Starting college can be like entering an entirely new world. You have more freedom than you've ever had before and you are in total control over your own life. This increased responsibility however can make you susceptible to some serous pitfalls. Read the following article to learn what habits to avoid in order to have a successful college career.
Before you choose what you'll major in when you go to college, take a look at what jobs are available in your area. You don't want to get out of school and only be able to get jobs that are below your skill level. Consider saving to relocate if you have to after getting out of school.
When you are trying to choose a school that you would like to attend you should weigh all of the pros and cons of the school compared to what your major will be. You can find many lists that tell you what the department at the school you are interested in ranks.
One of the things that you should do when you enter college is to get acquainted the area around your college. This means find the best restaurants, supermarkets and bars in your area. An understanding of the place that you live in can help you feel more comfortable during your stay.
Consider living on campus even if you go to school close to home. Not only will you miss a lot of things going on, but you may miss out on your first opportunity to live on your own and make your own financial and social decisions. If you can possibly afford it, live in a dorm.
A great way to save money during college is to strive to purchase used textbooks, rather than new ones. Textbooks cost a lot of money, especially if you are getting them new. You can save a lot of money by buying your textbooks used.
Do not crack under the stress of selecting or declaring a major right away. Some professors might try and draw you into their department early on, as the more students they have the more job security they have. Never rush major decisions, and do what is right for you, not anyone else.
Take advantage of the office hours offered by your academic instructors. These hours are provided for your benefit. There is no better source of help or information about a class than the person who teaches it! Use the time to ask questions, seek clarification, or discuss your in-class performance.
If you are looking to go back to college, but it has been a while since you were in school, consider attending evening classes. The instructors usually actively work in their fields during the daytime, and teach at night. This helps to bring a different element of real-life experience to the classroom.
Eat well. You may have heard of the 'freshman fifteen', or the 15 pounds that many college freshmen gain when their moms are not watching their diets! Remember that good food makes you feel alert and energetic, and the wrong foods will make you tired and hinder your performance. Eat right!
Remember that you can always transfer. Sometimes college students feel stuck, and don't like the school they have chosen. The good news is that you can always look elsewhere and go to a different school if you want to do so. There is no shame in doing that, and you may be happier elsewhere.
If money is tight, and your choice is to either take out a loan or leave school, the smart choice is always to get a loan. Even though this may put you in the lurch temporarily and add to your current burdens, if you have chosen your major wisely, it will increase your earning power. You should be able to pay your loan back with your increased earnings. Leaving school is a sure way to guarantee low earning power for life.
Don't use artificial stimulants so you can stay up and study longer. Caffeine and other stimulants can wreak havoc with your sleep schedule and your health. Since sleep time is just as important as study time, you need to be able to rest when you can. Finding the right balance between studying and sleeping is a better strategy for acing tests.
You don't have to be a great student to get scholarships. There are scholarships that are specifically designed for average to below average students. These scholarships are often available through your school. Talk to your financial aid advisor to learn more about these types of scholarships and how to apply for them.
During your first couple of years in college, explore your education options. This is the time when you can find out what you are really interested in studying. If you try different types of classes, you may discover a subject that you really like to major in. Keep your options open and do not limit yourself.
Avoid the urge to overeat if you are living at the dormitory. Most schools offer up a buffet-style selection with a wide variety of selections that can be tempting, but overeating can lead to health issues as well as take away from the energy needed to focus on your academics.
If you need to find off-campus housing, make sure to look for a place that is close to public transportation. It might seem easy to walk or ride your bike, but when you have a large project or are running late it is nice to have the option to get to campus quickly.
Grants, scholarships, financial aid from both your college and the state, and federal grants like Pell grants can make paying for college a much less stressful affair. Talk to the financial aid office at your college or your counselor in high school and make sure that you're receiving every penny you qualify for.
It is important that you know about your classes' workload before you even begin attending classes. You will be able to better prepare yourself for what is to come for each semester by reading the courses' syllabus. Here, you will know what your homework assignments, tests and overall class will be like.
College life is a time in a person's life that is usually remembered fondly. There is no question that college is a great challenge, and demands new skills from a young adult, but it is also a lot of fun. These tips should help a young person make the adjustment to campus life a smooth one.
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