How to Go to College and Survive

Sorry. I went to college to study. So, if you are looking for that sort of advice; turn elsewhere, because this is about success in college.

Here are my top 10 tips for getting through the 4 years that face your future:

1. Find the college of your choice, but then look again.

You are about to take a serious pivot in your life. Your family and friends have told you to stick with the family tradition of ______ State College or University of ____. What most people don't tell you, however, is these are more often than not the colleges and universities to avoid. State schools and universities often times look good on paper, which will pull some eventual weight for your career, and while they are often times affordable, you may be cutting yourself short. Do not be afraid to look into private institutions, where you will get a better education. While you may have to pay more for it, don't worry, the United States Government is more than happy to send you sailing through on financial aid. Class loads for professors are smaller, and they are more than often specialized in certain areas of expertise, benefitting the students in the long run. I attended a school whose undergraduate numbers accumulate to less than 2,000 students. While our popularity among employers might not resonate as loudly as the local state school, it's a fair trade because my school's reputation far outweighed any competition. Not bad considering I am now located in one of the top ten up-and-coming job markets in the United States with a degree from the most prestigious local school under my belt. Don't discount the options that don't fly in front of your face with letterman jackets and bright NCAA colors.

2. Move in.

Well, you found the college of your choice. Great. Now it is time to move away from home and into the new, exciting world of collegiate social-life. Remember why you are at school and live accordingly. If your parents were gracious enough to fund your education, or you are one of the few paying your way through- respect those truths as such. Save money by finding roomates in apartments, or by living on campus in dorms close to your classes and work. Remember there are often fees associated with living in sororities and fraternities (and they are not always monetary). Do what you can to stay focused on your goals during school and remember that your living conditions will play a major role in dictating your success and results.

3. Work.

Yeah, that's right. Work. Studies have shown that a college student who has a part-time job is much more successful due to the need for time management. Don't worry, you will still have plenty of time for partying, academics, even sports. You'd be surprised. Try it out. Not to mention students who work also benefit from work ethic, time management skills, resume enhancement and no need to forget the extra cash in your pocket. I had the priviledge of paying my own way through school, at one point I held 4 jobs for a period of 6 weeks. I wouldn't reccommend it. Try just 3.

4. Keep your end goal in sight.

Remember that every decision you make during college in some way or another will wind up being attributed to either your reputation or your resume. I look at it this way: the consequences of misbehavior far outweigh the benefits of simple responsibility. A future employer will not be interested in fond memories of your sorority days, but instead in what you have done to further your professional experience. Your resume has the potential to look just as good as a 5-year professional if you take steps immediately that the professional waited until graduation to take.

5. Remember just being IN college pulls a lot of weight.

Use your education to your advantage. Do not settle for mowing lawns and flipping hamburgers during the summer months, find something associated with your degree and pursue it. I have known students who have not only fulfilled one internship, but three, during each summer between school years. And GET an internship. If you are for some reason part of a horrendous program that does not require internship credit, go get one anyway. If you fail to obtain an internship before or immediately following graduation, you are doing yourself a tremendous disservice and might as well go back and repeat in order to get hired for jobs you truly deserve.

6. Don't sweat the small stuff.

I never thought I'd use this, but after observing countless classmates and friends suffer from this symptom, I guess it is worth mentioning. Bad things will happen. You will lose your textbook, you will miss class, sleep in, butt heads with a professor or roomate, date and be dumped. My solution: so what? This is life. Get used to it. Things like this do not matter in the scope of your entire collegiate career, much less your life. Learn to adjust quickly and face challenges head on. You will save time, money and grief. School is not stressful, it is only as bad as your time management skills are. You are in control of your career from the first day of classes out- make it a good one.

7. Go to class.

Some professors will say it is optional, some will mandate it. It does not matter: go anyway. If your professor does not go to class, get him fired. You learn, you study, you are paying for the time, you will pass the class. That's all. Go to class.

8. Prioritize.

No, I'm sorry. Sports, television, alcohol and dating are not priorities. They can be, but should not be. Learn to set up a system of secondaries. Don't list top tens, instead, structure your life around such statements: "Sports are secondary to assignments, but assignments are secondary to tests, and tests are secondary to projects."

9. Save money.

Do what you can to save your surplus funds during school. If you rationalize, your professional career really is your goal. I suffered defeat in this category as I blew a lot of my money on non-necessities. But if you keep that dream apartment in mind during school that you can't wait to have along with your dream career, chances are it will come to you if you can save adequately. Work towards that car, house, clothing, small business or investment that you have always dreamed of having. It is much more important than a fun night with friends on the town.

10. Have fun.

College is about having fun, and do not take anything I have listed as possible let-downs. You should maximize your experience in every way, but do so with a wary caution that some decisions can have very lasting effects on your life. I have seen companies not hire very qualified individuals because of the lifestyle they typically associate themselves with. Unfair? Yes. But, unfortunately that is the truth of the professional world. Don't sacrifice your career for some short-term goal. Remember there are many ways to enjoy yourself with cheap thrills. I've enjoyed free trips to the beach, snowboarding, amusement parks and comedy clubs all based off of networking. Which brings me to number eleven.

11. Network.

I added one because it is actually extremely important. More important in fact, than anything else you will do in the four years you are in school. Networking is the deciding factor in what you will become. Everything truly does have to do with the people you know and what you know. Find experts in your field, attend networking and social events in your area, use your internship connections to your fullest and join clubs that you can actively participate in. SIFE is probably the leading collegiate business club for getting a foot in the door in the business world. AIGA is perfect for art students and there are thousands of exchange programs to participate in a variety of fields. Don't be afraid to jump in.

After all, today is the last day of the rest of your life. Live it.