<p>-Know where your classes are the day before, don't come late.
-Sit close to the front of the room, that way you can focus better and will feel guilty slacking off. Also your professor will be far more linient with a familiar face he sees in class everyday rather than some loser he never saw who needs help or a regrade.
-Don't skip lectures, sections, or any academic activity. The more you hear about the material in more formats (lecture, section, read about it on your own, doing homework, etc...) the better it will stick.</p>
<p>I totally agree.</p>
<p>Keep your priorities straight - make sure you're getting enough sleep so that you don't fall asleep in class. While you're in class, like scorp said, sit towards the front and maintain eye contact with the professor (unless you're taking notes, of course). I have found this extremely valuable... if I'm not looking at the professor, I zone out in a second.</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to meet new people. However, don't go to the other extreme and make "friends" with everyone because you're so eager to fit in. Chill out, take some time, and figure out who you can truly call your friends. Cheesy, but I fully believe that quality trumps quantity.</p>
<p>good advice, keep it coming.</p>
<p>Group study, at least a little bit, to see how well it works for you -- especially on long HW assignments. If it works, stick with it, if not drop it.</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to ask for help just because you were the kid who got straight A's in high school and never had to ask a teacher for help or get a tutor. Asking a TA about a homework problem or brainstorming with a prof for ideas for a paper doesn't mean you're dumb -- it means you're trying hard and willing to learn!</p>
<p>When picking classes, look at the sylabi and compare -- does it look like you'll have a midterm for one class during the same week that you have a paper due for another class and a presentation for a third? These situations are foreseeable and worth avoiding.</p>
<p>I posted some tips for new ucla students at <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=230867%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=230867</a> but I think a lot of the points apply at most colleges, especially larger schools</p>
<p>various groups on campus bring all kinds of speakers to talk, and often you can go for free. Don't miss out on these opportunities to hear from people who have "been there, done that".</p>
<p>-actually look at your textbook because sometimes they are helpful, and you bought them
-do your homeowork, it's assigned for a reason
-eat healthy snacks and meals to keep up your energy and keep off weight
-keep track of how much money you spend
-get involved in activities to meet people and build your resume
-stay organized
-check your e-mail often, that's where schools have important stuff like when class is canceled at 7:45 in the morning
-an hour in between class can be used wisely to look over notes or get homework done
-be sure to have fun, it's college! =)</p>
<p>My favorite peice of advice comes from a college president: It doesn't have to be dark to study- you can study in the daytime.</p>
<p>Find a writing buddy--someone who you can exchange your papers with to gain insight and give insight. Oh, and proofreading is also good--someone else is more likely to catch a glaring grammar mistake.</p>
<p>Get over test anxiety. When you take the test, don't think of it as "test day", think of it as a normal day and know that you know the stuff.</p>
<p>Bring an extra set of batteries with you whenever you need to use a calculator on a test.</p>
<p>Come to class with two pencils in case one breaks or dies during class, or if your buddy forgets one.</p>
<p>Figure out the best time to come to snag a great parking space (for commuters).</p>
<p>If you're local, stay involved in your community activities. They look good on a college resume. And if you're going into education, keep your foot in the door of your alma mater--better job prospects.</p>
<p>If you need directions to get somewhere, especially on campus, and you see someone wearing letters, ask them. This is better than carrying a huge map around.</p>
<p>636</p>