Advice For Freshman And Returning College Students
MAKE THE MOST OF EACH DAY. THE YEARS WILL FLY BY.
#1 – SHOW UP.
Attend every class session unless you have a contagious illness. (Woody Allen was right: 80% of success is just showing up.) And don’t sit in the back; Professors can practically predict a student’s grade based on where he or she sits.
#2 -ENGAGE.
Come to class prepared enough to ask a perceptive question or make a useful comment. Don’t be a wallflower, but also don’t dominate either – your fellow students will not love you if your hand is always the first one up. When you e-mail a professor, do it for a good reason and be respectful.
#3 – AFFILIATE, BE SOCIAL.
Take advantage of what campus life has to offer – clubs, events, service trips, religious groups. Join something.
Leave the door of your dorm room open much of the day and cultivate a broad group of friends. Don’t walk around campus texting. Make eye contact. Chat with kids in class. Set up a study group of three or four people to share ideas, questions, and notes if you have to miss a class.
#4 – Savor Your Indepence
College is a time to grow up. Make the place where you live a home away from home so you have a measure of personal comfort. Create a positive atmosphere that will nurture you. Keep your support system – friends, family – in place, and call them when you need them, but don’t be afraid of loosening the ties.
