<p>I don’t know if there is a similar thread in the forum, but whatever; I can’t sleep. This is my contribution to CC. Upperclassmen please contribute also, if you want. No obligations. </p>
<p>I’m going to share something similar to “do’s and don’ts” every first-year student should learn. These are based on my accomplishments and flaws and my observations of others last academic year. If you’ve heard or read about these things already, well please read again. It’s very important. </p>
<li>Academics/Courses</li>
</ol>
<p>If there are indeed courses in which you strenuously feel you can earn an A, then BY ALL MEANS EARN THAT A. Don’t take any of your courses for granted. Study accordingly, submit assignments accordingly, participate accordingly, and most importantly, SHOW UP FOR CLASS (even if you think it’s a blow off session). It’s a mistake I made for courses such as Calculus and Public Speaking. I missed many, many classes. And guess what, most of those classes I missed were pop quiz days for Calc, and impromptu speaking days for PS. I swear I had those classes wrapped around my fingers because I got A’s on major tests and speeches, but my absences screwed me over minor quizes and speeches, which in turn screwed up my chances of As. I earned a B+ in those courses. I know they’re not terrible (I’m not complaining), but the fact that you know you could have gotten an A and didn’t sucks no matter what grade you get. Well that’s a lesson learned. Never again. So, yeah, I emphatically advise you to NEVER TAKE YOUR COURSES FOR GRANTED. If you know you can get the A, then BY ALL MEANS GET IT!</p>
<p>2) Social life</p>
<p>The minute you have settled your things in your dorm, GO OUT AND SOCIALIZE. Don’t confine yourself in your dorm during move in week because if you do, it’ll gradually become habitual and you’ll miss out on various fun and activities your college has to offer. Attend meetings or activities student organizations of your interest have, go to events the Greeks host, attend the social RHA presents for the residents, etc. Go out there and befriend some people. When you go to class and you happen to see someone sitting alone, go to talk to him or her; if you see someone eating alone in the dining center, ask if you may join him or her. Be outgoing. It’s healthy. And of course, allow yourself to be befriended. Don’t masquerade around campus looking hostile or scary. Present happiness and joy in your face, with your posture, and your walk.</p>
<p>3) Professors</p>
<p>Forget about getting to build a relationship with your professors by visiting them during their office hours and initiating conversation; although, there is nothing wrong with it. I feel the best way to build that professor-student connection is by avidly attending class, sitting in the front row(s) of the class, and participate in discussions. I promise you, nothing pleases a professor more than a student who considerably takes part in a discussion that took the professor a great amount of time and effort to plan. A deadbeat class ****es a professor off because the professor does take time to organize the lecture and discussion. He or she wants substantial feedback or responses so that it makes the professor’s work worthwile. Even if it is just one person participating (hopefully you), it makes a professor’s day to see that distinctive, stellar student who gives a damn about the subject discussed in class. No professor forgets a student like that. Trust me.</p>
<p>4.) Registration
Very important. Always create a preliminary schedule that you would like to have for the next semester. That includes having backup courses in case one of those courses is not offered or has full classes. As soon as your registration date and time arrives, register right away! Also, consult with your advisor every semester before registration to make sure you are on track.</p>
<p>5.) Net Checks</p>
<p>If you receive a net check from financial aid, please…SAVE THAT MONEY! Don’t be that fool who goes to the campus store to spend a bundle on overpriced school merchandise. Even the cashier you do the transaction with will think of you as a fool. So please save your money. You will never know when you’ll be in a financial jam during your college career. Saving that money can fundamentally help you out of that jam.</p>
<p>6.) Books
Don’t sell your $60 philosophy book only to get $10 for it. Keep it. You may not need it but what about one of your siblings or future child who may have an interest in philosophy. It’ll be a great gift. Additionally, well this is a no-brainer, but books pertaining to your field of study should be kept. I’m not even going to explain why.</p>
<p>Well now I’m sleepy. This is just some advice I wanted to share with you incoming freshmen. Utilize this info wisely. It’ll only benefit you.</p>