Getting ready to go to college might be a hectic and nervous time in your life. This is perfectly understandable, you are taking a big step and will probably be living away from home for the first time ever. Don’t fret, this article will provide you with some great tips on how you can be ready.
Be sure to keep a refillable water container with you at college. By carrying a water bottle, you can ensure you stay properly hydrated while on campus. This is even more crucial if your classes run one right after another and you just do not have the time to hydrate or eat. Drinking water frequently during the day can help you remain focused and energized. The sheer number of water fountains these days allow more ease in refilling water bottles.
If the campus you are attending is large, it is important to familiarize yourself with it during the first week. You should know how to get to the cafeteria, library, the Professor’s offices, college security, study rooms and the student center. Knowing the location of places you have to go saves time.
If you are going out of state for, think long and hard about taking your car with you. If your school is located in a large city, you could struggle to locate a parking space that is free. It could also be expensive to have a car. Remember that you have to plan for both gas and insurance.
As a college student, you will have access to many different jobs on campus. If you do not already have a good job, you should look for a job on campus. You should choose a job that will allow you to acquire some new skills and meet some interesting people.
Do not crack under the stress of selecting or declaring a major right away. Some professors might try and draw you into their department early on, as the more students they have the more job security they have. Never rush major decisions, and do what is right for you, not anyone else.
Try to find an internship. Internships give you a chance to get real world experience and to get an idea of what a job would be like when you graduate. You might even become hired by your internship. The internship department can help you find a placement.
Make sure you take care of yourself when you are away at school, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and try to eat three meals a day. This will keep your sharp as a tack and ready to tackle even the hardest term paper that your professor throws at you.
Textbooks can take a huge toll on your wallet. Fortunately, you now have many options to save money. For example, you can rent textbooks online. Another option is to purchase online-only access to required textbooks. While you won’t have a physical book to take notes or highlight in, you will save money in doing so.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed, stressed out or depressed during your freshman year. Most colleges offer free therapy or counseling to students; take advantage if you need it. Adjusting to college can be difficult and stressful, so don’t be ashamed to admit you can’t handle it as well as you thought you would.
If you need to find off-campus housing, make sure to look for a place that is close to public transportation. It might seem easy to walk or ride your bike, but when you have a large project or are running late it is nice to have the option to get to campus quickly.
When you first get to college, get a map. You will feel a little silly using the map, but you do need to know where to go, after all. Map out your classes and the cafeteria so that you can easily get around when you first begin. That can make your first days less hectic.
During your first couple of years in college, explore your education options. This is the time when you can find out what you are really interested in studying. If you try different types of classes, you may discover a subject that you really like to major in. Keep your options open and do not limit yourself.
Eat well. You may have heard of the ‘freshman fifteen’, or the 15 pounds that many college freshmen gain when their moms are not watching their diets! Remember that good food makes you feel alert and energetic, and the wrong foods will make you tired and hinder your performance. Eat right!
Resist the urge to skip a class simply because a professor’s syllabus allows for an absence. These absences should be saved for when absolutely necessary, and if you use one for fun early in the term you may be regretting it if you are ill or otherwise unable to attend but must get to campus to save your grade.
When studying for exams, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Getting a full night’s sleep and staying on a sleeping schedule can help you much more than skipping or cutting back on your sleep. By getting plenty of rest, you’ll be more alert, have more energy, and be able to learn your material much easier.
Kitchen and dining “starter kits” are popular during back-to-school shopping sprees. These all-in-one boxes include things like flatware, bowls, spatulas and so on. While they are a cheap option, they aren’t the most practical. How are you going to use a spatula if you don’t have a kitchen? Your best bet is to purchase only those items that you will be able to use. Anything else is just clutter.
