If you’re struggling in a class, don’t wait to seek help. The sooner you try to catch up, the easier it will be.
When you get ready to sign up for classes, ask around about the professors. People will tell you which ones to avoid.
And for God’s sake, wear sunscreen.
WV_Woman’s advice to avoid the credit card trap is right on as well. They’ll be out there, offering you cool stuff if you apply for a credit card (t-shirts, etc; I think when I was at UGA they were giving out cigarettes once!); do not take them up on it!
Credit cards are a major temptation and a great way to finish college with even more debt than most of us already do, plus, if you get into trouble on payments, that’s a black mark on your credit record that will stay there for at least seven years.
Actually, I have to respectfully disagree with this one. If you are moving to a new area and to a new college for the first time in your life, I think having a good roommate is a lifesaver. I moved to college in the spring semester and moved in with a roommate that I didn’t socialize with at all. It was hell because I felt like I was completely alone out there. I very rarely saw him or spoke to him so most of the time, I was alone in my room studying or watching television.
After a couple of weeks, he moved out and I had to find a new roommate. I ended up moving in with another guy who turned out to be one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met. Just living with him, I was introduced to all kinds of people, and so was he, and it made that semester one of the best I’ve ever had.
If I had lived alone, I can’t think of how many friends I would have never met. It’s nice to have someone there who is going through the same stresses of living away from home and going to college as you. At least that is my experience, anyway.
I’d like to add an Amen here if I may.
And a note on the fraternity thing: I pledged a fraternity the spring of my freshman year. Personally, I think this was the best way to do it, if you are thinking about doing this. (and to be honest, I had actually said Hell no to fraternities when I got there.) Not all fraternities/soroties have spring rush, but if they do, then it is much better than a fall rush because you have already settled into things, you know people, and you have had a whole semester to learn about all the different fraternites, not just a month. If you don’t want to go greek, I still advise rushing because if for nor other reason than to meet people and get free food (fraternites LOVE to give free food during rush.) Of course, this assumes you have a greek life at your school.
Oh, and as to the remark about clothes on a carpet, I actually feel more inclined to throw clothes on a carpet because I can’t see the dirt on a carpet, but I can see it on a bare floor (but in my experience most college dorms are carpeted.)
I will repeat the mantra of go to class. If you get a low GPA that first semester, it will take a while and a lot of good grades to bring it back up again…trust me, I know from experience.
Get to know your program/department advisors. They are SO helpful when it comes time to choose courses, deal with problems with a course, planning your next couple of years, and making sure you have the courses you need to graduate.
Also, get involved. There are so many fun clubs and organizations at most colleges and universities - it doesn’t have to be a frat, either. Its a great way to meet people with common interestes, and to have some fun within the school environment.