Sound advice from someone who's been there (Twice!)

Before I start, perhaps I should give some background into who I am. I graduated from high school in ’06 with something like a 3.98 GPA (if it weren’t for Pre-Calculus, I’d have had a perfect straight-A record throughout my schooling.) I then attended and graduated from a two-year college this last spring. In my time there, I worked in the Res Life office and as an RA for a year each. I was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and was on several student-faculty committees. Now, having transferred, I’m in the second semester of my “sophomore” year (even though I’ve already done two years of college…) and have just been hired as an RA.

Now that you know a bit about where I’m coming from, I’d like to offer some advice to anyone who needs it! This is a peer-to-peer advice session for anyone in high school or in their freshman year of college:

-I know you probably want to go to the awesome state school so you can cheer with your friends (who are all going there, too) when your team wins the big game. And if sports are a big part of your life (and you like big schools), that’s probably a good choice. But some words of advice: friends change in college, so don’t make a decision that big because your friends are doing it. (This is similar to the “you don’t have to do drugs to fit in” speech.) Pick a school that you feel comfortable at. Go to campus and take a look around – if you can’t see yourself being a student there, then it’s probably not the best choice.

-Despite what the books might say and what your parents probably say (and actually, sort of, what I said) picking a college is not a life or death situation. If you go for a quarter or a year and it doesn’t feel right, transferring is an option. The schools I contacted during my transfer (there were about six, I think) were all very willing to help out as far as credits go. Also, lots of schools give scholarships for transfer students! Definitely take that into consideration if you’re thinking of making the switch.

-If you don’t know you have to ask! In high school, mom and dad may have made the phone calls for you, but now, it’s your responsibility. I know a few people who still make their parents call about stuff on campus… while they themselves are ON CAMPUS! It’s silly! It takes some maturity to pick up the phone and call someone’s office, or go to someone’s office and ask a question. But you’re paying them to answer your questions, not to ask you if you have any. This includes financial aid problems, questions about grades, even assignments. If you’re too nervous to raise your hand and ask during class time, talk to the professor after class or during their office hours. Many profs I’ve had are also incredibly responsive to emails (but remember – if you email, it’s a waiting game, and that can really suck if you’re up against a deadline.) But asking questions will show them you’re paying attention and giving it a try. Which leads me to my next point.

-MAKE your professors learn your name. (Yes, even in a lecture class.) I guarantee it will help, if you do it the right way. For example, it is not a good idea to tick them off so badly that they have to ask your name to make you shut up or have you removed from class. It’s also not a good idea for them to know you as “that kid who always turns in a sloppy paper.” BUT if you ask well-timed questions or make appropriate comments, say your name before you begin speaking (if it’s a large lecture class, especially) so they know who you are. Send the prof an email or stop by the office if you need a nudge in the right direction on an assignment – not only will you get some one-on-one assistance with the person giving you the grades, but they’ll also put a name to a face (or at least know that whoever it is with that name is making an effort!) If you’re going to class, they’ll notice. Which leads me to yet another point:

- GO TO CLASS! It’s so simple, and everyone knows that they should but the ones who really succeed in college are the ones who attend every class. I mean, granted, if you go and sleep through the class, you’re probably not going to ace the next test automatically. But by being in class, you’ll get assignments, due dates, and, most importantly, the class material. After all, you’re paying for an education, why not get one?

-This one’s more my own opinion than most of these others have been, but I digress: live on campus, especially for the first year. I would go as far as to say that living in on-campus housing is the easiest way to get involved and meet people on campus. I mean, think about it – it’s you and a whole building full of your peers. How can you not meet people? If you’re living in dorm-style housing, just leave the door open and see how many people you can meet! I’ve met some of my dearest and truest friends by living on campus, and I would recommend it to anyone.

-Especially if you’re on campus (but even if you’re not) take advantage of the programs offered – especially the fun ones. It might seem silly or cheesy, but those are the things you’ll remember. They’re a great way to meet new people, and sometimes even make connections with faculty or community members. And if they really do suck (I know, some do!) get on the Student Activities Board or give a suggestion to your RA – figure out who does the programming and offer your ideas. Coming from experience, RA’s are often searching for good programming ideas, and your comments might really help out! And if you’re looking for a good, cheap date, on campus programs are perfect. Even if they’re not as fun as the people running them want them to be, you’ll at least have something to laugh about later! And (heaven forbid!) you may even learn something, too!

- If you can find one and think your course-load will allow it, get an on-campus job. Many will allow you to do homework while making money, but you’ve got to act quickly on any open positions. And remember – while having some spending money is nice, your job should not supersede your class work. If you’re struggling to keep up with both, talk to your boss – they understand that you’re a student, and might be able to come up with a good solution for you.

-The bookstore doesn’t want you to know this, but you can find most of your books MUCH cheaper online. I like www.campusi.com myself, because it’s a crawler, meaning it scans other sites (like half.com and Amazon Marketplace) and tells you which one has the best price for the book you’re looking for. If your bookstore offers it, try to get your booklist early and order as soon as you can. (Many books are even cheaper than the bookstore with expedited shipping included!) Another good idea (especially if the bookstore doesn’t have a list ahead of time) is to email your professors and ask what books you’ll need for their classes and when. (If you’ve got some time, you know you can do standard media shipping, or take a couple extra days to bid on the item.)

-I said it before, but I’ll make a new point of it here – your friends will change. I know you’ve pinky-sworn to stay friends forever, but chances are college is going to change you – and your BFF’s. And that can be a really hard thing sometimes. I know from a grueling personal experience that the friends you had when you graduated high school are not necessarily the ones you’ll have when you graduate college. In fact, I’d say you probably won’t be BFF’s when you graduate college. This point is not intended to depress you or make you defiant, I’m just warning you. Because even the ones who you just KNOW are going to be in your wedding and you KNOW you’re going to buy houses next to each other, that’s not always the case. College changes people. It makes some people grow up and mature, it makes some people devolve to a kindergarten-like state, and (especially prevalent in those who choose to room with high school friends) sometimes you learn the true individual underneath. My advice for all of this? Try it. Make your best-buds-forever promises. Know that it might not be “forever” and don’t use them as a crutch not to make new friends. Don’t spend all your afternoon and evenings talking to all your high school friends when you could be out meeting new people. Which goes into…

-…Meet new people. Meet as many people as you can. And I don’t just mean introduce yourself. Ask them questions – find out where they’re from and what they like to do. Even if you have nothing in common, you at least have something to learn from them. Are you shy? Guess what? In college, you can reinvent yourself! Fake the courage! Pretend to be outgoing and crazy. (No one will know if you’re really a mouse on the inside.) Because the truth is that people who don’t make friends have a really crappy time. I mean, yes, college is about going to class and studying hard and making good grades. But one of the hidden intents of college is for you to break out of your shell a little bit and meet people from all walks of life. The more people you meet, the more connections you’ll make. Talk to the business people – it’s about who you know, right? Go out there and meet some people.

-On an incredibly serious note, do not waste all your money, time, and brain cells on alcohol or drugs. Here’s the fact – the kids who party hardest do not make the grades. Honestly, I’m a huge advocate for waiting until you’re of legal age – some schools can be really strict about their policies, and underage consumption could cost you financial aid or you could be kicked out of your housing. If you must drink, do it very responsibly. Don’t party the night before early classes – you won’t go in the morning, and, as previously stated, you HAVE to go to class. Know your campus’ policy on alcohol – often, completely “dry” campuses have stricter penalties if you’re caught. Alcoholism and alcohol poisoning are serious issues. If you can, just avoid the whole scene – if you’re so unimaginative that you have to drink to have a good time, then you don’t deserve to have a good time. (That’s just me.)

-Find out about (and take advantage of) all campus services. If you’re bad at taking tests, some schools have facilities where you can take exams in a separate room, or have someone read the test to you. Have a learning disability? Many schools have highly effective programs. Feeling sick? Most colleges have a small health clinic to help diagnose your needs for free. The thing with these services, though, is that you have to seek the help yourself. (Anyone noting the resounding notes of “independence” playing throughout this piece?)

- Going along with that, stay healthy! Most schools have an athletic center that is free for students. You don’t have to lift weights and run hundreds of miles – take a couple trips around the track or swim a couple laps in the pool. ALSO (personal experience note) if you’ve had a cold for over a month, it’s not a cold! Seek professional help!

-You’d be amazed what kind of culinary masterpieces can be made in the microwave. Seriously. Give me a microfridge and I could make a three-course meal! You just have to be creative and patient! (Hint: boil pasta for 10-12 minutes and buy spaghetti sauce in the jar and heat up as much as you need… You can also add in some canned chicken to make a no-hassle meat sauce!)

-Ride the fine line between enough and too much sleep. I would say, figure out how much you really need to be truly functional (that means not-living-dead) and try to get that amount each night. I know, late night study sessions and the like will happen, but try to keep a regular schedule. Naps throw off the whole cycle, so avoid them unless you’re overwhelmingly tired or you feel you really need one.

- Last thing here to wrap it up: learn as much as you can, and have as much fun as you can. The real genius thing is to find the perfect balance between the two – and to make learning as fun as you can! Most of the things you’ll learn and remember have nothing to do with books and curriculum. So learn, learn, learn, but make this unique time in your life something memorable!

***If anyone has any other questions for a real-life college student (and RA), I'd love to answer them!