It’s almost that time again. People are enjoying the last of
summer and are getting ready to go back to school. For upcoming first-year
college and university students, this is a major step up from what they were
used to in high school, and the change may be overwhelming for some. I am going
to offer my wisdom by listing some tips and advice for upcoming college and
university students on their first year of their studies. I strongly insist
that you all take this advice and apply it.
One of the most important things you should ever do when in
college or university is to attend all your classes. I have a couple of idiotic
friends who rarely go to class, and they have mostly failed their courses,
which mean that they have to retake them, thus costing more money for them in
tuition. Skipping class isn’t cool, and you only screw yourself. Also, don’t
make excuses for not going to class, such as your schedule or the weather. Go
to class.
Merely showing up in class isn’t enough; you have to listen
in class. I don’t advise taking notes with your computer, because more often
than not, people get distracted on their laptop or tablet by going on Facebook,
Twitter, or some other website. I suggest taking your notes with the classic
pen and a notebook.
If you start having trouble with one of your courses, go
find help. Professors always have office hours, so it doesn’t hurt to go see
the professor for guidance. They also have e-mail addresses, as well as other
ways to contact them, so don’t hesitate to do so. There are other places to
seek help, such as tutors and academic advisors. If you need it, seek help
sooner rather than later.
With all this stuff about the “studying” part of school, I’m
not saying that shouldn’t go out and have fun. In your first couple weeks of
college and university, make as many new friends as possible, and have some
fun. But don’t lose sight of what you actually came to college or university
for, and that is a degree. Moderation is the key, between studying for your
courses, and going out with friends.
Some other minor thoughts:
- For many people, this will be the first time
that they will be living by themselves. Learn to clean up after yourself and take
care of your body.
- Join some clubs in and around the college or
university. It is a great way to make some new friends and explore your
interests.
- Try to participate in some campus events. Once
again, great way to meet new people.
- If you need to sell textbooks, try to sell them
to fellow students instead of the campus store. You may get more money that
way, and it also saves the other person some money by buying it directly from
you instead of buying the textbook from the campus store.
- Don’t procrastinate! Do your readings! And do your work!
- Nobody cares about what you did in high school
or your high school achievements. Use your time in college or university to
change yourself for the better. I thought of my first year of university as a
fresh start at life, and that has certainly helped me.
And there you have it. That is all I can think of when it
comes to going to college and university for the first time. For all the
upcoming first-year students going to college or university, I’ll say this.
Good luck in your studies, and don’t do anything stupid, such as miss class, or
impregnate a girl (use protection!). But most importantly, have fun. College
and university is a learning experience about who you truly are.
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