Many people look back on college fondly.You have more freedom than you have ever had before, but you don't have to worry about all the responsibilities of adulthood.It does not always feel that way.It is easy to get burned out between taking classes, making friends, and dealing with roommates.Take control of the situation from the start.
Step 1: Go to class.
In large first-year classes, there might not be anyone taking attendance, which means that you won't get in trouble like you would in high school.Some teachers will have an attendance policy, but this doesn't mean you should not go to class.If you skip class, you are missing out on valuable learning.Don't force yourself to cram for exam time.If you don't go to class, you will be wasting a lot of your and/or your parents' money, ranging from $50 to $150 per one hour of class.Take notes as you read.When exam time rolls around, your notes will help you out a lot.If the class calls for it, participate.If you can overcome your fear of speaking in front of groups, you will get more out of your classes and enjoy them more.Don't be afraid of being wrong, your professor just wants you to try and, most likely, was not asking a question with a "right" or "wrong" answer to being with.
Step 2: You should be prepared to devote a lot of time to your schoolwork.
You should spend the same amount of time on your schoolwork as you would on a full-time job.Bank on spending two hours outside of class for every hour you spend in class.The balance will vary by subject, but your library or dorm room is where a lot of the hard work will take place.
Step 3: Understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.
Some people plagiarize because they think they can get away with it, while others don't know what it means.You will be caught if you are either responsible or not.Penalties for this behavior include failing the class and having a special note on your transcript.Stealing someone else's work and presenting it as your own is known as obvious plagiarism.Not using quotation marks around quotations is a form of plagiarism.If you fabricate a source, it's even worse.Stealing is also bad paraphrasing.A paraphrase puts the "gist" of an idea into your own words.If you use the same basic sentence structure or passages that are similar in length or style, you may be plagiarizing.Academic dishonesty can include asking people to help you when you have been told to do all your own work, working together on a project if collaboration hasn't been assigned, and paying others to work for you.
Step 4: You should get to know your professors.
It's a dirty little secret that many professors sit at their desks waiting for someone to stop by.If you are that person, they will appreciate you a lot.It will help your professor put a name to your face if you ask a question like this.If you stop by early in the semester, you can say hi and introduce yourself.Be reasonable with your expectations.Your professors will not give you essay topics.They are usually happy to discuss your ideas with you to figure them out.
Step 5: You should check your email.
College students are more likely to text than email, but they can't expect their professors to give them cell phone numbers.If you want to stay on top of your studies, you need to check your email regularly.You will see announcements from your teachers here.If your courses use online course management, make sure to check it regularly.If you don't check your assignments regularly, you miss out.
Step 6: You can learn to use the library.
This applies to both the physical location and online databases.Your professors will assign a lot of these, but you will need to learn how to do your own research.If you have never used a brick-and-mortar library before, you should schedule an orientation with the librarian.Don't be embarrassed, you are sure not to be the only one.Hard sciences, music, and English are some of the areas where libraries have reference librarians.A consultation with the reference librarian is a good idea if you have a big project.She can guide you to the best sources if you stay up to date with all the latest research.
Step 7: You should be open to new ideas.
You will probably read things that you don't agree with.Your professors aim to assign readings from many different perspectives, so they are assigning things that they don't agree with.You don't have to agree with the writers who challenge your beliefs, but do try to figure out where they are coming from and what makes them tick.
Step 8: Keep a record of your progress.
If you want to attend a college or university, you need to fulfill a certain number of credits in several different areas.You might have to pay for a summer session or an extra semester if you don't meet with your advisor regularly.
Step 9: Think about something other than your major.
You should take a literature course if you are an engineering major.Poets should try biology.These are just examples.You will be exposed to new people, new ideas, and perhaps a new subject that you didn't know you were interested in.Employers are more interested in candidates who can do a wide range of things, such as write a coherent sentence and analyze formulas, rather than people whose focus was so specialized that they can't handle the wide-ranging demands of the modern job market.
Step 10: Stick to the lifestyle you want to lead.
College is an opportunity to let loose for some people.Academics are the priority for some.Many people are somewhere in the middle.There will be others like you.Don't feel pressured to drink or do anything else.College is the time when you learn how to be your own person.You can make choices that line up with your values.It's okay if you and your parents or other authority figures disagree.
Step 11: You can learn to live with other people.
Sharing a room is difficult if you have never done it before.Talk about how the space should be used and respect the decisions made once they are made.There are decisions about both the physical space and behavior.What do you think about drinking in the room?Are you having parties?Is it possible to host overnight guests?If you can't reach an agreement, consult your Resident Advisor.Speak to your concerns if there are problems.It doesn't help to be passive aggressive.If your roommate is not doing things to bother you, give them the benefit of the doubt and see if you can work things out.It is a good idea to spend some time apart if you and your roommate get along well.It is important that you do not stick to the exclusion of making other friends.Whether you can't stand your roommate or are best friends who are constantly gabbing, you might find it helpful to identify a place outside of your room to study, be it the library or a local coffee shop.You are learning valuable people skills that will help you deal with difficult individuals in the future, if all else fails.If you feel threatened by your roommate, talk to your RA.You may be able to change rooms.You will have a record that you reported the activity but weren't a part of it.
Step 12: You should be safe.
College has new freedoms, but also new risks.Make sure you don't harm your health.Don't drink if you have a designated driver.Even if you are legal drinking age, your school may have rules against drinking on campus.It is important for college women to know how to avoid rape and other forms of sexual assault.If you're attacked, report it to the police and talk to a counselor.
Step 13: People should not be pressured into doing anything they don't want to do.
You name it, this applies across the board.You are also an adult who needs to take responsibility for your own actions, because there are no parents looking over your shoulder to punish you.
Step 14: The diversity of your campus should be exposed to you.
This is the time in your life when you have the most chance to learn from people who are different from you.You are lucky to have this, so take advantage of it.There are courses with a multicultural focus.There are cultural events on campus.These things will help clarify your values.It's good to know where others are coming from even if you hold your own ideas more firmly.
Step 15: You can join a club or activity.
You can improve your ability to deal with different people by having fun.You might be able to use these skills in your career down the road.Transfer or commuter students may feel disconnected from campus life.
Step 16: You can learn to eat well in a dorm room.
You are busy, surrounded by heavy foods, and on a limited budget, but you are taking care of yourself for the first time.It can be easy to rely on the choices that are available in the dining hall.Take care of yourself so you can fulfill your responsibilities.Fuel up with breakfast.A healthy start to the day will make those early classes easier to face, because not everyone is hungry in the morning.Whole grain cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruit, yogurt, and eggs can be found in the dining hall.When you're in a rush, keep fruit and bars in your dorm room.You can power through the day with lunch and dinner.You will get the energy you need from the sandwiches and salads.In an all-you-can- eat cafeteria situation, portion sizes are hard to watch.Large amounts of healthy food can make you sleepy.Don't forget to stock up on healthy snacks.If you don't have a microwave or a refrigerator, you can keep a lot of food in your dorm room.Milk, yogurt, more fruit, and veggie burgers are available if you have access to a refrigerator or microwave.canned soup and frozen meals tend to have a lot of salt in them.It is all about moderation.It can be easy to think that food is the only thing you can control, but it is important to not restrict yourself too much.It is possible to get a late-night slice of pizza with friends.Talk to your counseling center about eating disorder support if you think you are sliding into dangerous territory.
Step 17: Exercise can help deal with stress.
As a college student, regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress.You might think that you don't have time to fit this in, but it will give you so much more energy that it's worth it.You can access the gym at your school for free.Know when to leave.If you are a beginner, a crowded gym can be intimidating.It will be busiest in the morning and evening.Go at off hours if you can.Consider a session with a trainer.Trainers at college gyms are usually fellow students who can evaluate your fitness level and recommend an exercise plan.Try new forms of exercise.Your gym is likely to offer a lot of classes.Signing up with a friend will hold you accountable.
Step 18: Take care of your mental health.
You may find yourself dealing with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, relationship issues, and more as a college student.The health center at your school will offer many resources to help you deal with these challenges.Don't hesitate to use the resources.Many schools offer free counseling sessions with licensed practitioners for a certain number of sessions.You are likely to find support groups that deal with issues common to college students.If you are in a crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Step 19: You need to take as much debt as you need.
If your dream school is worth it, you can get a great education anywhere.If you can't afford an internship, graduate school, or live where you want because of your student loan payments, you might regret it a few years down the road.Before taking out private student loans, exhaust your Federal financial aid.Federal student loans have lower interest rates, more forgiving repayment plans, and subsidized loans pay for the interest while you're in school.
Step 20: Use credit wisely.
A good credit history is part of college learning to adopt adult responsibilities.It's a good idea to apply for a student credit card in order to build your credit history.You can get an apartment or car loan with a good credit score when you graduate.Don't use this as a blank check to spend what you want.You need to keep a budget.At the end of the month, don't charge more than you can afford.You will be less likely to blow a few hundred bucks on something fun but frivolous if you avoid accruing interest on your purchases.The Discover It card offers rewards for good grades.Every little bit helps.
Step 21: Consider a part time job.
Social activities cost money, but it is one more responsibility eating away at your time.Many students are paying for their tuition.Work-study jobs that are designed for students may offer more flexibility.
Step 22: You should stretch your dollar.
You can take advantage of the fact that you are on a college campus.Readings, plays, and many other activities can be found on campus at a cheaper student rate.Some businesses will give you a discount if you are a student.
Step 23: How much do you spend on food?
Depending on how much you eat and how easy it is for you to cook in your home, you may benefit from purchasing a college meal plan.You can get a daily or per-meal cost from most meal plans.If you want to know if it's cheaper to eat most of your meals in the cafeteria or cook more, you need to look at your weekly grocery budget.If you have a scholarship that includes a meal plan, maximize your money by eating as many meals as you can.It will give you more money for books.
Step 24: You are struggling in class.
Don't be afraid to approach professors for help, they love helping students.Don't wait until the end of the semester.Your teachers will be busy with end-of-the-semester responsibilities, and your grades may have suffered beyond repair.Extra credit is usually not a part of college classes.Every assignment is important.If you can't finish your assignment on time, contact your professor before the due date.They would rather have you ask for an extension than explain why you didn't turn it in.
Step 25: The writing center is open.
College professors worry that their students don't have enough writing skills to succeed.You will shine in their eyes if you are the exception.Writing centers can be found in many schools.Make sure you know what different subjects expect in terms of paper structure and citation style, and also how to spell it.Even if you are a good writer, visit the writing center.Everyone can benefit from having a second set of eyes.
Step 26: You need to register with the school's disability support system.
For both physical and mental reasons, colleges and universities offer accommodations to students.Changes to how you take tests, turn in assignments, and more can be accommodated.You will need to be proactive in securing these accommodations for yourself.Though your professors are experts in the subjects that they teach, they are not qualified to determine what kind of accommodations individual students need.They won't be able to help you if you tell them at the end of the semester that you have mental illness.As soon as possible, approach your school's disability support system.Accommodations can be made if you have a mental health professional certify you.Your professors won't know what your diagnosis is, but they will see the changes you need so that you can succeed.).