A Novice's Guide to College Life

Pomp and Circumstance is fading in your rear view and you've been boxing up your new dorm collection. Lucky for you, you get to be a part of this booming college atmosphere. Of course college is fun. You've heard the stories, tales, and legends. Now it's your turn to be a part of it all. I bet you're a little nervous, really excited, and anxious all at the same time. Don't worry, I've got you covered.

Tip #1: Learn your class schedule. I don't mean particularly which class is when, rather, which class is where. If you can map out your travel route around campus ahead of time, you'll put to rest those fears of walking into your first college classroom 10 minutes late with everyone staring at you. Remember, first impressions are big.

Tip #2: Speaking of first impressions... College is a great time because, assuming you're living on campus away from home, you have the opportunity to start over. Maybe you were kind of a nerd in high school. Now people will see you as an intelligent individual and get to know you for you, not just some stupid stereotype that some bully gave you in high school. So, use this new found environment to be who you want to be, not who someone has constantly told you to be.

Tip #3: Speaking of high school... Well, it isn't high school anymore. So try not to dwell in the past. So you were a big shot athlete, varsity everything. Well, guess what, now you're a freshman and over 90% of the people at your new school don't know you, or give a darn about your pin-plated letter jacket. Maybe you had a reputation in high school for something you did or didn't do, and you've never been able to live that down. Guess what! No one knows! You've successfully graduated high school. It's over. Now you're at the proverbial bottom of the social barrel and you need to start over. Stay away from childish gossip, cliquish behavior, and pre-judging people. You'll be surprised at how awesome it is to befriend a rainbow of different people. No more high school bull crap. You're an adult now. Act like it!

Tip #4: Speaking of meeting people... So you're moving to a new town? There are still a ton of things to do. Most colleges have a fitness center, indoor/outdoor pools, and constant festivals, speeches, and other events that are available to students. But the key is, no matter where you go, to make yourself go out and meet new people. College can be hard when midterms and finals roll around. The more people you know, the more outgoing you are, the better your chances of finding a study partner to get you through hitting the books.

Tip #5: Speaking of studying... Don't forget why you're at college! Yes, college is a time for fun, hanging out with new and old friends, and having a general good time. But, if you flunk out, you're not going to be having any fun! Keep your studies a priority. If you stay on top of your homework, studying, and writing, it won't hit you too hard at your deadline. It will only take you one semester to realize college isn't like high school at all. You may come across a professor here and there that gives out a lot of homework, but they won't be the majority. You know how you hate to do all those worksheets and silly assignments? Well, guess what, professors hate to grade them. So, instead, they may give you 2 tests and an 8 page paper instead. That's it, 3 grades. They may throw in a percentage for attendance and participation, but that alone won't be enough to get you the grade you need to pass. So, make sure you stay on top of your schoolwork. Pass that test and then you have a real reason to celebrate.

Tip #6: Speaking of attendance... In high school, you get to school in the morning, you go home in the afternoon. College isn't like that. You might have one morning class that lasts an hour and then nothing until 6:00 that evening. No matter what your schedule is, you still need to be at those classes. You might be thinking, "Of course I need to be in class, won't I get in trouble if I'm not?" Well, the answer is, no, not always. Professors, unlike high school teachers, don't necessarily care whether you succeed or not. Of course they want you to succeed, but they're not always going to make it there problem if you're doing poorly. Especially if you don't attend class. Some professors take attendance, but most don't. They think (and rightfully so) that it's the students responsibility to come to class, and if they don't, and they fail, they deserved it. But I have yet to meet a professor that wouldn't help a student who is regularly in attendance, attentive in class, and truthfully working to succeed. Basically, if you're willing to put in the effort to learn, they'll put in the effort to teach.

Most importantly, have an opened mind. Remember, what you used to know is past. What you're about to find out is exciting. Be responsible and be yourself.