Tips for Surviving the First Semester of College

For many, college is a pretty intimidating prospect. No longer are teachers looking out for the students. How you do is solely up to, well, you. It is certainly a large transition, and certain adjustments must be made for some in this sink or swim environment. And often, it is the little things a student does that make the difference between a college graduate and a college dropout. Here are a few simple tips that will help you make good on those little things.

1. As far as dorm life goes, it is important to align yourself with the right dorm-mates. That doesn't mean you can't have those funny friends who never go to class, but it does mean that you probably shouldn't be sitting around in the dorm and watching movies all day with them.

2. In the same vein, it is important to make some friends with whom you share classes. Not only does it help along social networking lines, but getting together in groups to study (as long as you are actually studying) can be very beneficial to both your relationships with people and your grades.

3. For many, the senior year of their high school careers is marked by laziness and procastination. (This common disorder is often referred to as "senioritis") Overcoming these habits is an absolute must. This doesn't mean you have to be a superstudent, studying 4 hours a day; but it is important to take schoolwork seriously and devote some time to it.

4. Ask your professors questions regularly. With the advent of schoolwide e-mail programs across college campuses, your professors are now more accessible than ever before. You must take the initiative to ask about anything you don't understand. Odds are your professor will be happy to help.

5. Having fun is an essential part of the college experience. A few "Animal House" here and there never really hurt anyone. But it is important to keep fun a lower priority than school. For instance, if you have two tests on Friday and your friends are going out on Thursday night, it would be a wise decision to stay behind.

As intimidating as college may be, it is also an amazing experience. There really is nothing quite like it, and you are guaranteed to form some relationships and memories that will never be lost or forgotten. School, however, is school, and it must be taken seriously. After all, you don't want to be the person who mysteriously shows up in their hometown after their first semester away and never really leaves.