College is a rare and wonderful time that’s going to be a real eye opener for you.  Never again are you likely to have so many opportunities in front of you and so much freedom to pursue them.  At the same time, it’s a real challenge in self-discipline and self-direction, since this is likely to be your first “on your own” experience.

So I’d like to give you just a few pieces of advice on how to make the most of your college career:

  • Take responsibility for your self. You’ll be out from under parents’ watchful eyes, and for the most part there’s not going to be anyone to cover your bases for you.  So pay heed to Mom and Dad’s previous advice. Stay clean.  Exercise.  Eat right.  Be careful.  Take precautions to stay safe.  We nagged you because we were looking out for your well being.  Now look out for your own.
  • Take responsibility for your own learning.  There are opportunities everywhere for learning, both inside and outside the classroom.  You’re paying a lot of money to get an education, so get it.  Don’t  be satisfied with “making the grade”.  Make sure you come out of college knowing what you want to do with your life and some skills to get there.  Set goals, track your progress and pursue your education.
  • Take significant courses in your major as soon as possible. You might learn that you’d prefer another major, and better to learn earlier than later.
  • Make the most of your classes.  Come prepared.  Come on time.  Stay focused.  Ask questions. Make friends in every class that will support you.  Be friendly with the teacher. Try to come out of every class ready to take a test on that material.  If you don’t understand it, make sure you do before the next class.  Remember, the more you absorb in the classroom, the less time you’ll have to spend studying outside of it when the social scene happens.
  • Study until you know the material.  Find a time and place free of distractions.  For me, it was sometimes in the late hours when I was the only one up.  Sometimes I studied in the library.  When I couldn’t find a quiet place, I’d use my car.
  • If you have trouble with the material, get help.  Get a tutor.  Get time with your professor.  Don’t assume a shallow knowledge of the subject is good enough for the test.  Learn the material.  Especially in your major, the next class’ material usually builds on the earlier stuff, so get your basics down pat.
  • Try new things.  Make new friends.  Try activities you weren’t involved in before.  College is a great melting pot and a chance to redefine yourself in the eyes of your peers.  You might find things you really enjoy.
  • A lot of students major in drugs and alcohol.  Don’t be one of them.  When you consider the thousands upon thousands of dollars you’re putting out to get an education,  that’s the most expensive drink you’ve ever taken.
  • Shop early for textbooks, and never buy new ones.
  • Keep up with your finances.  Credit is not free money. Set a budget and stick with it.
  • Use a daily planner and some system of reminders.  Don’t depend on your brain to absorb everything.  You might have been great at this in high school, but you’ve just moved up a notch.  Put your assignments from your syllabus on this calendar so you see them coming  up.
  • Have fun