Advice to pnms beginning their College/University experience…

[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.

[Rollergirl2001]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

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

You're lucky! At my school, they weren't allowed.

[Jimmy Choo]

* Go to the programs put on in your residence hall! Some may be stupid but others can be quite helpful. We had a course on self-defense which was great b/c I had a lot of night classes and did not always have a buddy to walk back with.
* And on that note, pay attention in your class to look for familar faces. Not only could you find a study buddy, but you could also find someone you can walk home with from a night class. Aviod being alone if you can. If you can't, find out where the public safety phones are or if your campus provides rides for students walking back late at night.
* Move in as early as you can so you can just wander around. This goes for your campus and your city/town. You'll find some cool places and probably some places to avoid as well.
* If you do get a credit card you only need one, not 17. And if you find you can't pay it, call the company and try to work something out. Also at that point, cancel the card and cut it up!!!!
* Most importantly, keep an open mind! You may meet types of people you have never encountered before. This is what the real world is like.