College Tips

[fujiwaru]

Hey everyone. I'm just about to graduate high school on May 21st and soon to be going to college. I just wanted to know any tips or advice that could be useful for me when I start college in the fall of this year. Anything thing that I could find useful would be really appreciated!! don't wanna be lost on my first day of school haha :laugh:

[why?]

don't get caught carrying around alcohol in coffee mugs. But mostly study hard, party harder after school work is done, and enjoy.

[YAR1S]

As a new college graduate let me give you a few tips:

Dont piss off your teachers, they will be good references for a job, and they always get back to your teachers to see how you are as a person.

The only difference between getting your basic classes at a private college versus a community college is A LOT OF WASTED MONEY.
Trust me, if you can go to a college transfer program you will be in a lot less debt.

Procrasination is terrible, dont do it.

Dont let the Freshman fifteeen turn into the freshman thirty.

[talnlnky]

everything IN MODERATION..... notice the emphasis is NOT on everything, but rather moderation.


Also... declare your major by the end of your first semester, or 2nd quarter... otherwise you'll probably end up doing 5-6 years.

[bitz767]

ratemyprofessor.com - use this website to choose between teachers when scheduling classes

maybe cliche, but worked for me: go to class - I noticed that if spent the time paying attention in class, my required study time was cut back. Don't lose sight of why you are at college, to get a good job, so dont let your grades hold you back from a good job. I graduated with a 3.96 gpa in december but havent found a job that I want just yet, but still applying.

get a netbook, or small laptop. I found that i can type faster than I can write by hand and actually can read my notes when they are typed instead of handwritten. It makes it easier to share with friends or students with learning disabilities. Most of my professors that I got to know really well were always asking me for a copy of my notes from class for one reason or another. This gets you in well with professors for job references or the occasional extra credit if you need it. It also is useful for the boring classes that are a waste of time to browse the interwebs

[MadMax]

Remember, the experience of college goes far beyond the education; but the fun ends if you flunk out, so stay focused and have a good time!

[Rain]

I have a Do's and Don'ts list...

First off, the Do's:
- Take professors not classes. Ask around which professor are good. Don't avoid the "hard" ones because believe it or not, they will be the ones you'll learn from the most.
- Ratemyprofessors.com is a good place to start but be aware that these students are either really happy or really pissed off with the professors they are rating. For example my fave writing professor has one of the worst rating I've seen.
- Avoid buying your books from the bookstore. Check out half.com, amazon.com, betterworldbooks.com (my fave), for book prices.
- If you have a netbook/laptop and you don't mind eBooks, iChapters is also a cheap way to get books since you can pay by the chapters. Remember, you won't be able to go through the whole book in 14 weeks so pay for only what you need.
- Get the partying out of the way early. Specially of your school has "freshmen forgiveness"
- Join as many clubs as you want. Not only is this a good source of free food, you can also meet a lot of people who share your interests.
- It's never to early to know where the Career Center is. If you're not sure about your major, a career assessment might help.
- Eat well. The freshman 15 isn't a myth specially when you live on campus.
- Attend class. Attendance may not be required but it is necessary to pass.
- Go to office hours. Get to know at least one or two of your professors specially in your major.

As for the don'ts...
Do not:
- Party on a weekday.
- Pick a Friday class unless you absolutely have to. The college weekend starts on Thursday nights so you'll probably end up ditching the Friday class or show up hang over. Don't do it.
- Procrastinate. You'll only stress yourself and in the end, you still have to do the work anyway.

[BailOut]

Wear a rubber, dude.

[fujiwaru]

As for the don'ts...
Do not:
- Party on a weekday.
- Pick a Friday class unless you absolutely have to. The college weekend starts on Thursday nights so you'll probably end up ditching the Friday class or show up hang over. Don't do it.
- Procrastinate. You'll only stress yourself and in the end, you still have to do the work anyway.

As a new college graduate let me give you a few tips:

Dont piss off your teachers, they will be good references for a job, and they always get back to your teachers to see how you are as a person.

The only difference between getting your basic classes at a private college versus a community college is A LOT OF WASTED MONEY.
Trust me, if you can go to a college transfer program you will be in a lot less debt.

Procrasination is terrible, dont do it.

Dont let the Freshman fifteeen turn into the freshman thirty.


Thanks everyone for the advice. Keep them coming! :biggrin:
Also thanks Rain and YAR1S for the good list of tips and advice.

One thing i gotta work on is procrastinating cuz i've been procrastinating my whole senior year of high school and found out the hard way how tough it is haha :laugh: i guess it was just cuz i wanted to graduate school already :biggrin:

[yarisitis]

Don't major in anything useless.

[Rain]

Don't major in anything useless.

Define useless majors please :laugh:

[PETERPOOP]

don't go to school; but instead, rob banks.

[Darb]

Don't major in anything useless.

Wish I did this the first time around.

Define useless majors please :laugh:

Photography. Now working on a biology degree.


Fujiwaru, if you're planning on a science degree, don't get behind. Read before the lectures and don't waste your weekends.

[Black Yaris]

Don't take morning classes
Don't take Friday classes
or you will have no social life
oh yeah, buddy up with anyone that can get you in to a bar underage

[Darb]

Don't take morning classes
Don't take Friday classes
or you will have no social life
oh yeah, buddy up with anyone that can get you in to a bar underage

I would argue to take morning classes, as it leaves your afternoons and evnings free. A 7:30 to 10pm class sucks, a lot.

[Black Yaris]

I would argue to take morning classes, as it leaves your afternoons and evnings free. A 7:30 to 10pm class sucks, a lot.

you, sir, are definitely NOT a drinker :thumbsup:

I took morning classes one semester, failed them all... took them again in the afternoon, pass

I usually was not even sober untill 10 or 11 am at the earliest

[Sir A.Y. Atoyot]

Never miss classes.

Pay attention and make notes the first time around - this makes exam studying a breeze.

If you're told to read something, read it.

Don't get too involved with extracurricular stuff. You're there to get an education (and a credential) - all else is secondary.

Never cheat or plagiarize.

[Black Yaris]

oh yeah, remember you will get a diploma whether you get an "A" or a "D"... so do not try too hard

[ezhacker1]

what you gonna major in? If its anything business its a smart idea to join clubs to put on resume and have exposure to the professional world. Im sure there are clubs for other majors.

[Sir A.Y. Atoyot]

oh yeah, remember you will get a diploma whether you get an "A" or a "D"... so do not try too hard

If you're not there to do your best, why bother?

[fujiwaru]

don't go to school; but instead, rob banks.

haha here in hawaii?? nahh lol :laugh:

Don't take morning classes
Don't take Friday classes
or you will have no social life
oh yeah, buddy up with anyone that can get you in to a bar underage

1. i plan on taking morning classes because its best for me
2. I probably won't take friday classes unless i have to
3. i gots me a social life :wink:
4. i'm no drinker so i won't be hitting up the bars/clubs at anytime

Never miss classes.

Pay attention and make notes the first time around - this makes exam studying a breeze.

If you're told to read something, read it.

Don't get too involved with extracurricular stuff. You're there to get an education (and a credential) - all else is secondary.

Never cheat or plagiarize.

I learned it the hard way and i'm sure not gonna do it again! :laugh:

oh yeah, remember you will get a diploma whether you get an "A" or a "D"... so do not try too hard

umm yeah grades do matter to me so i work hard to earn the grade that I work for

what you gonna major in? If its anything business its a smart idea to join clubs to put on resume and have exposure to the professional world. Im sure there are clubs for other majors.

I am gonna major in mechanical engineering :biggrin:

If you're not there to do your best, why bother?

Exactly! Might as well not even go college if your just gonna waste your time studying for nothing.

[DevilGirl]

When choosing a major, keep in mind job prospects, including thoroughly researching the job to try and determine if it is something you will like doing for a good portion of your life... My first degree (criminal justice) still has yet to be used; I'm working on my second (paralegal studies), and will enjoy doing the work once I can break into that field.

Make friends with several classmates from each class. Makes for good study partners or if you have to miss a class for some reason. While you may be competing with them for future jobs, they also may hear about jobs that you hadn't heard about and willing to give you the heads up. Or, once they get in, be a way into the company.

The hype about not procrastinating is not always true. I did my best work under pressure at the last minute (this was my experience, but everyone is different).

Online classes are interesting to take if they are offered. My first degree was done in the traditional undergrad setting. My second degree has been all online classes. My fiance is doing hybrid classes (part in classroom, part online).

In addition to the required classes for your major, as well the requisite gen eds, take some interesting classes as electives (I had a class in which we analyzed Alfred Hitchcock films; was quite fun).

Having a minor in a separate area from your major can be beneficial. (I minored in Psychology, mainly just because I like that field, though I won't be working in it). However, a minor in, say, Business is always helpful...

Get involved. Honor societies look great on resumes, a lot better than sororities or frats. Plus it's a great way to network for future job propects. At the same time though, as great as they look on resumes, make sure you also join a club or two that you enjoy for the simple factor that they're fun.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!! Once you're out, you're out. And it's true what a lot of people say, college really is a great time/experience in life. Don't miss out on the full effect/experience. But do make sure you accomplish what you went there for in the first place, i.e. an education.

[YAR1S]

That comment about getting a netbook is awesome!
I bought one and it ended up paying for itself in no time cause I took notes for those with learning disabilities and got paid for it! You should check into that.

college cafeteria food is poison, it makes everyone sick....at least at my old school it was.

Dont take public speaking, DO take interpersonal communication .... you'll probably need a communication class and the difference between the two is immense.

Online classes are a good option if you can remember that stuff actually has a deadline...otherwise online classes are easier than face to face classes most of the time.

Kiss your teacher's ass a little bit, when everyone is failing she will be more likely to give YOU the good grade.

take advantange of all the "fairs" and "festivals", free pizza and ice cream FTW!

[kac]

If your college has a gym that you can use for free, make a workout plan, and take advantage of that gym. There is no reason there should even be a freshman 15. The only thing I did weight wise in college was get in great shape.

[Kioshi]

- dont get caught up w/ too many girls
- don't procrastinate
- learn the college system, how registration works around (because if it doesn't, BAIL OUT, I wasted 1 year and half figuring that out LOL)
- don't take evening classes, i am taking Oral Japanese 2 at 8pm-10pm....it sucks!!

- do buy a decent laptop, ASUS, HP, DELL, etc...
- do choose a major you can make money from and that you will like waking up to every morning and going to work for
- do save money, live off top ramen
- do be social (if you live on campus)...nowadays its ALL about networking
- do stay awake in classes and not zone off
- enjoy the time there, and don't rush you're way....patience is virtue~

......FU&% i hate California Colleges..........

[kac]

The apple store was where I made the best investment of my entire college career.

[YAR1S]

This kind of behavior leads to the freshman 15! :laugh:

CRAP! My rules dont make sense then! SO THATS HOW THEY GOT ON ME! :O

[YAR1S]

The apple store was where I made the best investment of my entire college career.

:wub:

[fujiwaru]

haha thanks for all the good advice! keep them coming!

BTW i just graduated tonight so i am now officially done with high school!!! XD

[bitz767]

congrats

[STC]

"Don't let school interfere with your education." -- Mark Twain

Schooling vs Education 101:

I like to say it as... Don't base your 'Schooling' only to open up doors for a career, but instead open up doors to expand in your knowledge... this is called 'Education'.

Schooling is 'collectivized'! Education gives you the ability to critically analyze... using thought. Unfortunately, we are not taught in our schooling system to critically think. So, be careful that you don't graduate in your schooling and become another cog in the system of 'collectivized learning'...

Be wise to everything. :wink:

Good luck... with your 'education'... :smile:

[fujiwaru]

congrats

thanks man :biggrin:

"Don't let school interfere with your education." -- Mark Twain

Schooling vs Education 101:

I like to say it as... Don't base your 'Schooling' only to open up doors for a career, but instead open up doors to expand in your knowledge... this is called 'Education'.

Schooling is 'collectivized'! Education gives you the ability to critically analyze... using thought. Unfortunately, we are not taught in our schooling system to critically think. So, be careful that you don't graduate in your schooling and become another cog in the system of 'collectivized learning'...

Be wise to everything. :wink:

Good luck... with your 'education'... :smile:

very good advice right here! Thanks STC! :biggrin:

[hachi-roku_fan]

Find something you really like, otherwise you end you getting by and ruining your GPA.

Declare your major early, that way you can set out a plan to get done on time.

Know your registration times

Stay away from the crazies

If you drink, use your mouth, not your eyes

Know your limits

Don't ever pass out at a frat house

But most of all, have fun, you're only 18-22 once. After its over, you can never really go back.

Where are you going? I went to UCSB

[brotan1x]

THe advice I wish I was given early on was..

GO TO CLASS --- DO NOT SKIP for any lame reasons. - Professors will notice you are there every day.. And when you realize you have a 69 , 79 or 89.. The professor who sees that you have been there will remember you and he can be the one to push you up that one point.. Also if you have to drop the class cuz you can't handle it.. He is the difference between a W and a WF. (withdrawFAIL)

Sit at the front of the class.. Not only to be in the teachers view (as I have said before getting noticed by the prof is good) it also eliminates distractions from others in the class) NEVER SIT IN THE VERY BACK..

Take Tuesday Thurday classes. Lump everything into these days.. This will give you more time to study or have a part time job during the day.

Don't go home every weekend if you have to drive more than 50 miles. Try once a month.

Break up with your girl/boy friend.. Its gonna happen anyway and you might as well get it over with. They are not the one for you.. You WILL meet someone better. (yeah I'm asshole but I went through all the drama for you so I could tell you now.. Dump'em now before it gets crazy)

Don't date high school girls while in college.. You will be teased to excess..

Buy 3 weeks worth of underwear. One for each day.. This will allow you to go longer periods without doing laundy.

Find a comfy pair of flip flops and a ball cap. (this eliminates time in the morning being spent getting ready for class)

Get a bike or a motorcycle.. Parking is easier to find for both in areas closer to your dorm or classes. If you do this.. Flip flops are not recommended.

If you eat in the school cafeteria and it says all you can eat.. DON'T do it..Ever heard of the freshman 40? Thats from eating alot in the school cafe.. Be reasonable.

NO Social Frats or Social Sororities the first year.


Never cheat or plagiarize.
This is a big one.. My wife is a teacher and she has some site called "Turn it in" that scans a huge database of papers and articles and encyclopedias to see if you are using anyone elses words..


Oh yeah..

GO TO CLASS!

[fujiwaru]

great advice brotan1x. I'll keep these all in mind when I begin college