It’s that time of the year again— the season of watermelons, unbearably hot sidewalks, pool parties and most importantly, high school graduations. While bittersweet goodbyes and relaxation sans homework is completely necessary, it is equally important for students to start thinking about college. Below is some college advice from a recent high school graduate (yours truly) that will hopefully help you kick-start your college career.
Do’s
- Go to class: Just because attendance is not mandatory, it does not mean you shouldn’t show up. If you have to skip class, skip wisely. At least attend all your classes in the first few weeks to gauge how much you can get out of a lecture or discussion.
- Make going to professor office hours a regular part of your schedule: Do not be intimidated by your professors’ Nobel Prizes, remember that they are people too. Regularly going to office hours almost always guarantees that you receive academic guidance, get to know a professor and find smart friends.
- Take a lighter course load your first semester: There will be plenty of opportunities to be an overachiever throughout your college career. Use your first semester to enjoy and acclimate to college life.
- Walk: Explore your campus and college town with the most accessible and basic mode of transportation – your two legs.
- Do something you have never done before: Everyone says that college is a time to try new things but how many practice what they preach? Suggestions include skydiving, getting off the internet and handing in your homework on time.
- Get to know your roommates/floor-mates: Perhaps you in fate, God or leprechauns, but either way certain people have been put into your life as roommates and floor mates. Having to share bathrooms and breathing-air is incubator for
- Be nice: You never know who that annoying guy who won’t stop kicking your chair will become after college.
- Take care of yourself: Mom will not be around to feed you or tell you to go to bed. Be responsible for yourself—you’re an adult now.
Don’ts
- Don’t forget to call home: As excited as you are to get rid of mom, dad and your siblings, you’ll realize that you’ll miss them as much as they miss you.
- Other than that, there really are no don’ts in college. Just remember to use common sense when necessary and make each day at college an adventure so that you will be armed with experience and the wisdom of a college student when you finally enter the real world.Good luck!
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