When you get to college, it is a strange feeling. You have to go to class, which you are used to, but you have a lot more freedom than you may be used to. There are a lot of things to know about class, but there is much more to know about your life at college. Here are some tips to help you.
When you are about to take a big exam, make sure you eat an adequate breakfast but keep it a little light. Don’t go into a test hungry, or you’ll have a lot of trouble concentrating. Do not overeat either; however, so you don’t have to deal with an upset stomach.
Do not choose a college or university because it is popular, because your friends or relatives went there or because you are a fan of their football team. There are other important factors you need to take into consideration such as your funding, the kind of career you want or the area where schools are located.
Do not fall into the credit card company’s tricks where they give you a credit card. These cards have high interest rates, and they aim to prey on college students who have no money. There are many instances in which college student’s default on these cards because they understandably have no money to pay them back.
Download foreign language learning podcasts and MP3 lessons onto your MP3 player or tablet. Listen to the lessons while driving or riding the bus to school. This will help prepare you for your foreign language classes. You can practice pronunciation, and work on vocabulary instead of wasting your travel time.
Study every day. Don’t forget what college is really about! Promise yourself you will study at least an hour each day, no matter what. Even if you think you don’t need to study, do it anyway. It helps to make it a daily habit.
If you are an adult going back to college, try signing up for night classes. The classes during the day time are full of young adults right out of high school. The night classes are usually filled with adults and students who are serious about their education. It will result in a much better college experience.
If you are unsure about which major to choose, use your first two years of college to take a wide variety of courses in addition to your core courses. You may find yourself interested in things you might otherwise never have considered. An eclectic course of study gives you greater insight into possible career choices.
Think about your life after college. While it is tempting to get to college and think of it as your own little world, one day you will have to leave. Make sure that every class and every club reflects what you want to put on a job application. That way, you have an easier time getting a job when you are done.
Try to avoid buying coffee every morning. The cost really adds up! Invest in a coffee maker instead. It might have the convenience of getting coffee on the run, but you will keep a lot more of your money. It is possible to buy a good coffee maker at a reasonable price.
If possible, you should avoid scheduling classes one after the other. You are going to need breaks during the day. The best time for these breaks is after a class. This time will allow you to wind down, prepare for your next class or study if needed. Take these opportunities when you can.
If you can put off choosing your major for a while, think about it. When you first get to college, your general education classes give you a broad experience. You may discover that you actually want a different major than the one you thought you would! So take it slow and decide what you really want.
Make friends with at least two people in each class. Even though you might feel uncomfortable approaching strangers, it will be to your advantage. This allows all of you to be able to exchange notes with each other in case one of you has to miss class. You might even become study buddies.
Do not sign up for college if you are not sure of what you want to do after you graduate. Going to college is expensive and this investment will benefit you if you have a clear idea of what kind of career you want to have after you finish college.
Study one hour a day while in college. Last minute cramming can actually detract your performance on tests and exams, due to stress and sleep deprivation. When you study one hour daily, you are always in a steady habit that never takes up too much of your schedule at any one time.
Every freshman should understand and realize that the freshman 15 does in fact exist. It is important that everyone take the necessary steps to ensure that they are getting proper nutrition during their first year in college. While it might be tempting to pile on some fries for dinner every night, you’ll pay for it in the long run.
Don’t consider joining the student government until you become a sophomore. As a freshman, you will not have enough experience to make a difference as a member of the student government. Use the year to learn more about the organization and figure out where you might want to fit in when the time is right.
Keep your body hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day. This will flush toxins and keep you from feeling groggy. It makes a huge difference between having a good day and a bad one.
