Forums | MacLife

In addition to going to class, I offer another incredible tip...

READ THE TEXTBOOK!!!

I know a TON of people who don't really even open it--which truly amazes me since books cost a lot of money. (If you paid for it, why not read it?) Those are the people who then wonder why they don't know the answers to half the questions on the test. Even if your professor is strictly a note tester and uses the book only for reference, read the book anyways since it will likely fill in some holes, allow for better essay answers due to an abundance of information, and explain anything to you that your professor may have been unclear or incomplete on.

I've got another one since most freshmen are either in the middle of their orientations right now or will be having them soon (or already had them):

Listen to the upperclassmen who are around. Many of them have been around for three years and know their way around the school pretty well. If there are a bunch of activities advertising for new members in a commons area take the opinions of several of them to see what the groups are really like–not all of them are what they advertise themselves to be!

Also, if you are one of those upperclassmen, make sure you take the time to reach out to the freshmen, even if you just stop to talk to a few of them when you pick up your parking pass! Nothing feels better than helping someone who is nervous about a new experience feel more comfortable. Go to an event or two designed for the freshmen and introduce yourself to them. It's always good to take a few folks under your wing. (This goes true for those of you in high school as well).

Bring plenty of mementos from home like pictures of friends, calling cards, favorite blankets, etc. Regularly keep in touch with friends on the phone and on instant messenger. But mostly get involved from day one. Go to dinner at the cafeteria with your roomates and other people on your floor, offer ideas for fun activities with your suitemates and when you feel homesick lean on them as well. Go to club meetings but don't make yourself get involved in things you know you won't like. There's nothing wrong with getting outside of your comfort zone, but for example if you know you hate swimming don't join the swim team, things like that. stick to things you know. Give yourself a little time to adjust to college life before committing yourself to activities but try to get involved as soon as you do get used to college life. It will be hard to adjust but as soon as you make friends it will definitely get easier.

For me, adjusting to dorm life meant brining earplugs and a fan, since I am a very light sleeper, and being very upfront with my roommate about my need for lights out when I go to bed. The sooner you set that assertive precedent the easier it will be for both of you, or all of you if you have more roommates.

Also, look for every place on campus that you can hang out to nap, study, socialize, whatever, because college is about tapping into the resources that are available to you. And don't be afraid to meet new people or attend a club meeting where you don't know anyone. Having the constant ability to branch out and try new things is what makes college so unique.