College Advice?

Question

Does anyone have any advice for a person going into college?

Please leave advice about workload, cost, cheaper living, roomates, etc.

Answer 1

Though it may be pretty impossible to avoid, (if you're like me), try not to procrastinate.. work on things the night they are assigned to you.. the material is fresh, and it's easier to pick up again later.

Be prepared for the inevitable disagreements between roomates, don't room with someone who you know you may have a potentially volatile relationship with. Respect each other's space, and try to do things separately to avoid overdosing on each other.

Before you go out partying, make sure you have a cupboard full of decent groceries first.

Make sure you are dedicated to your course of study, wasting time can be costly!

...just some things I picked up along the way that stand out. Best of luck!

Answer 2

If your high school was anything like mine they give you hard assignments saying "This will prepare you for college" then you get to college and find out its actually really easy. You have more free time and I didn't think classes were any more difficult. The problem with that is college expects you to do more outside class, and for someone like me, that was a problem.

Your first semester don't take more than 12 credits, give yourself some time to adjust. I know you want to finish in 4, but you also want a good experience. Take a summer class or harder load later if you want, but don't start that way.

Also one I learned that hard way - if you aren't liking your major, change it. Even if you are in your 3rd or 4th year. I now have a major that I have no intention of getting a career in, its worth spending some extra time in school to get exactly what you want. And to go along with that. Take a lot of general classes at the beginning unless you are absolutely sure what you want. That way if you do change, you haven't lost much time.

As for money - live at home if you can. Otherwise live on campus. The experience is better and dorm cost is lumped with tuition so it doesn't feel like you are paying it. Find a job where you have a lot of down time (my friends all seemed to find jobs like these on campus) you get money plus you can bring your homework, win-win. I think the library, media center, computer lab offered these jobs.

Roomates - you win some you lose some. Campus usually has pointers. Decide from the beginning things like do we share dishes, food, tv, computer? Do we clean on our own or set up a schedule? (And just because someone says they are clean, does not mean they are) What is the policy on having people over late, guests on weekends? Get it in writing. And if things are really bad, talk to an advisor about it. If it can't be resolved, you can usually get your room switched.

Answer 3

In your freshmen year, your workload won't be too bad. Of course, it'll be more than high school work, but they don't want to make your first year too difficult. It's about finding a balance between school and your social life.

The cost can really be up to you. If you do enough research, you are likely to find enough aid (scholarships, grants, loans) to fund a large chunk (if not all) of your education. Most people find it easiest to attend a school in the state they live in - it's much cheaper than going to a school out of state.

Roommates can be a tricky situation. Most schools have a personality survey you take before they match you with someone, but I don't think they work very well. My freshmen year roommate situation was a pure nightmare.

Just remember to work hard and most of all, HAVE FUN!!