When you get to college, it is a strange feeling. You have to go to class, which you are used to, but you have a lot more freedom than you may be used to. There are a lot of things to know about class, but there is much more to know about your life at college. Here are some tips to help you.
Be realistic when it comes to your work and school loads.
If you aren’t a night person, don’t schedule night classes or labs. Understand your internal clock and work with it as much as you can.
When you are trying to choose a school that you would like to attend you should weigh all of the pros and cons of the school compared to what your major will be. You can find many lists that tell you what the department at the school you are interested in ranks.
A great skill that you should learn going into college is cooking. This is very important as it can help you to construct the types of meals that you desire and will also assist in saving money on eating out over time. Also, this skill can make you more valuable to your roommates.
Try to get involved in many different activities during your college years.
Participating in activities that pertain to your interests beefs up your experience for when you depart for the real world. Focus on getting good grades, and balance that with other activities.
Consider living on campus even if you go to school close to home. Not only will you miss a lot of things going on, but you may miss out on your first opportunity to live on your own and make your own financial and social decisions. If you can possibly afford it, live in a dorm.
Going to college is a real commitment. If you are thinking about getting an education, you need to make sure you will have enough time to attend classes and do your homework. You might have to make some changes to your schedule, talk to your family and to your employer before you enroll for school.
Stay out of credit card trouble by paying off your balance each month.
If you carry a balance, the interest and late fees add up quickly. Only use credit cards in case of emergencies. Though you may be tempted to use it for dining out or other fun outings, keep in mind that you are at school to learn. You do not want to be distracted with financial issues.
Once you start college, you should schedule an appointment with your adviser to set up a study plan. Your academic adviser will help you choose your classes, your activities and make plans for your future. Meet with your adviser on a regular basis to talk about your progress and make sure you stay on the right track.
Keep your loans to a minimum. Look into scholarships, grants and special programs to help pay for college so that you won’t have a lot of debt hanging over your head when you graduate. For many students, loan checks seem like free money while they are in school–but once you get out they become an obligation you may regret.
Keep in touch with your family.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s hard sometimes to keep in touch with your siblings and parents when you have so much going on in your college life. Make time for at least one call or Skype session every week, and you’ll make them happy.
If you are looking to go back to college, but it has been a while since you were in school, consider attending evening classes. The instructors usually actively work in their fields during the daytime, and teach at night. This helps to bring a different element of real-life experience to the classroom.
Think about studying abroad. Look at the opportunities offered by the school, but don’t let that box you in. If you want to study in another country, you need to find out everything that is available to you. You might even be able to find something better outside of your school.
Stay away from plagiarizing!
You are going to likely have to write many reports and essays at college. Make sure you understand how to properly cite works in order to avoid plagiarism. Professors check for plagiarism, so only turn in work that you have done yourself.
Make a commitment to your education. If you go into school thinking of it like a big party, then that’s exactly what you’ll get out of it. And you more than likely won’t last the four years. A lot of money is being spent on your education, so you need to commit yourself to your success.
Now that you have had time to read through the tips laid out here, you have a better understanding of how to lead a fulfilling life at college. College is a fond memory for many, but you have to make sure that you have fond memories for you. This is your time!