<p>Do you guys have any advice? ANYTHING is good. I read an old post of mikemac's on "How to Survive UCLA" (or something like that). I'm very worried about be unprepared (academically). Any general advice is good and any book recommendations, especially on studying tips, are appreciated. (As strange as this sounds, I do not know how to study.)</p>
<p>everyone studies differently. i suggest print out the lecture notes ahead of time if they are available. a lot of my prof's put them up prior to class on the internet or on the campus network. plus if you miss class that day you can still get those notes. as long as you have them ahead of time it's easy to jot down notes on the papers and you don't have to be writing the whole time since you have a general outline anyway. (that's just my technique.. i hate taking notes)</p>
<p>as far as studying, i like studying with groups. just because it keeps me focued on what i'm doing, plus if i have a question i have a group of people to ask, and vice versa. when i study just by myself i get sidetracked by every little thing and end up doing worse... my cumulative gpa went up by .5 when i switched from studying by myself to studying with groups...</p>
<p>Emmaline,</p>
<p>Some odd-ball bits of advice:
[ul]
[<em>] If you have a scholarship that requires a minimum gpa to keep it, do at least that well, BUT.... otherwise, do not get obsessive about grades. College is for learning a lot more than what's just being taught in the classroom.
[</em>] Right away, be outgoing and make friends. If you're normally a shy person, pretend you're in a play and act outgoing. Having a group to be with will go a long way toward being happy.
[<em>] Get involved. Whether it's a service club, an intramural team, a sorority, or whatever, do not fall for the "I don't have time" excuse.
[</em>] Alcohol is a rite of passage for college students, but too many students make that the center of the above (friends and activities). If your friends are only drinking buddies and your "involvement" is partying, then you are robbing yourself of the kinds of experiences you should be getting.
[li] Finally, remember that you WILL encounter problems: a prof you hate, a roommate that drives you nuts, a BF/GF who will make you crazy. Know that these things will happen, work to make the situation better, and get through it.[/li][/ul]</p>
<p>---Bob</p>
<p>There's a good little book that came out a few years ago with a lot of sound advice in small packes, called "Been There, Wish I Had Done That."</p>
<p>couldnt find the book on Amazon. Are you sure that is the correct title and maybe you could give the name of the author. Thanks</p>
<p>My son had that book! Pretty cute.</p>
<p>OK -- here it is. I found it in my daughter's room. She got it as a graduation gift: "Been There Should've Done That" by Suzette Tyler, Front Porch Press. What I have is apparently the second edition of useful tips. </p>
<p>I think I'll pick up a few for graduation gifts.</p>
<p>1) Pick your classes wisely. Don't bunch them up in one or two areas, and don't overload yourself. Have a good balance.</p>
<p>2) Befriend your RA. He/she can be very helpful down the road if you have problems or questions.</p>
<p>3) Get involved, but don't overreach. A few activities you're actively involved in can be a great boost to your college experience. Don't wear yourself out, though.</p>
<p>4) Wear flip-flops in the shower.</p>
<p>5) Consider getting a family plan for your phone. </p>
<p>6) Lock up your computer at all times.</p>
<p>7) Do not take early morning classes. Just because you go to bed early doesn't mean everyone else gets quiet at night.</p>
<p>8) Buy used textbooks from classmates.</p>
<p>9) Hit the dorm bathrooms at early or late times to avoid rush hour. </p>
<p>10) Get to know your professor early in the term so you feel comfortable asking questions if you get lost later on.</p>
<p>11) Learn how to do laundry BEFORE you leave home. Take the time to sort your clothes.</p>
<p>12) Bring appropriate clothing. Flip-flops are not always ideal footwear.</p>
<p>13) Only bring the essentials. Other stuff can be bought once you get there.</p>
<p>14) Bring a big fan. It cools the room and reduces noise.</p>
<p>15) Learn to study effectively. This website is intended for organic chem, but it can be applied to many courses.
<a href="http://chemistry.umeche.maine.edu/CHY251/howto.html%5B/url%5D">http://chemistry.umeche.maine.edu/CHY251/howto.html</a></p>
<p>thank you so much for the info on the book, will order it today from amazon.</p>
<ol>
<li>Naps are your friends.</li>
<li>Dont schedule early morning classes, no matter how much you think you wont mind.</li>
<li>Be social and outgoing, especially in the beginning. You're going to be meeting so many people, you never know who will become your best friends.</li>
<li>make friends in each class so you have someone to borrow notes from or have study sessions.</li>
<li>dont worry about grad school stuff until junior year (unless you need pre-med requirements).</li>
<li>get your required classes out of the way ASAP.</li>
<li>invest in a good pair of headphones for sleep/studying. dorms, and even the library, can be noisy.</li>
<li>leave your door open when you are in the room- everyone will know who you are and it shows you are friendly</li>
<li>QUARTERS ARE GOLD.</li>
<li>work hard, play hard, and be open to everything!</li>
</ol>