Leaving for college in a few days. Any last-minute advice?

Scarlet Fire · #1 08-31-2008, 03:07 PM

And I don't mean advice like "keep up your grades", because that's my primary focus anyways (med school is tough to get in to, after all). But the other things. Things my mom probably won't be telling me.

I really don't know what to expect. So those of you who are there and have been there, what am I getting myself into?

i_got_a_mohawk · #2 08-31-2008, 03:16 PM

Depends how you approach it really.

I know people who could part all the time, and people who never socialised. You'll be fine, the first year is usually a walk in the park anyways.

If you are single and outgoing, keep a decent supply of rubbers.

fenderhutz · #3 08-31-2008, 03:20 PM

Leave long distance relationships behind. Don't get caught up in the parties, a couple times a week isn't too bad but every night will cause you to flunk out.

Be open minded. You are going to meet alot of people that don't share your views and it doesn't mean they are necessarily wrong. Listen and take in everything.

Don't change your major every year. Do your 4 years and get it done.

Take this advice from someone that didn't follow that advice and suffered dearly because of it.

GeneralElectric · #4 08-31-2008, 03:42 PM

Bring a ziplock gallon bag stuffed with ganja and make friends with the stoner circles.

Deluge Of Sound · #5 08-31-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneralElectric

Bring a ziplock gallon bag stuffed with ganja and make friends with the stoner circles.

I'm with this guy.

Really, just be sure to get to know the people in your dorm.

Thunderscreech · #6 08-31-2008, 05:25 PM

Stay away from the internets, and get used to getting out of room. Staying up past 2 AM is not adiviseable.

Make sure you and roommate(s) get along. that aspect of your life can make or break you. Imagine the two of you are married OR family, and act accordingly. Stay open-minded, but also make sure you get the message accross if something bothers you. Don't be afraid to make changes, but allow time for things to change.

This is coming from someone who lived an entire semester with a major dillweed, used too much internet, and didn't get out very much. He also didn't do his homework. Thus, I failed out.

Final note: persona; hygene is the key to success. No one will take you seriously if you smell like BO nd halitosis. Underwear and socks should be changed daily, t-shirts and pants only when dirty/smell funny.

Dash Rantic · #7 08-31-2008, 05:26 PM

Have fun! College is great times, sadly only about a year left for me

Oh, and go to class. All of them. Even the stupid ones. Don't skip.

Ever.

That alone has given me a far greater GPA than if I'd been skipping every once in a while. Even if you're really smart and you think it won't matter--it does matter. You'll pick up on odd little things that the prof talks about that friends might not have in their notes, that might not be in the book, and the prof might take not of who you are and give you a grade bump at the end of the class simply for being a good student. Seriously! That's happened more than a couple times to me.

And back to the having-fun thing. I tried to focus too hard my first semester on academics, and that actually hurt me and my grade. Go out and have some fun every now and then, get to know as many people as you can. You'll be much more refreshed and charged up when it comes study time, not having to force yourself through it, because that's not all you do, every day.

On the flip side, don't party too much either. It's a fine line, but it you can walk it, you're golden.

-Dash

funkalicious101 · #8 08-31-2008, 05:29 PM

Arent you supposed to beat the crap out of someone on your first day of college?

fenderhutz · #9 08-31-2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkalicious101

Arent you supposed to beat the crap out of someone on your first day of college?

NERDS!!!!

David1234 · #10 08-31-2008, 05:33 PM

Be who you want to seem.

StanFan · #11 08-31-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkalicious101

Arent you supposed to beat the crap out of someone on your first day of college?

My uncle beat up the school bully on his first day of high school. I don't know if the same rules apply in college.

i_got_a_mohawk · #12 08-31-2008, 06:05 PM

"I suggest you drink heavily"

Watch Animal House, then dont do any of that . . . or do it . . . whichever is more fun

scootron · #13 08-31-2008, 06:22 PM

My best advice, since you are going to med school eventually, is to take a variety of courses while you are in college. The best doctors I know and have known are those that were the most well rounded individuals.

Especially in your first couple of years, take some courses not in the pre-med area, some things that you will enjoy for their own sake. Their will be plenty of time for you to take the hard stuff. Either that, or arrange it where you can take an occasional fun course along with your serious science.

One more thing...one of the toughest things is the feeling of alienation or being "alone" even though you are surrounded by tons of other people. Attend some of the activities your school will have to help students meet each other. Make some friends. It will make the first few months easier.

My daughter is just starting her senior year. She followed this advice, and had a very successful time in college. In fact, the school is trying to get her to return their to work in admissions when she graduates.

This will sound like a cliche, but the next four years will be the best time of your life. Enjoy them. Make them your own. Be the best person you can be, and leave with no regrets. I'm 52 now, and even though I have a really nice life, if you offered my any years to enjoy again, it would be my college years. The friendships and lessons of those years have sustained me ever since.

Good luck. I hope you will keep us posted.

csala · #14 08-31-2008, 07:03 PM

Make sure to put several ice cubes in the bongwater. It hits much smoother that way. Happy studies!

jrthebassguy · #15 08-31-2008, 07:16 PM

You'll find out eventually the "college experience" can often be highly overrated - so don't be too hard on yourself when you find out you won't be doing new/fun/exciting things all of the time.

Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of fun things to do in college you haven't done yet, just remember you'll still have a lot of normality you still had at home.

Brim · #16 08-31-2008, 07:17 PM

Don't miss classes, for any reason other than a death in the family or something grave. My freshman year I started to miss (ie skip) a day here a day there, before I knew it it was a habit and I pretty much failed Statistics class. But you probably already know that (based on your intentions to get into med. school). Have fun!

Johnny Crab · #17 08-31-2008, 07:23 PM

ALWAYS remember why you're there(had to say that).

Now the other stuff:
Learn time management!
I did electrical engineering plus was in a band plus was about #6(? IIRC) in my class.

NEVER listen to ANYONE who says "You study too much".
Failure(s) love company.

Have fun.

Keep your sense of humor and seriousness at the same time.
Apply either or both as required.

Graduate and try REAL HARD to find a job in your field that is FUN.
Getting paid to have fun makes "work" not really work.

Best of luck!
Oh yeah, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
Things are never hard, they are challenges.

ac3320 · #18 08-31-2008, 07:31 PM

don't let your mom make you bring too much stuff. She'll say "you need this". Bring clothes, toiletries, computer, speakers, bass guitar, and bass amp. Trust me man: every year i bring less. Senior year and i can take everything back home in three nice size boxes. and then there's my fridge..yeah you can bring one of those

Vince S. · #19 08-31-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootron

One more thing...one of the toughest things is the feeling of alienation or being "alone" even though you are surrounded by tons of other people. Attend some of the activities your school will have to help students meet each other. Make some friends. It will make the first few months easier

+1. I alienated myself freshman year, never went to any clubs or activities, and I felt incredibly alone nearly to the point of depression. Even just making a few good friends who you can hang out with and talk makes a huge difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ac3320

don't let your mom make you bring too much stuff. She'll say "you need this". Bring clothes, toiletries, computer, speakers, bass guitar, and bass amp. Trust me man: every year i bring less. Senior year and i can take everything back home in three nice size boxes. and then there's my fridge..yeah you can bring one of those

It's always funny seeing the freshmen arrive with Uhaul trucks containing the contents of their entire life in tow. The only things I'm bringing up are my laptop, necessary electronics (power cords, lighting, alarm clock, etc.), food, clothing, and toiletries. I can move into my room (and out at the end of the year) with only two or three trips to the car in total.

ac3320 · #20 08-31-2008, 08:14 PM

i'm tell you, man, that is the way to do it!