First Year Away at College: 21 Things They Don't Tell You

First Year Away at College: 21 Things They Don't Tell You

You've read the brochures, checked the checklists. But what are the things you may not have thought about before packing up the car and heading to freshman year? College vets weigh in with these gems.

1. Never, EVER take an 8am class. You think you'll get there on time. You won't. It's even worth rearranging your schedule and missing a lunch break to avoid this.

2. You can know everything and fail a test. You'll have to learn how to study differently, and better. Prepare to fail. It's part of freshman year.

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3. Parties get old. This won't feel that way at the top of the year, when you cannot believe there's something crazy to do every night (including weeknights). Enjoy your new freedoms, but keep an eye on your overall prize - classroom and exam performance as well as fun.

4. Ask for help, and do it right. Don't wait too long if you feel you're not understanding material... unlike in high school, where your teachers came to you if they thought you were struggling, in college, it's all up to you. Email your professors, go see your TA's. And do it early.

5. Do free stuff. You will never, in your life, have this much access to free entertainment. Don't spend money being "cool" and paying for off-campus stuff. Go for free.

6. Get renter's insurance. Dorm-related events (like pipe bursts) can ruin your stuff, and you may not get any compensation from your school. Look into this now and set it up.

7. Fact-check what your advisors tell you. Not all advisors were created equal, and sometimes you might get advice that just isn't accurate. If your advisor tells you that you need this or that class to graduate, or don't need this or that for your major, CHECK IT. You'll save yourself hassles senior year.

8. Map it. When planning your schedule, check a campus map. Being on time is CRUCIAL to being known by your professors as someone worth the extra couple discretionary points at final grade time, and you want the reputation of being on time, if not early. Plan a schedule that allows you time to get from one class to the next.

9. Don't be afraid to ask for extensions. If you're in a bind, ask for a little extra time... in advance. This is way better than missing the deadline and then making excuses after the fact.

10. Think smart about money. If you "need" a student loan, apply for more scholarships. If you "need" a credit card, you can't afford it. If it doesn't benefit your education, you don't need it.

11. Always wear flip-flops in the showers.

12. Find the gym, and use it. You're done, for the most part, with compulsory exercise, and this is the one time in your life, between lifestyle changes and stress reduction, when you're going to need it most.

13. Pick at least one club or extra curricular that lines up with your prospective career path. It's great to expand your horizons, and that's a big part of college, but in four years you're going to be on job interviews and a pattern of smart ECs is going to look very good. Same with internships.

14. The professor is always right.

15. Don't ever interrupt a professor. Ever.

16. Don't drink anything you didn't mix yourself.

17. Don't carry valuables to parties. You'll lose them or they'll be stolen.

18. Don't buy your books until you've attended classes and a) are certain you're staying with the class; b) are sure exactly what books your professor is assigning.Then, be smart about getting them used, online, or even sharing with classmates. You'll save tons of money.

19. Make smart social habits. You don't have to be a partier to enjoy a rich social life in college. Make a habit of leaving your dorm room door open. Meet people. It's one of the best parts of college, and something you'll take with you years into the future.

20. Choose a smaller meal plan. Not everyone needs all those meals. Save money and calories.

21. You may not love it. That's okay. Not everyone falls in love with college life on day one, during week one, or even semester one. Keep an open mind. Hang in. Go to class, talk to people, make a least one day to stretch out on a grassy lawn somewhere and realize you're on your way.