Do not fall into the credit card company's tricks where they give you a credit card. These cards have high interest rates, and they aim to prey on college students who have no money. There are many instances in which college student's default on these cards because they understandably have no money to pay them back.
Get as involved as possible with the students on campus and with certain organizations in the school. This is very important as you do not want to be tagged as a social outcast with nothing to do during the day. This will help you to make friends and feel like a part of the university.
Get all distractions and chores out of the way before you sit down to study. That way, you won't be tempted to be distracted by things that you could or should be doing instead. Many people find that unfinished chores lure them away from studying and give them an excuse to procrastinate. So get those things out of the way first so you can give your studying undivided attention.
Develop good, long lasting relationships with professors. Professors are the ultimate resource and can do a lot to help you along the way. Seek them out whenever you have a question or feel you can be of help in class. Establishing a rapport with professors can result in higher grades and enhanced opportunities.
When you go to college you often times will stay out late with friends to study or go to a party. Be safe, never walk home alone, carry your phone with you at all times, know where the safe zones are on campus, and consider carrying a small spray canister of pepper spray with you.
Don't take more than one writing course per term. Even though you may only have to complete 3 essays for the course, there is often a lot of required reading. You want to have enough time to complete the readings for every class, which will be difficult with more than 1 writing course.
Spend lots of time in the college library. The libraries on campus provide resources that can help you succeed in your classes. Get to know the librarian, she will be able to direct you toward the necessary study materials to successfully complete the necessary coursework. Also, there may be a bulletin board filled with advertisements for used books for sale. You can get a great deal on them if you act quickly
Think about studying abroad. Look at the opportunities offered by the school, but don't let that box you in. If you want to study in another country, you need to find out everything that is available to you. You might even be able to find something better outside of your school.
Look beyond your elective courses for choosing your major. Try getting involved around your college. Try work-study positions and join clubs. A college campus is a diverse mix of many different activities. Try something new every week to see what you like and dislike.
Go shopping for essentials about a month before you go away to school. Get everything you think you need, and then you will have time to think about things you might have needed and have time to go to the store to pick them up before you leave. Early preparation is the key!
If your courses give the option of attending real class or taking classes online, do both. Go to the real class, and then make good use of the Internet class for an excellent study and review tool. This is a great way to make smart use of your college dollars. Of course, if you are ill and miss a class, you should always take advantage of the internet class to make up for your absence.
Be respectful of your classmates' and your professors' time. College courses tend to move at a faster pace than high school classes. Many classes have dozens or even hundreds of students. Save all but the most important questions for office hours, or ask them through email, rather than holding up the class.
Be aware of the study resources available to you. Ask your professors, advisers, and school librarians about study resources for all your classes. This can be especially useful for classes you are struggling in. Never be afraid to ask for additional help with an area if you happen to need it.
If you don't get the grades you're used to, don't take it personally. Talk to the teacher to find out what you can do to improve. Many students who were straight A students in high school get a C or worse on their first assignments or tests when they get to college, so don't feel ashamed or angry--just get proactive so you can do better.
These tips should help a student avoid some of the pitfalls that afflict new college students. College life is one of the important milestones in a person's life and not everyone makes the adjustment well. Use the tips you read here to make this challenging time both productive and enjoyable. Your future depends on it.