Advice to pnms beginning their College/University experience…

[KSUViolet06]

* SEE YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR REGULARLY. AT LEAST ONCE EVERY semester, SIT DOWN with your advisor and talk about what you've taken, what you need, and ANY important deadlines/applications in your program.

* KNOW YOUR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. Seriously, check out your requirement sheet so YOU KNOW what you need to take. Know your pre-requisites, and anything you need to take sequentially. Your advisor can only help you if you are knowledgeable about your program and know your requirements.

*If you are UNSURE about what major you would like, do NOT DECLARE ONE freshman year. It's okay to be undecided (or what KSU calls "exploratory") for a year. Most schools have special classes, programs, and career exploration materials especially for those people who are undecided.

*If you're receiving financial aid (most people do), KNOW WHAT YOU'RE EXPECTED TO DO TO KEEP IT. Make sure you know what GPA you need to keep your scholarships and other aid.

[KSUViolet06]

*For the love of all that's holy, GET SOME SLEEP! Do everything you can do to make sure that you get a sufficient amount of rest every night.

*START YOUR PAPERS/BIG PROJECTS EARLY. Writing a 7 page paper on language patterns in Middle English the day before it is due SUCKS. Don't say, "Oh I work best under pressure." You'll do better if you complete assignments in a timely fashion.

*BE ON TIME TO CLASS. Freshman year, I had a prof who would intentionally mention all the important areas to study for the test at the BEGINNING (first 5 minutes) of class. Another guy I had would take attendance at EXACTLY 2:00 and ANYONE who came in after that was considered abesent. There are profs who lower grades for lateness. It's also just rude to walk in 10 minutes into a class while the prof is speaking.

*SAVE and/or COPY your course syllabi. They are VERY important. They list ALL the readings, tests, and due dates for the class. Profs won't always REMIND you when things are due. Sometimes, you'll walk into class and he'll just say "pass the homework up". If you hadn't been keeping track of your syllabus, you'd be COMPLETELY clueless and unprepared.

* THE SAME EXCUSES THAT WORKED FOR YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL, WILL NOT WORK IN COLLEGE. Saying "I forgot it." or "My disk magically erased it", just won't work (even if you're telling the truth). Professors WILL NOT accept late work. You might get lucky and have a prof who MIGHT let you turn in something late, but lower it a letter grade or lower your FINAL grade. So do EVERYTHING you can to turn your work in on time.

[AnonAlumna]

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

LMAO!!! I married him!

[LionTamer]

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!!!

[Dionysus]

*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.

[PhoenixAzul]

Originally posted by BetaRose
That might be good advice on a commuter campus, but on a more traditional campus, most people aren't carrying books or a backpack at night. They're most likely going to meetings, the gym, the dining hall, or over to their buddy's dorm room. There are a million legit things to do on campus after hours that you aren't going to need your books for.

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

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

[Dionysus]

Originally posted by BetaRose
That might be good advice on a commuter campus, but on a more traditional campus, most people aren't carrying books or a backpack at night. They're most likely going to meetings, the gym, the dining hall, or over to their buddy's dorm room. There are a million legit things to do on campus after hours that you aren't going to need your books for.

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.

[Dionysus]

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

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

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.

[Kasis-anon]

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.

[aephi alum]

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.

[christiangirl]

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).

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.

[christiangirl]

Originally posted by Kasis-anon
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.

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.

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by aephi alum


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.

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.

[flirt5721]

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.

[honeychile]

Originally posted by Munchkin03
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.

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.