College Advice
 

~Innocence22~

Some tips:

1. NO CREDIT CARDS. If you MUST get one and ONLY use it for emergencies.

2. GO TO CLASS. IF you cannot go to class, call the prof and tell him or her.

3. SIT IN THE FRONT ROW or at least the first 5 rows.

4. NO CREDIT CARDS

5. BUY BULK -- Go to Sam's Club and buy your soap and other toiletries in bulk.

6. Learn to do your own hair :eek: especially with you being from New York. What city is UNC in?

7. HAVE FUN!! I wish I could go back. Don't most of us?

8. Get your GPA as high as you can the first semester. It is easy to go down but harder to get it back up. Trust.


I went to Amazon and they have some books. I never read these could not remember the title of the one I did read.

The ABC's of College Life
by Vicki Salemi

Been There, Should've Done That II : More Tips for Making the Most of College
by Suzette Tyler

101 Things a College Girl Should Know, from a Big Sister Who's Been There
by Stephanie Edwards

I totally agree with all these.

I have one bit of advice. Ask around for books! The cost of books are ridiculous! I attend NC Central U. I spent around $400 for 4 books and I only really used one! The professors only used the books for reference! So, unless the book deals with your major and you plan to keep it, check the library to see if the book is there or in other libraries in the area.

~ NO CREDIT CARDS!! I don't care how badly you want the t-shirt/slinky/movie passes/whatever they're giving away, DON"T DO IT!! DO NOT let them folks tell you that the allowance you get from your parents is income. Do not let them con you into thinking you'll "always" be able to pay the min $10 a month. It will come back to bite you in the butt.

~ If they have Freshman Orientation, GO. You'll get some good insight on how things really work. Plus you'll get to meet folks.

~ Piggybacking off my last thought and CT4, get to know your professors. It's very handy if you do have to miss class or if you're in danger of failing or need them for a recommendation for internships/co-ops/grad school/other stuff ;)

~ THe BEST place to sit @ a football game is next to the band. Get there kind of early to get a seat, those are the ones that fill up first.

~ I hate to say this, but get locks for your trunk/closet. Shady individuals are everywhere & your roommate and/or her friends and/or your friends :eek: may be among them.

~ Quarters, Quarters, Quarters...& I"m not talking about the drinking game either. ;) You'll most likely need them for laundry. Watch your clothes. Remember those shady folks I was talking about? Well, some of them have been known to steal clothes out of the washing machine and/or dryers. (NO, I'm not making this up)

~ 8 times out of 10 the food in the cafeteria is going to be nasty and Ramen noodles may become your best friend, but beleive it or not, you will get used to it.

~ Take advantage of the weight room/track so the "Freshman 15" (pounds) don't sneak up on you

~ Have fun! Have a LOT of fun!! But not so much fun that you become a 8th year senior. ;) Some of the best fun you'll have will involve you & your friends being bored @ 1 or 2 in the morning.

:mad: :mad: **flashback** MOFOS stole my PANTIES out of the dryer my sophomore year in college.:mad: :mad:

BUY USED BOOKS when you can especially the classes that are not in your major. TRUST a $60 book that you only get $2 back for at the end of the semester will piss you off. Plus some people highlight really well and you can study their highlights. :cool:


Go to Freshman Orientation. I had so much fun @ PLAYFAIR.

Get involved in your Black Student Organization.

MAKE FRIENDS WISELY. There are people who will be your ace boon coon your first week but by sophomore year you all will walk by each other like you ain't never seen each other before. This has nothing to do with who pledged ABC vs. DEF, this is just basick human nature.

Do NOT get caught with a boy in your room especially when they make you pay $25 for that mofo who was not your boyfriend. He was only there to take your friends back to their dorm after the party.

FIRE DRILLS -- If they have one in the middle of the night. STOP and GET DRESSED. Trust me -- you do not want to be outside when it is cold with a t-shirt and shorts on.

SHOWER SHOES!!!

LOL, it has been 9 years this September since I first stepped on a college campus. I miss it. :(

DO INTERNSHIPS. Read the College Majors Thread.

SEEK HELP!!

Get to know the POSITIVE students on campus, regardless of race. Do not let race be the gatekeeper to making friends.

PRACTICE SAFE SEX!!

Never walk alone at night. I did it and truly GOD watched my back EVERY TIME but seriously if you can avoid it, do not walk alone.

CALLING CARDS

HAVE FUN!!!

Be true to who you are. Try new things because YOU want to not because of so and so.

Getting involved is a very good idea but my opinion is not to limit yourself to Black Student Organizations. You may find yourself with a resume filled with organizations such BSU, NAACP, Black Choir, or a BGLO. These are all good organizations but prospective employers may feel that you're not well rounded or capable of interacting with people from all walks of life. Consider joining organizations pertaining to your major, Hall Council, etc.

Learn time management. You may find that the entire day has passed its 2am and you have a paper due at 9am. Its cool to be involved, meet new friends, and have fun but don't loose your focus.

Visit your Academic Advisor frequently so that you stay on track. You don't want to stay an extra semester because you didn't take that Gen. Ed course 2nd semester Sophmore year.

GPA, GPA, GPA. I know its been stated before but it can't be said enough. This is soooo important. You may find yourself so caught up in being away from home that you forget your purpose. I know CT4 said it already but I want to drill it in your head. Its better to start out with a good GPA than to struggle in the future. As a freshman I was told this but I didn't listen. Please take heed.

No boys, they cause trouble ;) . I'm playing but I'm also serious. Its really hard to study when you're worried about why Frank isn't in his room at 1am. :confused:

If you don't have your class schedule by now you should have it soon. When you get to campus take you schedule and look for your classes the weekend before classes start. You don't want to be lost and embarrassed on the first day of class.

Lastly, just has the others have stated, have fun.

Just reading about all of this is taking me back. I can't believe its been four years.

My Views for Freshman
 

First and most importantly remember why you are going to college. College isn't a social club, happy hour of your life, a fashion show, nor a non-stop party. It's real and the way you play your cards determine the outcome of your future.

Always be yourself, some 90% of those people on campus you will probably never seen again in your life.

Keep your head up, even if you fail some classes-take them again. Life isn't over-college algebra bout banned me from school, but trig and calc where too easy. What's in your face might look bad, but there's always the future.

Dress to impress. Your clothes are you. Respect the classroom well enough to know midriffs, booty shorts, anything you'd wear to the club should be left for later that night.

Pull your weight and yours only. Friends are cool to help but don't let them push you and jerk your around to there own advantage and when you need help they disappear.

Remember not everyone is your friend and some people are still stuck in the high school ways and don't realize they are adults now.

If you choose to have any type of sexual contact-PROTECT YOUR SELF. Nobody is worth trusting your life too. Your degree won't mean a thing when you on that hospital bed with something without a cure.

Learn a second language especially if you dealing with business, medicine, etc

Set goals.

Need more drop me a message.

Definitely. Please NEVER limit yourself to the Black Student Organizations but @ the same time, do not leave them out of your life.

NETWORK for sure. You never know who you are sitting next to.

COMMUNITY SERVICE -- not just BECAUSE you want to join a sorority but BECAUSE you have been blessed in life and need to give back to others. A life of service is a GREAT THING. :cool:

Definitely talk to your professors and advisors on a regular basis. This is not meant to be a BROWN NOSER but you never know when you might need a favor, a recommendation, HELP, etc. That professor might remember you and be willing to help you out.

Have a RELIABLE backup for notes in classes in case you miss class.

Find a church home away from home!!!!! Campus life can be overwhelming and all-consuming, it is nice to have a second family and a church can often provide that.

Be open to the changes in your relationships with family members as you mature and grow - don't ignore stress points with your family, this might be a very difficult time for them as well - also be prepared to let go of some immature friendships that will not last beyond college.

Be open to people with lifestyles that you might not have been exposed to, but don't get sucked into every NEW thing you encounter!!

Take advantage of any and all opportunities to travel (within US and abroad)- it can be really inexpensive as a college student andwill provide you with a true education.

Get A (ONE, SINGLE) credit card and learn to manage it properly along with a checking account - if possible, do not tie a debit card to the checking account if you aren't savvy at balancing and tracking your funds. If your parents are assisting you with your educational financing, still take some time to find new scholarships or paid internships to assist them in this effort.

Relax and have fun!!! These should be some of the best years of your life, but they should be balanced.

Everyone has given great advice.

Just my perspective...

College teaches you, above ALL, how to be RESOURCEFUL and stretch that last dollar as far as you can. You are GOING to be broke at some point. It is inevitable, the proverbial "broke college student". Hey, those are some of the best times, lol! I spent like all 4 years being dead broke and loved it! I found out how to make a dollar out of 15 cents.

TIME MANAGMENT...goodness I know some have said it already but it can't be stressed enough!

Just know that, like 12dn94dst said, Ramen noodles will become your best friend. Also re-familiarize yourself with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Use your college experience to learn about YOURSELF first and foremost. I know when I was 18 graduating from high school, I thought I knew all there was to know about life. HA! Boy I couldn't have been more wrong. KEEP YOUR MIND OPEN.

Lastly, I know I would NEVER have fathomed this in HS, but college is not a fashion show. You can always tell the freshmen on campus because they are all decked out in the latest namebrand fashion. The upperclassmen do not care anymore. My wardrobe includes tee shirts, shorts, and sandals, nearly everyday, lol (unless it is appropriate to dress otherwise).

RAMEN NOODLES, pardon me, http://www.plaudersmilies.de/puke.gif

That is THE NASTIEST mess EVER. I ate ONE forkful and that was it. Nadanotherdayumnoodle passed my lips.

I was a meal card queen.

Treasure the SPONTANEOUS moments in college. **flashback** Most of my friends in college did not have a car. We used to WALK THROUGH the DRIVE THRU @ Burger King. :p

Hey I am not a fan of the noodles, myself, i am more of a sandwich person or Kraft mac and cheese! Yum!

OMG!!! Me and my friends used to walk through the drive through, two rows of two people (to simulate tires). We would be like 1...2...go! We really thought that we could fool the sensors into thinking we were a car! LOL!!

get help early
 

I am really close to this subject. Many of our college students wait too late to get involved and get help when necessary. Look for help when you don't need it so that when you do you already have a network in place. Find some member of the faculty or staff that you feel comfortable with and get to know them. The resources they have can be invaluable.

Another thing to keep in mind is that involvement on the campus can really put to use the things you are learning in class. Many of your greatest experiences will be outside of the classroom. That is what makes your experience a well rounded experience. I have learned to appreciate that college is a place where learning is supported.

Take the time to get to know who you are. Set high standard for yourself and do not let anyone move you from that which you have set for yourself.

Treat your day like an 8 hour work day. The first 3 weeks of any semester are the most important. Many students make the assumption that these are the least important weeks in a semester, WRONG ANSWER. This is the time you can really set your schedule and let your faculty members know who you are.

If you need to work find a job on campus.

Get to know the resources available to you. Although you are paying tuition to attend the university, generally there is no fee for use of many of the services available. Locate the campus writing center, the career center, if you are a first generation and/or a low income student find the campus Student Support Services-TRIO office (if they have one). Locate the office of student activities/student life.

Your entire college experience is based on the tone you set your first year. Believe it or not many of the persons who work at colleges or universities look forward to helping students who really want help. That is why we are here.

Learn to drink responsibily, if you must. Many college incidents start with irresponsible drinking.

So much to share, not enough space or time.

Good luck to you!

Enjoy you college experience. You only have one freshmen year, so make the best of it.

Especially the ones in fraternities! L;)L

I'm KIDDING of course. The best big brothers I had @ SSU were in fraternities. They're very handy.

But seriouly, be very aware of/careful with the varieties of fraternity punch. It my taste & look like kool-aid, but it ain't and the fruit may look harmless, but it's not. And even though I KNOW you're NOT going to take not one sip of an alcoholic beverage before your 21st birthday, I'm going to tell you this anyway: eat b4 you drink. Don't find out the hard way like I did. :( http://www.plaudersmilies.de/puke.gif

Spades is not just a card game, it is a way of life. ;)

Drinking ANYTHING
 

Before I went to college, some older woman who I met told me once I put my cup down in a public setting, i.e. party do not go back to it. You never know WHO does what to your drink while your back is turned.

First Year (oh the memories)
 

The advice that everyone has given you has been great!

Just a few extras to tag on:

1. If you're in class, or studying, and you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask your professors for help! That's what they are there for.

2. Every college/university has a career center. This place is a blessing in disguise. It can help you find great jobs, I know it helped me.

3. I know it has been said before, but time management is KEY! I know so many freshman who flunked out because they did not know the meaning of this (think of your GPA).

As someone who is about to graduate from college (Class of 2003 :D ), I wish I knew half of this stuff when I was entering college.

All in All, good luck!

Essentials......

Shower shoes
money
quarters
at least 2 sets of sheets
more than a few locks for your trunk or closet
laundry detergent
Ramen noodles
condoms
TV
stereo
computer
refridgerator
car

your bargaining ability
your fighting ability (sounds funny but you go to an HBCU, nuff said! and yes I USED TO attend one)


PLEASE lock up all your clothes, CD's and personals like money and purse.Don't trust anyone.I have stories to share if you need them.

ADVICE: Sit and wait for your clothes to wash and dry. You will thank yourself later.

Get involved in the different organizations on campus.

Go to class. If you are struggling in class but have great attendence, teachers will most likely give you a decent grade.

Don't party too much. After a while, they are all the same anyway.

Have a talk with your roommate about the "rules" of the "house".Discuss study times(no music or tv playing), visiting times(male and female), and what's ok to borrow or use.

Be careful who you choose as friends and don't let friends sucker you(turning their car into a full service taxi, etc)

A CAR
 

Far be it from me to argue the essentialness of having a car as a college student but for anyone who is off to college in the fall, TRUST ME if you do not already have one, it is not a must have.

I went through 5 years of no car and I really walked my butt off which is what kept me from gaining significant weight in college. TRUST.

I am not sure what the locale of A&T is since I am not yet a North Carolina resident :D but there will be plenty of folks to become friends with who will have a car.

My turn
 

Whoo, it's been 11 years since I've been a freshman, let's see what I can remember:

Well, you know the basics about going to class, professors, and whatnot, here's some practical advice:

Do not be afraid to try something new. Meaning, if there is a student activity, or student group you might like to join, give it a try and see if you like it. I took a course in teaching an 11-week student orientation course and I loved it. It lets folk know that you are versatile and well-rounded.

GET A GOOD POSITIVE NETWORK OF FRIENDS!! I managed to hook up with seven other freshman students and we were like the "Freshman 8", doing everything together. If you are contemplating joining a GLO, this will help you learn basic skills required to be a Greek, such as accountability, bonding, cameradie, and brother/sisterhood.

Stretch that dollar! My first semester in college I made $150 last for 15 weeks.

JUST SAY NO!!! DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT try drugs or even alcohol. You run the risk of being arrested and/or thrown out of school, plus the aftereffects and the company it keeps really isn't worth "being with the in-crowd".

Relationships - can't comment; most of the students weren't worth my time. 'Nuff said.

Keep that GPA up, y'unnerstan'? A high GPA looks good on your record, and lets folk know you are about handlin' business.

If you are living in a dorm, keep a good relationship with your roomate; a good roommate really does make a difference b/t heaven and hell.

Party only when you feel you truly need a study break; for the most part, if you been to one party, you been to 'em all.

I almost forgot, handle your financial aid/registration issues NOW! The more together your financial aid and registration and dorm assignments are now, the less time you will have to spend in long lines at the FAO, the Registrar, and the Resident Services offices trying to straighten the mess out later.

And above all, cherish and enjoy your college years. They truly come once in a lifetime.

RM

that reminds me
 

If A & T offers it, PRE-REGISTER FOR CLASSES & PAY FOR THEM IN ADVANCE EACH & EVERY SEMESTER! It will save you the headache & stress of trying to register @ the beginning of the semester standing (oftentimes) outside in the heat/cold. You won't have to worry about classes you need being closed as well.

**REALLY missing SSU right about now**

Whoa!!!
 

Thanks everyone who replied to my thread...the tips that have been given are very practical and will be of much use to me in August. I've noticed that just about everyone who has replied has stressed the "GPA" and "trust no one" factors. LOL I will take heed to all the advice given. For those of you who haven't replied yet....please do so. And for those who have already replied if you remember anything please post it. Thank you!!!

;)

~Innocence22~

NC A&T
 

Innocence,
I'm going to be right around the corner from you in the Fall at UNCG. What everyone has posted thus far is correct...GPA, getting involved, etc., etc. I know all schools have some amount of drama, but let me stress that you are going to an HBCU and you know how snitches like to cut up:rolleyes: I have a friend who just transfered from A&T because she got caught up in all that garbage. Just be yourself and don't call everyone your friend.

Also, I didn't start off at UNCG...I started off at UNC Chapel Hill. I ended up transfering because I fooled around and wasted my parents money for two years, I had (and still have) terrible credit card debt, me and my girls "wild out":p (we thought we could make the same grades we did in high school w/ the same effort---we was WRONG), and eventually stress got the best of me. I'm grateful for a fresh new start, but I don't want anyone to go through what I went through. Your professors aren't joking when they say to study 2-3 hours for each hour of class.

If you need someone to talk to in the area, I'll PM you w/ my information. You really don't need a car. Greensboro is the third largest city in NC, so you should be okay. I have a car and I visit A&T often so if you need a ride some place, holla and we'll roll out:D

Even More Advice
 

Since I just graduates a month ago I still have some pretty fresh ideas

Some one said it earlier but again

NO CREDIT CARDS!! NO CREDIT CARDS!! NO CREDIT CARDS!!

-If you must get one for emergency purposes leave it in the room when going to the mall.
-Especially stay away from the gazillion department store credit cards that 10% opening is not worth the headache
-Since you are at an HBCU as I just graduated from...you do not need a new outfit for every football game
(Your credit is one of the most important assets you can have these days and without it you may not get a job or an apartment when you finally graduate)

Visit your professors during their office hours before you start doing bad in the class...sometimes those visits are the difference between a letter grade

I cannot stress keeping up the GPA when graduation times and you wanna graduate cum, magna, or suma cum laude a class that you did not do so well in your freshman year could keep you away by fractions of a point

Do not wait until the last minute to do an assignment. If a professor tells you that you have a paper or presentation in three weeks do it ahead of time and get it out of the way

Stay active...I held leadership positions in many organizations on campus...it really pays off to get to know people

DO NOT be the hellraiser roommate...when there is conflict try to resolve it in a calm manner you and that person will be sharing that small space for quite a while

Go by the philosophy: When I have you have...if you have food and your roommate is broke don't be afraid to share because you never know when you could be in the same predicament

Save some of that refund check and don't blow it unnecessarily...it is hard to look back after four years and think of all the money that slipped through your hands

Make sure that you are enrolled in classes even if you preregister it is not uncommon for HBCU's to drop you out of the system and you will be in class all semester thinking you are enrolled :eek:

Remember college is a microcosm of the world...most of the experiences you have in college are the same ones you will face in the real world personally and professionally

Study!!! Study !!! Study!!! but be well rounded at the same time...you don't have to attend every party and by the time you are a senior you probably won't want to attend any


Make sure that you make friends along the way...it is not uncommmon for you and your best friends from high school to grow apart

I didn't have a car while in college either and though it can come in handy you will probably be better off without one

Please...Please...Please...Do not be a groupie for orgs. such as fraternities, basketball or football team because then you will probably get set out or be labeled as such even if you are innocent

You may say what others think of you is not important but it is not fun having a bad reputation...I know girls who had to leave school

I have much much more but I'll end it for now...I wish you all of God's blessings as you open up a new chapter in your life

Agreeing with all that I've read. I would like to add (and perhaps again since I didn't read through all replies).

Keep GOD first!!!!

NO CREDIT CARDS - or only for emergencies

STUUUUUUUUDY, STUUUUUUUDY, STUUUUUUUDY

Get plenty of rest

No serious dating at least until your sophmore year.

NO SEX, NO SEX, NO SEX if you feel the need-pray. Ask the brotha a lot of questions first, make him wait a year or two, get tested (both of you), make him show you test results, and use protection but before all that Pls just say I have bigger plans than that right now, NO.

Sistafriend, I say that b/c we are becoming victims to HIV/AIDS at an alarming rate and college will be one of your most memorable times. I don't mean to scare you but I think it's a serious matter.

Make friends - good ones.

Be open to new things.

Keep your values and morals intact.

Explore

Strive for 4.0 GPA

Make your family and yourself proud.

More points on the car issue
 

Innocence and to anyone else who is a non car having college student like I was, Springfield, Ohio had a bus system that stopped running at 5 pm and did not run on the weekends at all. :eek: :eek: It was a semi painful situation at times but thanks to the FRIENDS I had, I got around as I needed. Plus I kept quality tennis shoes for my walking grocery trips. That time period made me and continues to make me appreciate my car today. Also I can truly say God looked out for me as I walked 2 miles home every night @ 11pm from my off campus job.

I know people who went to HBCUs who were carless who said that they made it through college quite nicely without one.

My two cents:
My high school guidance counselor gave me this advice: Treat college like a job.

Learn to manage your time; if you can't, think of this: Mon-Thurs, work. Friday (nite) and Saturday is for play. Sunday is for church and getting ready for the next week.

One thing that I didnt see mentioned is HEALTH. I was grateful for Student Health, b/c I got mono my first semester at college. After I got better, I took Vitamin C to keep my immune system up, on the advice of my PA (Physician's Assistant). Be sure to take care of yourself, meaning drink a lot of water, eat a salad every now and then, all that good stuff. BELIEVE ME, it helped a LOT when I got better. :)

Lastly, Have FUN!!! Hopefully, you will meet friends for life (or at least for the time youre at school).

GOOD LUCK!!

ps.. dont forget to pray. That got me thru a LOT of mess at UNC. :D

Reading in fundamental, especially in a discussion such as this...
 

Another point of college advice for Innocence and any other incoming freshman. READ the chapters in addition to studying your class notes. There have been many a time where I've missed a question (or 2 or 3 :o) on a test/quiz because I skimmed and didn't read ALL the material assigned.

Did any of us mention STUDY GROUPS?!?!!? Some study groups are not very productive :o but they can be very valuable in terms of notes, studying for tests, and just having people in the class who can help reinforce material in class.

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. As several have mentioned, that may be the difference in a letter grade. Professors get paid to help you.

Advisors: Your personal guidance counselor. Get to know him or her. If for some reason you two are like oil and water, do not be afraid to get a new advisor.

The reason I am so full of advice is because as a teacher, a lot of my students ask me about college life and since I tell them all these things so that THEY can be successful and make me proud, I want the same for you.

PRAYER, yes lawd.:D

ok, there is really some good advice being posted. if i repeat something, it's just that important to be mentioned more than once. i didn't read through all the posts.

1. get to know your college advisor and make sure he/she knows you (may help w/letters of recommendation)

2. stay away from credit cards. these companies cater to college students, assuming they don't know any better.

3. take advantage of intern opportunities, even if unpaid. it'll be invaluable later in life (experience and something to put on your resume).

4. if you aren't practicing abstinence please use protection. while condoms, dental dams, etc., don't prevent all std's, besides abstinence, it's the best protection available.

5. enjoy your time in college. there isn't anything like it.

6. join a club or something. this will provide you w/add'l opportunities to meet other students.

Aaah, college. (Screw this! I'm going back to get my MBA)

Innocence, the only thing that I want to add is to have fun and be careful.

You make your experience, so make the most of it. Experience as much as u can!

Also, i would say, that of course, abstinence is the best policy...BUT..in case you are active...

Most schools have condom clubs where you can get condoms, dental dams, lube, all that good stuff. (OSU has a club where u can get 10 condoms for a dollar, for example.)This is the age of AIDS unfortunately, and we need to be armed!!

SAFER SEX, LADIES....WE ARE DYING!! :( Ok enough of my tirade.


Talk to students who have taken the classes you want to take. These students should be able to do several things: tell you which teacher to take, and you may be able to borrow books from them...

It's all about making a dollar out of 15 cents in college.

As if my Sorors didnt say it enough..NO CREDIT CARDS!! NO MATTER WHAT. Young people mess themselves up by getting a card and buying fly outfits for all the parties (knowing good and well you couldnt afford it) and end up with creditors on their backs because noone sat them down and explained the importance of having good credit.


If you get a refund check at the beginning of the qtr/semester...pay the bills for the quarter at the very beginning...you can't be worrying about paying tuition and studying at the same time.

Work Study - if you need a job try work study because often the campus positions pay more if you are on work study.

Fill out that FAFSA on time!!

Before you accept that scholarship from XYZ company, make sure that your school won't take away your state issued grant money that you already have.


Work the city's transpo system and walk......you'll save money and keep that girlish figure all at the same time. :D

Be all up in the Profs face. I am serious about this one....my father passed while i started my first year of my honors program...if they hadn't known who I was, they wouldn't have been willing to work with me on my grades/exams. And I have professional contacts for life.

IF you dont have a bank account, get one! Many campus area banks have free checking programs.

Yes, and Keep your drink in your hand and your eye in your cup at the club... this is also the age of GHB/Date Rape Drugs...


Ladies - Don't walk alone on campus at night...I would recommend keeping a little police whistle on your keychain..sounds silly but if somebody walks up on you and attacks.....whistles are loud!!

Ok, that's it for now... :) HAVE FUN GUYS!! COLLEGE IS SO MUCH FUN!

A few more!!
 

CALL HOME!!! Or email.

Keep in touch with your friends from High School. This was my lifeline my first semester.

Study groups are a great idea, too.

Be open to meeting new people.


:p

good topic
 

1. If your parents have health care insurance, be sure to get ALL of the information you need b/c Student Health Centers are good but sometimes its really crowded and you don't feel like waiting.

2. Save up as much money as you can this summer

3. Buy EVERYTHING in bulk especially soap, shampoo, pads (things you will always need)

4. I rarely ate in the cafe, so you might want to bring the Foreman Grill along

5. Keep in mind books are expensive (sometimes you can find them on internet websites cheaper)

Thats all for now!! Everyone here has given GREAT advice I wished I would have ask this same question last September!!!:) :)

College tips
 

I could not resist replying to this one:

1. Leave high school in your hometown. When I say this, I mean that when you go to college, you are starting over. You will no longer be seen as what you were in high school be it jock, homecoming queen, or nerd. I was a nerd in high school and I was determined to shed that image once I got to college. So I cut class, hung out with the wrong crowd, you name it. On the flip side, I have seen people on campus that were Mr./Ms. Popularity in high school and when they got to campus, they tried in vain to maintain that status. Use this time to get to know yourself.

2. Make friends with those in your major, they will be a help when it comes to classes, study groups, as well as jobs and/or grad school info. This has really helped me out.

3. KNOW and VISIT your academic advisor, your minority student sevices office, and the dean or chair of your major on a REGULAR basis. Don't wait until finals to get to know them.

4. If you are struggling in a class, take advantage of a tutor or any help that your school offers. At some schools these services are free or paid for in your fees. Don't be too proud to accept help when you need it.

5. Get involved in your campus community as well as in the community that supports your campus. Don't be so eager to run home every weekend, you could miss out on a lot of fun and the chance to make new friends.

Good luck!!!

Hate to beat a dead horse but.....
 

I have friends that are trying to buy a house and are having a HARD time getting a loan because of bad credit. Need you ask where the credit problems started? :rolleyes:

Those companies should not be allowed to solicit to chillins.

Ask your pastor to recomend a church for you to join in the area under watch care.

You are getting some WONDERFUL advice on this thread. Good luck to you.

Wow
 

This thread really brings tears to my eyes becuase I graduate in May 2003. Anyway................

What to pack............
Honestly.....everything but the kitchen sink! You may have to make two tripss. On your intial trip don't bring a whole lot becuase I've witnessed (over the past 3 years) how freshmen females pack entirely too much then have to send majority of it home. Oh yeah, if you can try to find out who your roommate is now, and call her. We were able to do this our freshmen year.
Ironing board, iron, towels/washcloth (2or 3 sets), snacks, starch, shower shoes, all your tolietries that you use at home bring them, pillows............

Ok, if you don't stay far from A&T leave your computer at home. I know, I can't live without mine eithier, but you may not have room for your computer and your roommate's computer. Um, if you do get to speak with your roommate decide who's bringing the tv and radio. If you don't get to speak with her then after ya'll get there, sit down and have a conversation about what ya'll can share. For example, why do you need two tv's in the room (unless your roommate insists on watching soap operas in Spanish all day long). Same for stereos. I think you get my drift.

Some people may advise you not to join clubs/organizations during your freshmen year, but if you are like me and you just have to be involved/active in something then by all means JOIN. Just don't forget that schoolwork comes first.

If you don't known A&T is known as a party school, please don't get caught up.
The guy you meet at freshmen orientation/2nd day in the cafe/at the book store...............is not your true love. Ok, maybe he is, BUT, TAKE IT SLOW. You have 4 (3.5) years of college............enjoy it.
Don't let financial aid b-s you. They have money and it is yours if you need/want it.
Don't dress like its a fashion show/club............its not.........you will get tired of walking around in stilletos (sp) all day. But always be cute! :D
All guys (if in fraternity or not) are not dogs. Some of them maybe, but don't just turn your nose up at them just cuz you think they are. Some will actually help you in your time of need.
All girls (if in sorority or not) are not stuck-up.Some of them maybe, but don't just turn your nose up at them just cuz you think they are. Some will actually help you in your time of need.

At FSU we are doing "SMoove Move" where we help freshmen move in and all of us (Pan, SGA, and SAC) chill with the freshmen for the rest of the day. This not something that the fresh. have to do. But if your school does something like this, take advantage of it. It's to your benefit.
Participate in the events that the campus organizations put on, they do it for you!

Be Safe and Be Blessed!
If you want to know anything else you can always e-mail me.
I hope you have fun!

Shower Shoes!!!!!!

MY #1 THING IS TO CHOOSE YOUR HOMEWORK OVER PARTYING, DON'T PUT IT OFF!!

TELL YOUR ROOMMATE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES AND HER THE SAME.

ALSO, IF YOU ARE ROOMING WITH YOUR FRIEND, I HOPE YOU HAVE REALLY MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IS THAT ROOMING WITH A FRIEND COULD RUIN A FRIENDSHIP. I ROOMED WITH MY FRIEND, WE HAD IT OUT THE 1ST SEMESTED, 2 SEMESTER SHE MOVED.

GET TO KNOW PEOPLE, BUT DON'T BE QUICK TO CALL PEOPLE YOUR FRIENDS, I LEARNED THE HARD WAY.

DON'T GET ANY CREDIT CARDS! THIS CANNOT BE STRESSED ENOUGH. CONSEQUENCE: SPENDING YOU SUMMER WORKING A FULL TIME JOB, LIKE MYSELF.

P.S. I WILL HAVE NO VACATION

To the top
 

In a matter of days or weeks, colleges across the nation will be welcoming our babies back into academia.. . .

Will You Be Ready???

Remember these things:

Spades is a card game, not a major/minor!!! I've known quite a few students who were in danger of being on academic probation b/c of this. :eek:

If you can trade books with other students at the beginning of each semester, do so. That's better than trying to sell your books back to the bookstore and getting less than 50% of what you paid for. Damn those professors who write the textbooks and make changes to them each semester. :mad:

Definitely join a club/organization, especially one that will pertain to your major (NABA, AMA, etc.)

Study first, party later. I've never know schools to hand out A's to students who attended every party that was held.

Get to know your professors!!!!! You will need them on your side when it comes to final grades and letters of recommendation for grad school.

NO CREDIT CARDS!!!!!! THEY ARE THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL I TELL YA!!!:mad: :mad:

Things I've picked up so far.
 

--- No matter how late you schedule your first class, you are still going to sleep through it.

--- if there is someone that is also from your home town, become friends with that person. you never know when you might need a ride home or a companion to ride with.

-- DO NOT room with your best friend.

--- DO NOT slack during the semester and then try to make up a semesters load of work during the week before finals. although it is possible, its not fun.

--- DO NOT tell on your roomate or anyone else in your dorm just to try and get perks from your residence assistance. this only leads to trouble.

-- If cooking appliances are illegal in your roon, a george forman grill easily fits in a shoe box. thats the last place they would look.

-- if you have never been in a super walmart before, do not go there by yourself. you will be in there for HOURS.