on a campus that doesn't approve of folks coming back to the dorms after drinking (regardless of being of drinking age or not), make sure folks from the dorms can crash in a friend's off-campus apartment or something. (and never, ever, ever drink or smoke in letters)

*Be open with your roommates and neighbors. Don't wait 'til the end of the year (or before finals) to say that you really didn't like them--if it doesn't work, speak up and maybe you can switch roomies before things get out of hand or at least you'll know that there's a roomie/neighbor problem. One of my biggest regrets from last year was that I didn't complain about noise enough to my noisy neighbors when I was trying to study, and I ended up always staying up late and miserable. Ask nicely and you're not the "homework ogre" of the hall--you just want a little respect, and that usually goes over well.

*If you hate the food, you can't go wrong with cereal. Milk's usually brought in from elsewhere, and cereal? The cafeteria staff never has to touch it.

*Go into classes with an open mind. The most vocal students about profs are usually the ones who either ticked off the prof or got a horrible grade for the class. Sometimes the most disorganized, meanest, worst person on campus according to the prof reviews is the nicest guy you'll take for the semester.

*Don't text message or instant message during class. If you brought a laptop, open up the prof's notes on the lecture during class if they're available (if you don't, print it out and add extra writing space)--then you can add what he left out on the lecture notes, what you find interesting, think might be discussed later, etc.

*Most folks I know use paper planners, but if you have something like a Palm or a Blackberry, use the alarm function! Set it to go off ten minutes before you have to wander to class (fifteen if it's an awful walk), and it's a lifesaver.

*Get to know your profs, TAs, older students, RAs, the "academic support" office, your sorority's academic officer--all those resources are there and can help you do better with schoolwork stuff, and besides, profs are sometimes a lot more interesting out of class than they are in class.

Where were all of you when I was 18? This is great advice, and I could have used it!!!

* If everyone says "Don't take that class with that professor -- he's the worst!" Then DON'T. You will regret it all semester.

* If you are thrilled to realize there is no one making you go to class, get over it quickly. As so many others have already pointed out, going to class is not an option.

* That relationship with the hometown honey from over the summer may or may not last past Thanksgiving. Don't spend Saturday nights in your room talking to him on the phone, when there are other opportunities available.

* Avoid the snack machine. Little Debbie's Fudge Rounds will settle onto your rear end. At least that was my experience!

I remember I tried this during my 1st class my first semester of freshman year. It was math and I already knew the teacher was gonna be a beeyatch before i even talked to her. So after class I went up to her and said, "Hello Dr.---, my name is epchick and I just wanted to come up and introduce myself." She looked at me with this rude blank stare and said "what did you want?" I told her i just wanted to introduce myself and she said "oh...ok whatever. Bye now" And turned around back to the papers she was piling into her briefcase. I realized it might not be a good idea to talk to her again, but when i was in trouble (like the time my car broke down and i missed her class) I actually went to talk to her during her office hours. She wasn't half-bad after that and I actually became her "teacher's pet" lol.

**OFFICE HOURS--i do have to re-iterate what others said. This is probably one of the only times that the professors will wait on YOU. Don't really expect for them to talk to you after class (although some will)....most will say "go to office hours." You'll be surprised how willing they are to help you with the things that you are having problems will, and during office hours they *seem* to be more amiable!

**GO TO CLASS---its just something you should do, you never know what you are missing!!! I remember in one of my classes (art appreciation) there were like 150 people signed up for the class, but only about 25-50 would show up on a regular basis. So the teacher would take that opportunity to give us extra credit quizzes or give us the answers to an upcoming test. You never know what you'll miss!!!

**DO YOUR HOMEWORK DAILY---i had such a hard time doing this last year. I am such a procrastinator! The teacher had all the homework assignments on the syllabus, take advantage of that. If you know the subject (like english or something---something you dont' have to wait to learn), then do the homework early. You never know what might happen and you'll be glad the homework was done!! TRUST ME!!

**GET A PLANNER---again, TRUST ME! It is something you'll need. You dont want to get home or to your dorm room and then say "shat, what was the homework for Math 101?" Don't rely on calling a friend for the homework, because they might not have wrote it down either, or they might not give it to you!

**COME EARLY---if you are at a commuter campus, and parking around campus is scarce. Then come at least 1/2 hour early so that you can find a parking space. Even if it is at 8:00 in the morning, you don't really realize how quickly the parking spaces will go. Especially since you have to pay 40-65 dollars for a parking sticker...use it!! Even if you find a parking spot quickly, that extra time can actually be used to relax during a Final or looking over material for class!

**TEACHER'S PET--unlike the impressions during middle school or high school, being Teacher's pet in high school can be a good thing. Even in a class with 500-600 students, making yourself known by the teacher (i.e. going to office hours regularly) has its benefits. Teacher's do have their favorites and they sometimes really do get more leniency! If the teacher asks for a favor (although it does depend on what it is) then DO IT! You'll never know what that little favor will do for your grade ;) .

**CLASS SCHEDULE--look for your class. This isn't high school, if your late on the first day of class, professor's might not be so lenient on WHY. They'll expect that you already know your way around campus. Like already mentioned, if someone says "DONT TAKE THAT TEACHER" really ask why? Most people really do give sound advice on the teachers---it will be something you'll be grateful for. Same goes for if someone says "TAKE THAT TEACHER!!"

**DROP THE CLASS if your having trouble. There is no point in staying in the class if you are really bombing it! There will always be another time that you can take the class (maybe even with another teacher) Dont give yourself a heart attack trying to study material you don't get!


Just read what everyone has on here...everyone's advice is sound and its only here to help YOU. College can be great, if you take advantage of it. You dont want to be a in college for 3 years and still be considered a freshman because you party too much, don't show up for class, and fail everything!! GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH!

My miscellaneous advice:

If your professor wrote the book, READ THE BOOK - KNOW THE BOOK - YOU WILL BE TESTED ON IT. If you need to skip a class, skip the one where the prof wrote the textbook him/herself. I used to infuriate friends who attended every class and got a C -- "how did we get Cs and you got an A and hardly ever went to class?" Because the prof wrote the book, and I read every word like it was the Bible, assuming the prof would think each word was sacred.

If the prof didn't write the book, your butt better be in the seat, however.

Check out the opportunities available at your school to take a semester abroad. Many schools offer study at a foreign university for the same tuition as you're already paying at home. All you need is airfare, and money for a Eurail pass (and food on your travels). If you can't afford it, then you'll know to get TWO jobs over the summer so that you can. This is a lot of people's biggest regret about college - they they didn't get the opportunity to broaden their horizons and open their minds on the cheap. It makes for a truly educated person.

Join a professional organization (Marketing Club, etc.) in your major - you'll hear about the internships and jobs before everyone else.

Read up on the stats on STDs. If you heard about a lottery where you had a 40% of winning, you'd buy a ticket, right? Well, assume that you have an even-better chance of picking up a fertility-ruining or really damned annoying STD if you're hooking up without protection. I do a lot of work on herpes meds, and trust me, the stats are JAW-DROPPING.

If you want to be a party girl, be disciplined after dinner. While you're friends are hanging out, watching TV or whatever they do after dinner, hit the books, hit the computer. Do the reading, do the exercises, write the paper. Then go out to the Skeller that night with a clear conscience.

If the gym is a zoo, check out the pool. It's great excercise, and not nearly as mobbed as the weight or cardio machines. It's also very calming, and great for the posture. But don't get chlorine hair - wear a cap.

So THAT was my problem...............LOL:D

More on Studying Abroad
 

,,,,

+To repeat this, because it is damned important...GO. TO. CLASS. Period. Even if your grades are not stellar, you will almost ALWAYS get brownie points on attendance/participation if you are just there, taking up space! (note, slightly more important at a small/mid sized school than a large one where there are 500 people in a lecture hall...nothing can prepare you for an entire 20 person lecture class plus professor showing up at your dorm door wondering why you aren't in class).

+PARTICIPATE! Make yourself heard. This also reinforces your name to the professor and shows that you still have a pulse and have something to say on the topic at hand. Again, those brownie points for demonstrated knowledge add up!

+ Don't put it off, DO IT. If you've got a longer assignment, break it up into smaller pieces. Use a wall calendar to plan it out. Write post-its or signs to yourself if you need to. Just do it. Even though it looks like this : http://img64.exs.cx/img64/6255/intraweb9gc.gif

+If it doesn't have your initials on it, it is fair game.

+ Establish an "alone time" signal with your roommate. This comes in handy in so many situations.

+Get a good alarm clock with battery back up and dual alarms. Make sure it is loud.

You all are oh-so-PC!

1. Don't pick some lame ass college. Party schools rule! But, if you're planning to be career student, go to a commuter school.

2. Class rules are so much more relaxed than in high school. Take advantage! If you have to pee, GO! If you want to eat chinese food, EAT!

3. Don't fall asleep in class though.

4. Sorority is LYFE! If you keep getting cut, transfer schools! J/K But if you WANT to transfer for other reasons, do so.

5. Don't sleep with married men.

6. Get friendly with the cashiers at the cafeteria and campus convience stores. They may give you discounts.

7. Keep an eye on female friends who eat, sleep, and breathe guys. As soon as they get some testosterone in their life, your friendship may be a goner!

8. Don't ever go out with a guy that calls females c***s. It's not a good idea to befriend them either.

9. Be careful which Greeks you talk isht about on GC. You may never know who's lurking!

10. Did you know it was a federal crime if you mess with the geese on campus?

11. If you're a novice in drinking and if someone buys you a shot, drink up or don't drink it at all. If you sip it through a straw, your ass will get clowned on!

12. Be as careful who you put on your isht list as those you put on your cool list. Don't burn bridges. You might never know when you need something from someone.

13. Taking bids from more than one sorority. NOT SMART.

14. Sororities telling you it's okay to do so. NOT NICE.

15. If you're in the mood for drama. Attend SGA meetings.

16. Explore the underground tunnels, but tell someone you're going.

17. KNow the history of the dorms you're moving into. We have one that used to be a mental institution

18. Do more than one internship and do them early. You don't want to change your mind your senior year, because you discovered that you hate the real world experience in your field!

19. All-nighters are dumb. How can you learn and retain information if you're sleep deprived? Even caffiene won't keep you that sharp.

20. If you're want to be a kiss ass, don't be obvious.

21. I heard that dorms and gated university apartments are easy to get into...

Phoenix, I love your drawing. By the way, can I add something that I kind of learned the hard way this past year? I just want to say, you (GENERAL you, as in "hey all you future first years/rushees!") should pick and choose what activities you do. Trying to pack in, say, choir, student government, and multiple volunteer commitments AND take extra classes all at once, is really not a good idea. So, it's okay to say "no," once in a while, it's okay to think, "All right, it says in the syllabus that we need to take Underwater Basket Weaving, but I don't really have room for it this semester, so it can wait," and it's okay not to feel guilty about it. I'm not really sure how well I'll be able to follow my own advice this coming year, though, so if someone could remind me about what I said later on, when I've stupidly said "yes" to one too many people, then that'd be awesome.

LMAO!!! I married him!

The "go to class" vs. "read the textbook" advice varies by school and type of class. My "read the book" advice was based on huge state-school lecture classes with 500 students held in a giant auditorium. Hell, Accounting 101 was broadcast to over 1000 students via TVs in classrooms, and a bored grad student was there with us only to operate the TV and give out the handouts. Actual attendence at these huge classes was not 100% necessary, as long as you went to the first class to get the syllubus, did all the exercises, read the book carefully, and popped in occassionally to be sure the syllubus hadn't changed.

On the other hand, higher-level classes in my major and smaller, discussion-driven classes required regular, prompt attendance, preparation, and participation. Some of these were far more dependent on lectures vs. text. So it depends.

Also, on studying abroad, did I mention do it, do it, do it, do it. Find out the ins and outs right away. Ask upperclassmen about the best programs, find out the requirements and the costs, get on the list. My friends (none of whom had any money) say it's the best thing they ever did, and the best memories of their lives.

And something no one has mentioned. If you're at a Big 10, PAC-10 or SEC school and you've got a graduation requirement you just can't handle, find out when the football or basketball team takes the class that's tripping you up. I flunked Calculus twice (even with intense study, tutors, the works) and was facing the prospect of no diploma. Found out that the Team took it at night, and finagled my way into that class. I kid you not, the tests were all True/False, and the grades were curved so that a 51% was a D. I still don't have the foggiest idea what the hell a derivative is or how to figure the area under a damned curve, but I passed with a "D" an was able to graduate. God bless boneheaded football players and that pesky "student athlete" myth!!!

*In bookstores there are usually keychains with ID holders. They are pretty popular among students. I would think twice before using them, especially putting your driver's license in the holder.. If you lose it, they know who you are, possibly where you live, and the keys to your car/house/dorm.

*Keep an eye on all students when you're on campus at night or in an isolated area. ESPECIALLY keep an eye on people who don't have backpacks and/or books! Think about it, why on earth would someone be on a college campus without those materials? We don't have lockers. Then again they could be falculty or a students heading to a meeting, but watch your back.

Hey, I personally like to carry my art history text book as a weapon....

"Gimme your purse!"
"Take the Roccoco period, Jerk!"

My campus is semi-commuter and semi-traditional. I see where you're coming from. On my campus the dorms, apartments, and gym is like a mile from the classroom buildings. The university center is pretty far from them too. So, I guess there should be no panic if I see students wandering aimlessly around the dorms and gym. I guess that never occured to me since I rarely go to the gym and dorms. I still like to keep an eye on wandering students when I'm around the classroom buildings since there isn't much to do except for going to class and studying.

LOL

I always thought it would be funny if I did a 180 degree on a person while wearing a backpack with three 800 page textbooks in it. :D

Credit Cards are Bad for You.
 

I just have to add an "Amen" to the mention of credit cards. Avoid them like the plague. They are a terrible financial decision, do not saddle yourself with one of these until you actually have a full-time job and are able to pay for what you buy. Getting credit cards while in college have ruined many students credit ratings before they are even out in the "real world."
Just avoid them.

Each semester, take a walk around campus before the first day of classes, and locate all the lecture halls and classrooms where your classes will meet. That way, you won't waste time on your first day trying to find an out-of-the-way room and end up walking in late.

Pay attention in class. Don't nap, chat on your cell phone, or surf the web. Don't arrive late or leave early if you can help it. It's amazing how much you can pick up just by listening and taking notes in lecture.

Do your homework ahead of time. Don't try to do it all the night before it's due; you'll stay up to the wee hours (or all night), you'll be too tired to do it properly, and you'll be too tired to concentrate in class the next day.

If you have opportunities available to you, such as cross-registration or study abroad, take advantage of them.

Try to make room for a "fun" class outside your major now and then - maybe a music or art class.

Get involved in a couple of different activities. Don't overextend yourself, but don't just sit in your room either.

Exercise. Find out where the gym, track, and pool are, and use them! It's great stress relief and will help with the Freshman 15.

Learn to cook. If you have a kitchen available to you, great - get a couple of pots and pans and learn a few simple recipes. If not, get a small microwave and/or hot plate (check first that your dorm's rules allow it). Cafeteria food, as a rule, sucks.

As for credit cards, they're not necessarily the devil IF you know how to use them properly. If you do choose to get a credit card, pay it off in full every month. Don't buy something if you know it means you won't be able to pay your credit card bill. You'll be establishing a good credit rating, and you won't accrue revolving debt.

I don't know about buying your books before school starts, I never do. It seems that I'd always buy my books according to what's needed for the class, then the professor changes his/her mind or and I need to get a different book. I nearly always buy my books online and most online sellers' return policy makes it nearly impossible for you to get your money back. I say go to class, be positive which book you need, then order it online with expedited shipping so you don't miss too much. Until then, see if you can borrow one from a classmate or talk to the professor about having a copy put in the library for those who do not have their books yet (you won't be the only one, I guaruntee it:p).

If you buy your books on-campus and they have a legit return policy, then this may not apply to you, but if not, it's what most students at my school do.

Re: Credit Cards are Bad for You.
 

See, everyone says that, but what about when you want to rent, lease, whatever one day and you don't have a credit history? People get denied things, not just for having bad credit, but even for having no credit at all. I say get a card, then lock it up somewhere. It'll be there in an emergency, but for the most part, if you don't need it, just act like it's not there.

EXACTLY.

One thing I really dislike is when people try to tell you that credit cards are the devil. If you abuse credit--like anything else--it can be downright demonic. My advice would be to get a credit card, preferably one for students that has a very low limit. Pay it off every month. Make sure the interest rates are reasonable and you aren't paying a fee.

If you know that you don't want a credit card, but you know that you'll need your own credit to get an apartment, car, etc., get a bank account with an overdraft protection. I opened a bank account my first week in college that had overdraft insurance (I didn't care at the time, as I've never bounced a check), and never used the overdraft protection. It wasn't until I checked my credit report in March, after graduating from college and getting a Master's, that I found out that the overdraft protection that I had never used was helping to boost my credit score.

College advice:

1. Don't do activities you did in HS--unless you absolutely love them. I was all about student government in high school. I knew I wanted college to be a completely different experience, so I tried to do things that I was interested in--not things that necessarily looked good on a resume, or was something I did out of peer pressure in high school. Try something new. It's okay to change your mind now! Also--don't overwhelm yourself. One, maybe two, activities is probably enough for the first semester, when you're already experiencing a huge life transition.

2. STUDY ABROAD. Unless you have a major that prevents it, do it. If you're on financial aid, your school should be able to make up the difference for you.

Agree with every one else GO TO CLASS

Start your homework even if the professor gives a give before its due. Not a good idea to start the day before.

If you college has a study hall where a lot of upper classmen hang out and do homework or whatever, go in there and hang out too.

Say HI to people. Greek or non-Greek. Its ok to be nice if you are in a fraternity or sorority or plan to be in one.

Go talk to your Freshman Advisor. They can really help you with you classes and give you good advice.

Take a fun class.

Don't take a class at 7:30 in the morning if you know you can wake up that early.

Find out where the Student Union, Financial Aid Office, Registars, Computer Labs, Library, and where your classes are located.

Join an organization that deals with your major and become active. Don't just go to one meeting and never go again.

If you are going to a school close to the US/Mexico or US/Canada board do go and party all the time. Its not a good idea. Especially "First Thursday" as its know here.

Meet guys. Make friends. You don't have to sleep with them all.

If you want to become involved with the student government, find out where the Assocated Student of whatever U is at and learn how to get involved.

If you are going into Math, Engineering, or Science, get yourself a TI-89 or equivalent. They are really great and very helpful.

One of the first things I did when I got out of school (I was given an "incentive" NOT to get a credit card beforehand!) was to get two credit cards, buy something, pay the bills immediately, and then put the cards in a vault or in a freezer bag, then freeze them in a block of ice.

Having worked in a college bookstore, I advise any student attending a large public university to buy your books ahead of time-- because if you don't, someone else WILL and when you go to get your books, they're already sold out and and on back-order (even online!) The bookstores anticipate how many students there will be in the class based on the order provided by the professor. This doesn't mean they order the full number of books. If you have to purchase a shrink-wrapped packet, don't open it until your professor confirms that yes, this is the packet I want you to use. Once you open that shrink wrap, you can't return it. This goes for some new books that come in shrink wrap and workbooks.

You can get your full purchase price back during Add/Drop (and depending on the bookstore, possibly up to the Withdrawal Deadline).

Whenever and wherever you can, buy USED. Look for a book with minimal mark-ups. Feel free to write in your textbooks, but know that come book buy-back you'll get more money for a book with minimal mark-ups. Try to sell the book back to the store just before exams begin. Shop around for the best sell-back price-- you will probably get more money for it online than at the official campus boostore or one of the off-campus collegiate bookstores.

You won't be able to sell back a workbook. If you can, you will probably get about 50 cents-$2.00 for it, and those shrink-wrapped professor packets are yours to keep-- can't sell those.

The stores need only to buy back a certain number for their inventory. If you sell yours back earlier before the buy-back rush, you'll get more money for it. Or try to sell it to another student.

for anyone going to A&M:

GO TO FISH CAMP-you will have the time of your life-and you will meet a lot of new people, I guarantee it.

Always check your professors out ahead of time. You should be able to go to the academic building (I think that is what the bldg is called, the bldg with the big dome) and look the professor up and look at the average grade-if a lot of people failed the class then I would avoid that particular professor. Ask upperclassman in your major about professors they recommend and those that they would avoid-this can help you avoid a horrible semester and a low grade.

Go to the football games -they are a blast!

If Mr. Bill s still there, he tutors in chemistry-he is wonderful!

If it's a bank credit card, it probably will charge a high interest rate unless you pay your balance in full every month. Read the fine print and make sure you understand it. Paying your cc balance in full every month gives you a much better score than paying the minimum balance.