a big sister’s college tips

studyingstudent:

• 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