Tips for Going to College

Going to college for the first time can seem overwhelming. There is so much to do...pack for your dorm, sign up for classes, buy books, etc. There are some things that can make this transition easier.

Signing up for classes ...There are so many choices and so much to figure out. Remember that if you sign up for a class that is a mistake you can always drop the class without penalty. Tips for signing up:

1. Don't take too many classes the first semester. You will need an adjustment period. You do not want to be overloaded while getting used to a new environment and routine.
2. If you're not sure what your major will be take core classes first to get your requirements out of the way. Take fillers of things that sound interesting to you. This may help you choose a major.
3. Choose the best instructors. Ask around to see whose classes' book up early and who is a good lecturer.
4. Don't sigh up for too many English courses at one time. The majority of these classes will be writing and researching and involve great amounts of time.
5. Network with students who are already enrolled. They can provide valuable information and insight.

Dorm rooms are generally very small and will not hold a lot of things. However, you can personalize by adding your own touches. Basic things you will need:

1. Bedding (washable bedspread, linens, pillows, possibly extra blanket depending on the climate)
2. School supplies (pens, pencils, paper, bookbag or backpack, calculator), laptop
3. books (dictionary, Thesaurus, book of quotations, MLA Handbook
4. Lighting (good reading lamp)
5. Storage (bookshelves, table, baskets, etc-whatever will work for your individual room)

When you start attending classes you will be overwhelmed at how fast the assignments start coming. It's not like elementary school where you get a few days to get used to going back to school. Expect to have large amounts of reading assigned from the first day or even before (some instructors give you reading assignments before the first class meeting-this will be found in your syllabus often given before class starts). To best succeed in your classes:

1. Buy a large planner (or PDA). This will be your lifeline. Fill in all class times, due dates of assignments and test dates.
2. Sit on the front row in lecture. Front row students statistically make better grades. This will enable you to see and hear well and help you take good notes. When you get home add information to the notes that will help clarify the point. Retype the notes if necessary for legibility.
3. Never put off assignments. This can cause you grief when you have many coming in at one time. Stay on top of everything and work ahead if possible.
4. Go to the instructor if you have any questions about a topic or an upcoming test. If you make a bad grade make an appointment to see the instructor so that he can explain to you where you are going wrong. Instructors will appreciate the extra effort and will at times allow you to resubmit the assignment.
5. Make note cards of information to study when you have extra moments such as waiting in line at the cafeteria or waiting on instructors to arrive for class. You'll be surprised how much this will help when you start taking tests.

Going to college for the first time can be very stressful and frightening. However, it is also an adventure....an adventure that will lead you to places you dream of going and give you the tools to get there.