Alright, I've read all of these suggestions and agree with all of them, but I'm going to highlight and add a few more to the mix from not only the standpoint of being a college student, but adding in the fact I swim for my college as well....
1. Every campus has FREE counseling and learning, and helping you figure out what you should be doing with your life. Take advantage of the services offered to you by the college, and don't wait....
About a week into school I was so stressed out because I was reading things two or three times over and not being able to remember what I was reading. After visiting the academic support center on my campus, they worked with me to find the BEST way for ME to study, and things really came together after that.
2. Get involved, meet people! Get out and enjoy yourself! There is no excuse not to be involved in a club or organization, if you can't find it, you can start it, and the people will come.
3. Get to know your professors.
Your professors want you to succeed. If you need help or have a question ASK, they're their to help, even if it's not class related. (This is more and more true if you are at a smaller school).
4. Take advantage of the opportunities thrown your way...
Travel abroad. Do Research. Every college has these things, find them, this is the point in your life that you can do this the most easily. If you don't think you can pay for it, talk to the professor in charge, there may be grant money or scholarship to help your ability to go. Because of this reason I get to spend a month in Japan. Not only will you have fun, but it will also look good on resumes for your future career
.
5. Find a career that you love.... and if you don't see it, start asking around how to combine the topics you love into a career. Again, Professors want to see you succeed and they'll work to help you be who you want to be. Sometimes they bend over backwards to do this.
6. Don't drink if you don't want to.
Just as in High school, your true friends aren't going to care whether or not you drink. It is also very possible to find people in College who do not go out on Friday or Saturday nights and party; it may just take some extra looking. And if you are going to... PLEASE be responsible.
7. Last but not least, for now, Remember this is College and not High school.
In college things pile on and are more difficult, don't procrastinate and keep up. Also, college is much more of an applied learning so knowing the information to take it to the next level is that much more important. Also know going in you're going to be spending a lot more time studying, writing, and working than you ever have before, be ready for it.
Best of luck to all who are graduating this year! If anyone has anymore questions, feel free to PM/IM me, I'm happy to answer them!
