The first year of college is always difficult as students acclimate to a new environment, learn to function on their own, and begin working toward their degree. Hopefully these forty-two bite-sized tips will help make that important year just a little easier.
- Get to know fellow students. Networking is crucial to success.
- Get organized. (Unless you want to constantly lose things.)
- Learn time management. You will never have enough time for everything otherwise.
- Apply for scholarships. Make every application as good as possible.
- Avoid scholarship scams. They will take all the money you let them.
- Find the ideal study place. You will be using it often.
- Meet your professors. They can be very useful if you ever need help.
- Go to class. You never know what you might miss.
- Take CLEP tests. They will save you time and money.
- Listen in class. Don’t just be in class physically; be there mentally.
- Always avoid alcohol. It is better to not drink, and, if you decline politely, others will respect you for it.
- Form a study group. Once you start to know more people form a solid study group.
- Learn to communicate well. It is a skill that will pay off your whole life.
- Never miss a deadline. Memorize your assignment due dates and finish early.
- NEVER cheat. You are better off failing than cheating.
- Learn to write emails properly. You will write plenty of them.
- Become self-sufficient. You should not always be needing help.
- Remember people’s names. It will get you more friends.
- Don’t buy books until you need them. Consider book rental.
- Avoid peer pressure. Don’t be too worried about what others think of you.
- Avoid the college bookstore. Their prices are notorious.
- Keep exercised. Don’t get out of shape.
- Get to know your academic advisor. He will help you with everything from choosing majors to scheduling classes.
- Find a cheap form of transportation. Such as bicycling.
- Take notes in class. It will help you do better on the test.
- Find a job. There is no time like the present to start balancing work and school.
- Be responsible. You are responsible for your actions, so you need to act responsibly.
- Work for good grades. Your grades in college affect your hire-ability after college.
- Eat healthfully. You do not want to get the “Freshman 15”.
- Find free computer programs. You can save lots of money.
- Write your budget. Then stick to it.
- Get involved in extra-curricular activities. These activities will also affect your job outlook.
- Don’t over-schedule. Remember to include time for sleep and hobbies.
- Keep in touch with those at home. Don’t forget your family and friends from home.
- Pack smart. Make sure you include what you will need and avoid what you won’t.
- Don’t procrastinate. Learn to finish important tasks early. Never wait until “tomorrow”.
- Start a college blog. It will help you financially while building your reputation.
- Join local communities near your college. Get to know people outside your immediate college circle.
- Build good study habits. These will help you your entire life.
- Avoid bad study habits. These will hurt you your entire life.
- Find some good hobbies. Try to find a hobby related to your career.
- Subscribe to Debt-free Scholar. Every student ought to.
What tips would you give a college freshman?
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Great list, lots of solid tips there.
Wow, that’s some list! I think there are great tips (some essential) in your list but the student who achieves each one might secretly be a robot! Best of luck to college freshmen and strive to do your best and take your education seriously. Perhaps keep this as a checklist/reminder and see what you need to work on AND give yourself a gold star for those things you’re already doing!
Great stuff man it can really come down to just balance and managing your time.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/3002540/tips_for_college_freshman_strategies.html?cat=4
I wish i saw tip number 5 earlier.