Back to School Tips for College Students

Going back to school is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for any student. Add to that a new school, a new place, and for many college students, a new home, and you have what can quickly become an overwhelming situation. It doesn't need to be so, however. I have 10 handy tips for new college students that can make the transition to college life smooth and easy.

1. Lists are your friends.
Let's face it, some of us are list-writing people, and some of us just aren't. But going off to college is a huge undertaking. Not only do you need to remember your pencils and notebooks, but also your winter coat, your computer mouse, and your toothbrush! Making checklists of all the things you need not only helps ensure you have that all-important shampoo and slippers, but also helps to remind you to get them to campus. I admit, my first year of college, I forgot to pack socks. I went the first two weeks of school wearing sandals to all my classes, and I learned my lesson!

2. Map it!
Another helpful tip is to get a map of your campus. I don't care if your school is tiny, like mine was, or if it spreads out through an entire city. A map is a very useful thing to have. Mark off where your classes are, and set a route to get there in advance. This avoids any embarrassing first day mix-ups. Also, if you are attending a school with a large campus, getting a copy of any public transport schedules is just as helpful. There is no need for you to have to figure out your classes AND the bus schedule at the same time.

3. Communication is key.
Most new college students will experience life with a roommate. Sometimes, this is a friend from home, someone you already know. More often than not, however, your roommate will be a stranger, at least for a little while. I believe it is very important to be in contact with your roommate well before the school year begins. Email them, give yourself the opportunity to get to know the basics about who you'll be living with for the next nine months. Do they watch a lot of TV? How do they feel about parties? Where do they like to study, and how much sleep do they like to get? I spent two months before I moved into college getting to know my first roommate. Ultimately, we lived together successfully for three years. Knowing who you are living with gives you the chance to make a new friend BEFORE you're squashed in a small room together.

4. A little micromanaging is good.
Living on your own for the first time can be overwhelming. The temptation to procrastinate, party, or just plain slack off on your responsibilities is everywhere. As soon as you get your class schedule, I advise setting up a VERY detailed plan of how you will spend your weekdays. Scheduling in downtime is important, too, but this allows you to slip into a study habit that will hopefully continue throughout your college years.

5. Don't forget to feed your brain.
Once school has begun, you will realize that it's important to stay healthy. The cafeteria has a lot to offer, and most college towns come complete with any fast food you can dream of. The trick is keeping the temptation to pig out on junk food to a minimum, and avoiding the Freshman 15. As a general rule, eat what you like, because it's no use being miserable and munching on carrot sticks all the time. But don't overdo it. Loading up your tray with pizza AND ice cream AND tater tots AND a burger might feel like paradise beforehand, but I can guarantee your body won't thank you for it later.

6. Get a better 6 (or 8)
Don't forget to sleep. Period. At least 6 hours. It's difficult for a lot of college students to get their proper sleep, and it shows. If you manage your time well, this won't be an issue. Also, naps are your friend. Sneak one in whenever you feel you need it.

7. Exercise!
Your school has a Rec. Center for a reason. Running, shooting hoops, or using the equipment is good for blowing off steam and cutting the stress of your classes. Encourage your friends to come with you for a little healthy competition, and build your newfound friendships while you're at it.

8. Scope out
Scoping out a nice, quiet place to study can be an invaluable resource. For my roommate and I, our room sufficed. We lived in a quiet hall, and our schedules weren't wildly conflicting. But for a lot of students, studying in the room just isn't an option. Check out the school library. The library provides an excellent place to study, with all your resources at your fingertips, and a pleasantly quiet atmosphere as well. Unused classrooms and study areas in your dorms are also good choices.

9. Schmooze.
GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS. They aren't scary authoritarians, out to punish you for your stupidity. They teach because they love learning, and they want to share their knowledge with people who are as enthusiastic as they are. If you aren't shy about asking for help, or expressing your wish to further explore topics, you will get vastly more out of your college experience.

10. PARTY TIME!
My last tip for you isn't an academic one. Get out and play. Join clubs, do theatre, rush a fraternity. Party. Have fun. Be mindful that college isn't just fun, that it is also an educational institution, but have fun. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't get out and socialize until my second year of college, and I passed up dozens of potential friendships simply because I assumed they wouldn't accept me. Once I started going out there, I realized that there is something for everyone, and everyone is welcome somewhere.
On the same vein, if partying isn't your thing, there are still ways to have fun and make friends. I was lucky enough to have a great roommate whom I could just hang out with. Even just sitting in our room, watching movies was a great time.

If you take these tips into account, you'll have a great college experience. Remember that moderation is the key, and that a little pre-planning goes a long way in making your college years as smooth as possible.