It can be very excitiing to go away to college, and scary at the same time. It is a big transition in life and will broaden both your education and life skills. It is not easy for a young person to learn the skills of adulthood while learning a field of study at the same time. But that is the challenge of college life.
Take advantage of activities and facilities available on your college’s campus. Many campuses offer a variety of free and inexpensive events for students, from concerts to movie showings. They also have fitness centers, pools, and other recreational facilities. You can also join clubs or groups centered around your hobbies, religion, and more.
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.
Keep up with your checking account to avoid wasting money on overdraft charges. Debit cards are easy to use, and unfortunately, that means it is also easy to spend more money than you actually have. Get into a schedule where you check your account online every few days so that this does not happen to you.
Make general ed part of your first semester. If you are aware of a class that you must take in order to graduate, then try getting it done early so you can be done with it and move on to your core classes. Besides, you won’t want to be the only senior in a class full of freshmen four years from now.
Know how to get in contact with your professors. Take a walk to their offices and speak with them face to face. Having a good relationship established with your professors can be a big help. You may have a late turn-in on homework or personal issues that they may be more understanding of.
If you are attending college in another state or are going to reside on campus, decide if it is wise to bring your vehicle along. If you go to school in a big city, parking might be an issue. It could also be expensive to have a car. Remember that you have to plan for both gas and insurance.
In order to make the most of your time on campus, try to look ahead to when your requirement classes are offered. By planning for a schedule that keeps your from going back and forth from your room to class you give yourself more time to study, relax, or sleep.
School
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.
This article should have helped you understand how to balance the different parts of your life while attending college. Apply the advice you’ve learned and you are sure to enjoy a rewarding college experience.