Advice to pnms beginning their College/University experience…

[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.

[flirt5721]

Also:

Go to career fairs. Even as a freshman so you can get the feeling of how it works.

Keep an open mind about co-ops and internships. They help out a lot.

Don't forget that at the end of each semester you can sell back you books to the bookstore (you won't get that much back but its something) or you can sell them to other students.

Find out if there is an escort service if walking around campus late at night.

Don't go out to eat so much. It might not seem like much but it will add up.

[Rollergirl2001]

More Tips:

-Learn to say NO. For instance if you have an exam the next day and you're roommate ask you to go to a party, simply say no. Exams have an effect on you more than parties.

-Abstain from alcohol the night before exams.

-CREATE a schedule. If you do, you are more likely to be organized and more likely to make better grades and stay focused.
Example:
MWF
6 Wake Up Time
8-9 English 101
9:15-10:15 Chemistry
10:30-11:30 College Algebra
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-4:00 Free Time (arcade, go to the gym)
4:00-6:00 Chores (i.e. Laundry on Wednesdays)
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Study Time
10:00 Sleep Time

TR
Same Wake Up time
8-9:30 Psychology
9:45-11:15 Spanish
Rest of Schedule same as MWF

-Also AVOID peak times to wash your clothes. Wash before 6 otherwise you will wait all night to wash your clothes. I remember one time that I have to wait until 1 AM to wash my clothes! Don't make that mistake.

-Get plenty of quarters for washing and drying.

-When the fire alarm goes off in your dorm, GET OUT. If you don't, you will be written up.

-If you live at the dorms, make sure you follow the rules (i.e. quiet hours) and do not have illegal stuff (i.e. candles, George Foreman grills, drugs (duh)). If you don't you will get written up and you may be possibly fined.

-If you haven't declared a major yet, don't sweat! Just because your friends have not declared a major, doesn't mean you have to. Wait for at least a year, tops, and take the general education classes first. They include English, Math, Science, History, etc.

-If there is a welcome convocation, ATTEND it! You will meet the president of the univerisity, meet new friends, learn more about activites and clubs.

-If your roommate is homesick, talk to her. Maybe go out with her to a movie or bowling. But ask what her interests are. If you roomate is new to town, but you know the town very well, show her around.

-If possible, get the name and phone number of your roommate before you move in. Discuss with her what you would bring and compromise with the room situation.

[Ocalagirl]

Another good rule of thumb is to talk to you people you know about which professors to take. And take their advice! It will make taking classes easier and less painful on you! If you do not know anyone like me, go to http://www.ratemyprofessors.com or the professor grading system on Myspace.com until you meet people at your school.

Don't make the mistake to slack around the first two semesters. I made that mistake and it takes sooooooo much more work to pull up my GPA now and I could just kick myself for it!

Look closely at your syllabus!

For me I tried keep two calenders, one for homework, papers, etc. and the second one is just for social events. Just use one! It may sound like common sense to use one, but it is a lot easier.

Don't be over involved at your school, but don't be under involved. You have to find that happy balance between school (1st priority by the way), work (if you choose), and clubs and organizations.

Have FUN and meet NEW people, not just the ones you live with or have known since high school.

This advice is coming from a college junior so I know the game.

[Drolefille]

Actually George Foremans were allowed at my school. They don't have an "open heating element" like a toaster.

[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.

[Munchkin03]

One thing that I thought about when writing out rush recommendations--

After you graduate from high school, NO ONE cares what clubs you were in or what your parents did. Really.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

One thing that I thought about when writing out rush recommendations--

After you graduate from high school, NO ONE cares what clubs you were in or what your parents did. Really.

Agreed. Honestly rush is probably the last time any of that stuff will ever matter to anyone.