Leaving for college in two days... any words of wisdom?

[The_Liquid_Laser]

Here are some tips I've learned.

1) Have balance.  Balance work and fun.  Some people only do fun things like party, socialize, play video games, whatever.  These people fail out of school.  Some people only work and hardly ever have fun.  These people are really missing out.  Do both.  Have fun and be responsible.  Learn the proper balance.

2) Try to take about 1/2 gen ed. classes and 1/2 major related classes the first couple of years.  You want to work on your major while expanding your horizons.  (Again have balance.)  Lots of people change their majors while they are in college.  Other people get a 4 year degree and then come back to school a few years later wanting a different 4 year degree.  It is better to change your major than get 2 bachelors degrees, so take plenty of different kinds of classes the first couple of years to make sure your major is really the one you want.

3) Try to take a "fun" class every semester, assuming you have the elective credits to do it.  By fun I mean something not required that looks interesting to you.

4) If possible sign up for an extra class every semester.  Then after a week drop the class you like the least (assuming it's not a vital prerequisite that you need ASAP).  Even if it's a class you need to graduate, you can always take it later with a different teacher that you like better.

5) Always go to class.  This is the most efficient way to spend time.  Always do homework/study every day even if its only for an hour or so.  Some people prefer to cram for tests instead of studying every day.  This doesn't work as well, it will stress you out and you will forget the material afterward.  Instead study every day.  Obviously you will study more the night before a test, but you will be less stressed and do better if you also study every day.

6) Get all of your Math out of the way ASAP.  The longer people go without taking Math, the more they forget.  Get those Math credits taken care of ASAP. 

7) Try new stuff.  Colleges have lots of things going on.  Try different things that sound interesting.  Just don't forget to balance fun and study.

8) If you ever get in over your head, then ask for help.  There are lots of professors and counselors willing to help or point you in the right direction.  Most professors don't go out of their way to help, but will help if asked, and they know a lot more about the University than you do.  Universities are also full of lots of different resources that most students are not aware of.

Hope this helps.