a big sister’s college tips
wait until after syllabus week to buy your textbooks. they might not be required. it’ll save you money
prioritize your classes by number of credit hours. more credit hours = bigger impact on your GPA. sometimes there’s not enough study time to go around
if you wanna dress up for class, dress up for class. if you wanna pull up in the sweatshirt you wore yesterday, that’s okay too
locate your classes before they start, so you don’t get lost on the first day. check and see if your college has an app of some sort with a campus map!
old exams are more valuable than life itself
set your class schedule as your home screen until you’ve got it down
Chegg.com. you’re welcome
carry a sweatshirt. it may be 100 degrees outside but chances are it’s 30 degrees in your lecture hall
keep your syllabi
write things down!! planner, phone, laptop, etc.
sit in the front. go up and introduce yourself to your professor after the first day, say you’re looking forward to the class. build a relationship! Professors do not round grades for students they don’t at least recognize
bring your chargers with you everywhere
sometimes it’s easier to wake up early and study for an exam than stay up late the night before
shower shoes. have you ever heard of toe fungus
the dorms are bad BUT you will get through it (and make friends while doing it)
there’s no such thing as a condom that doesn’t fit
every time you skip class it costs you money. go to class. (unless you are dying or have no other time to finish something for another class)
your mental health is important. college can be overwhelming. know your limits. seek help if you need it.
sometimes if you go to your professor’s office hours and ask questions a day or two before an exam they will steer you towards information that will be covered
find your study space. the library is your friend
parking is a bitch and a half
it’s okay to miss your parents. call them. (they miss you too)
talk to your advisor!!! let them advise you!!!
don’t study yourself into the ground. after college you’re a real life adult - enjoy college while it lasts. go out, make friends, if you drink, do so responsibly. uber exists for this very reason
keep an eye on your drink at all times
don’t feel pressured to go out and drink because college. it’s not for everybody
on a related note: pedialyte is your friend
don’t be afraid to drop a class that doesn’t fit you, but talk to your advisor first
chances are you’re paying a lot of money to be where you are. party if you wanna, but do not let it interfere with your grades.
you’re gonna get a lot of free stuff. take advantage
if you can handle it with your class load, get a job. it’s a good way to make friends.
it’s okay to change your major. really!
first semester is easier if you get involved with something!!
there will be weeks when you have nothing due, and then there will be weeks when you have 5 exams 14 assignments and 2 papers due all at once. take advantage of down time. work ahead!! make life easier for your future self
carry a water bottle
exercise will not only help avoid the freshman 15 but also make you feel better
it’s okay if you’re not best friends with your roommate
communicate if they are doing something that annoys you
keep your dorm clean. the only thing worse than a tiny space is a messy one
buy an umbrella
