Advice to pnms beginning their College/University experience…

[33girl]

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.

[Stef the Pef]

*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.

[EEKappa]

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!

[epchick]

Originally posted by JocelynC

*INTRODUCE yourself to your professors. I don't care if there's 400 people in the class. It's nothing to go up to a prof after class and say, "Hi Dr. Whatever. I'm Jocelyn. Just wanted to introduce myself." If anything he'll be happy you thought enough to do so. And it will certainly help later on in the semester if you start to have trouble or need help.

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!

[LionTamer]

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.

[Rollergirl2001]

Don't know if this was mentioned or not but:

-If you are stuggling in a required class, GET A TUTOR. Your school offers free tutoring. Do not wait until the day before exam to go, because you'll be in a world of hurt. If there is someone on your floor that have taken the class and done very well, aske him/her for help.

-If someone in your hall is being too loud and if you are studying or sleeping, tell them. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP. You hate to be a b, but you have to take care of your business. If thik problem continues, tell your Resident Advisor.

-If your Resident Adviosr (RA) is being difficult, DEAL WITH IT! You will deal with difficult people for the rest of your life (your boss, supervisor, etc.) If you had a difficult teacher in elem./middle/high school, you should be able to deal with it. He's/She's in charge of the floor and you have to go by their rules.

-If you want to get a good selection of classes for next semester/triemster, GO TO YOUR ADVISOR EARLY. If you do not, then expect the classes you want to be filled. And you may have to take night classes.

-If you walk on campus at night, have someone to walk with you. If you have no one, then CALL campus police for escort service. Many people say it's babyish, but you rather be safe and sorry, right? This is a must if you attend a school in a big city or attend a large school.

-On the first day, BRING NOTEBOOK AND PEN. On some classes, you will have to take notes. On others, you don't.

-Ignore the people on campus that are passing out credit card applications. Do not make eye contact. Get a debit card instead.

-Compromise with your roommate. You may not like him/her, but if you talk to him/her and agree on some guidelines, things will be much easier. For instance, if you have a 8 AM class, and you need to be in bed by 10 PM, tell her that. Because if you don't, things will be problematic.

-Establish a strong relationship with your professor. The more you get to know your professor and vice versa, the better the recommendations for grad/med/dental/business schools will be. But in order to get a good reccomendation, you have to meet with your professors and do well in the class and participate in class discussion.

-If you signed up for a class that you don't like the first day, drop beofre you receive a "W", because that "W" will appear on your transcript. And too many "W"s will harm you in getting into grad school.

[tunatartare]

At the risk of sounding like a PSA, get all your vaccinations, even the ones that aren't mandatory, including meningitis.

[PhoenixAzul]

Wow, very prompt and prudent bump.

Some thigns to add:
+ Study abroad. Do it. Yes, you CAN afford it, hell, I afforded it and now I'm talking iimmigration. Be prepared for it to be the best experience of your life, and be prepared to have a learning curve. When in the country, eat what the locals eat, go where the locals go, and if someone offers you a cup of tea, accept, even if you don't want it.

+ Exercise. It makes studying a ton easier. I usually find that I can plan things out very clearly if I'm out running or on my bike. Add to it that it fights off depression and keeps off the freshman 15. This is all the more important in winter. If you're not keen on the student rec center (i'm not, for various reasons) think about a community centre/church group or find a trail on your own. A healthy body contains a healthy mind.

[KSUViolet06]

*KEEP YOUR GRADES UP. Especially if you know your field will require an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D) or if you already know you'd like to pursue one. If your grades are laughable, you can pretty much forget it. The admissions committee will look at your 2.0 and laugh you out of the building.

*This is especially true of larger schools. There are lots of of yummy fast food restaurants all over campus, and there's no Mommy/Daddy to remind you not to eat so much junk. And you have your nifty meal plan. It's pretty convenient to go to Chipotle/Quizno's/McD's/Sonic/KFC every single night. But please DON'T. Your arteries will thank you.

*Go easy on your bank account. Try to limit yourself to ONE trip to the ATM per week or so. Constantly running to the ATM for $10 here and $20 there is going to cause you to spend alot more money than you'd like.

*Yes it's okay to drink, but take it easy. Most incoming freshman aren't regular drinkers, so they get to college, go to parties, think they can drink as much as everyone else and be okay. Not so. Don't try to be badass and drink yourself into a coma your first week.

*If you go out Thursday-Sunday night EVERY week, it will get old really fast. You have 4 years to go out.

[AGDLynn]

All this talk about dropping classes if they are really hard, you are flunking, etc., keep in mind that some orgs./individual chapters may have a policy that the member must COMPLETE (NOT attempt) a certain number of hours to be in good standing the next semester.

Yes, make sure that your New Member Coordinator, Scholarship/Academic Coordinator, etc. knows that you are struggling and need help so at the end of the semester when grades come out, there won't be so much shock.

Most chapters try to have Initiation during the semester you pledged, but if it is delayed to the next semester, you want to make sure that you have a high enough GPA to be initiated.

After all, the chapter is expecting EVERYONE to make the required GPA EVERY SEMESTER. One low GPA can cancel out 3-4 high grades of other members for the overall chapter GPA.

[flirt5721]

Also check to see if any mid-semester courses are offered, in case you need to drop a class. I don't know how many colleges offer them but they are only worth 1-2 credits and will help you maintain fulltime status.

[Sailboat Sis]

Invest in a Pick-A-Prof account. Do it with a few friends to spread out the cost. It's well worth it. Don't just look at the grade distribution though. Read the reviews (with a grain of salt) to see if a professor's style of teaching is similar to your style of learning.

Set a GPA goal for yourself each semester, in each class. Having a "carrot" in front of your face is a great way to stay motivated throughout the semester. I'm aiming for at least a 3.6 this semester.

For the love of God, use Academic Advising and Career Services! Keep in mind that the top internship programs have early application deadlines. Start thinking about what you want to do in the summer in the fall.

Keep your Facebook profiles clean and neat! Don't have "drinking" under your interests, sloppy make out pictures of yourself, etc. Your profile is accessible to everyone and reflects you and your sorority.

Don't avoid the library. It's a great place to study, you just have to find the right spot.

After rush is over and done with, don't bother waking up bright & early to look cute for classes. You don't need make-up, a blow out, etc. for your 8 or 9 AM class.

Credit cards: only have one. Pay off your balance every month. Do not graduate with c/c debt and a bad credit rating... you'll be screwed. For purchases under $10, pay in cash ONLY.

MAJOR IN SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Your GPA will thank you. Concentrate on a high GPA, a great resume and good internships. It will get you and interview where you can really sell yourself. So many people in hiring have told me this. Also, don't feel like you have to major in political science to work in D.C. or in biology for med. school. DO WHAT YOU LOVE!!

[Stef the Pef]

So, what is Pick-A-Prof? Address? Link? TIA.

[ufdale]

Don't go to college and pick easy, bs classes/ majors with the intent to find a husband, be a trophy wife, and never have to work. This is 2006- you never know what will happen later in life! It's nice to have a major that you love, feel proud of and will enjoy working in that field in the future.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by ufdale

Don't go to college and pick easy, bs classes/ majors with the intent to find a husband, be a trophy wife, and never have to work.

I didn't think that thought crossed the mind of anyone born after 1970.