<p>I have had a first semester a bit different to what I was envisioning. I ended up going to a school that was a little easier for me, due to a scholarship. However, that is not to say the school is bad or anything (top 50th), and I truly like it here. However, I am not doing as well as I know I can. I never study or do any REAL work (I turn in papers when necessary, although sometimes late) and I don't feel like I am getting everything I can out of my classes, even though I participate in them a lot and have become close with some professors. I am not happy with how I have been handling everything, and am going to try to change next semester. </p>
<p>I am halfway through taking my finals, and it looks like I will be coming out with about a 3.6, and I am looking into going to law school/grad school (that is somewhat relevant). </p>
<p>A few things went wrong, and distracted me. First, I got very ill, and was hospitalized in early October. I also came from a very structured environment, with my parents taking care of me. Also, I never went out or was ever really exposed to the whole "party scene," and here socializing is so much easier.</p>
<p>I guess my question/concern was, how detrimental is my not-as-good-as-it-should-be first semester. Now that I know the ropes of college and living on my own, and have experienced the whole party/drinking culture and realized it is really not for me, I know how to have a much better 2nd semester. Also, has anyone gone through this/are going through this, and have some advise/comments? </p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>