Tips for College Freshman

This is the season where many giddy high school seniors and their nerve-wracked parents are preparing for college. College is a wonderful experience, no doubt, but here are some tips for the college bound to make the transition a little smoother.

1.Do not bring 8 boxes worth of stuff to a dorm.

I had always been a pack rat, and when I came to college, I found myself in a double room with two roommates. Needless to say the room was very cluttered, until I finally settled my mind to the fact that I would have to part from some of my possessions. Save yourself the stress (and money!) and leave what you will not need at home. Plus, there will be stores nearby where you can purchase necessities that you did not bring if need be.

2.Don't set your major in stone before college.

First semester of my freshman year I was sure I would be a political science major so I could go to law school. That is, until I took a sociology class and realized that I was more interested in behaviorisms and society rather than politics. Sometimes, it's funny to look at my friends and see where they are in their career path now, rather than freshman year. It's important to remember to be open to other ideas; you may discover your niche this way.

3.Don't be afraid to leave the state.
My parents were in Alaska but I had my heart set on a college in Atlanta. I was hesitant of leaving the nest, but I mustered up courage and got on the plan to go cross-country. Best decision of my life. It may be hard at first, but if you are at the college best for you it will pay off in the long run. Personally, I had fun from day one.

4.Do get to know your professors outside of class

Professors will decide you fate in more areas than just your grades. Many scholarships, internships, and even school related clubs require you to have a recommendation from a professor before they consider you. Even if you did not get a an A in their class, if the professor knows you personally, 9 times out of 10 they will write you a good recommendation. Once, while talking to my Spanish professor, he informed my friend and myself about a summer internship at an Ivy League school. The internship was not advertised to the public, so it was completely up to the professor whom he decided to let know about this opportunity. Believe in the power of your professors.

5.Do familiarize yourself with the student handbook and curriculum requirements.

Scenario: A college senior rushed to the Deans office, after going over her completed classes the night before and seeing she does not have enough to graduate. After the dean calms her down, and they go over her records and requirements, the pair discover that the senior will actually graduate in December, a semester early.

I cannot stress enough to please, please, please go over your colleges' requirements for graduation. You do not want to find yourself spending money for an extra semester that was unnecessary or worse: Finding out in April that you will not be eligible to graduate the next month because you forgot to take a P.E. Class. Obtain a copy of the graduation requirements and keep them in a special envelope or folder. Check them off as they are completed and write next to the item, in detail, how and when it was completed. This will spare you a ton of heartache and some parents a heart attack.

6.Do make friends outside of the university

Of course, the first few weeks or months you will be getting to know the people in your living area and your classmates. But do yourself a favor and venture out into the town or city surrounding your school. I go to a school that has two other institutions across the street from it, and sometimes it gets old seeing the same people over and over. The second semester of my freshman year, I made quite a few friends that were not in college by just going out to shopping centers, and restaurants around the city. My off campus friends are great and I find that they provide a different perspective on life. (Sorry the sociology major in me cant help but love it.)

7.Ultimate Do: Be optimistic and realistic

No matter what, expect the best for yourself and from yourself. College is an amazing experience and life changing experience, so milk it for all its worth. But be realistic as well. If there is a toga party going on Thursday and you have a 10-page paper due the next day, it might be best to skip out on that one. Trust me, there will be others. Also, don't expect to have the same amount of downtime, as the students seemed to have in college on shows like Saved By The Bell. There will be many a night where you will sit up working on a paper due the next day, and there will be no time for a mocha latte break with friends. Settle yourself on the fact that college life may not always be fun, but hey it's worth it.

College life may not be ideal, but so far it's the best time I've had! Congrats, new freshman, get to work!