College 101

Hooray! It's that time of year again - the time when a brand-sparkling-new crop of freshmen and transfer students walks wide-eyed onto college campuses across the country, maps in one hand and water bottles in the other. Some of my blog friends are included in that number - as is my very own little sister, *sniff*. I would like to say welcome, all of you, to the wonderful world of college, and may all of your academic pursuits be successful and enjoyable!

A dear blog friend of mine asked that I would share some of my insights about college with all of you ... so, I've written this post about four times, trying to keep myself serious about it. Because really, the most important thing I've learned about college so far is that you look really cool if you hang out on the floor of an ultramodern lecture building and knit something funky. Seriously.

But there are a few serious things that I've learned about college so far; and so here is Vicki's Not-So-Essential Checklist for Your University Success.

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Things You Should Have:

- A Tough Backpack. Make sure you don't buy a cheap $20 backpack from Wal-Mart, unless you're fortunate enough to be in classes that don't require textbooks; because if you frequently have to carry textbooks around with you, your lining will be tearing out by the end of the semester. (Yup, learned that from experience.)

From here

- Warm, Comfortable (Snow)boots. If you're attending college north of the Mason-Dixon Line, this is a must. Winter lies smack-dab in the middle of the academic year, and at least half of each semester will be spent in cold weather. If your feet are cold, you'll be miserable on long walks across campus; so make sure that you have a warm, non-blister-rubbing pair of boots, whether for rain or snow or both.

- A Lightweight Laptop. At some point, you'll need to bring a computer with you to class or work; and trust me, carrying a 14-pound clunker around with you is bad news for your posture.

- Camera. Seriously! There is so much about this time in your life that you'll want to hang onto forever - be able to capture it visually!

- Reliable cell phone and decent plan. Always be able to get in touch with people if you need to.

- Mechanical pencils. Don't mess with regular lead pencils - just don't. Mechanical pencils are so much quicker to "sharpen", which you'll be glad for in the middle of a timed exam.

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Things You Should Do:

From here

- Get involved. Try to get involved in at least one or two student organizations on campus, and I mean really get involved. It's a community of people who are interested in the same thing(s) that you are, rather than just the random people you'll meet in your classes (or meet in your dorms ... I keep forgetting that some people actually are brave enough to go to college away from home).

- Work hard ...  Even if you don't need the money, it's good to get a campus job to build your resume and make connections. Work hard and do your best to overcome the "college student" stereotype of laziness and not caring. Your bosses will value you and you'll be given chances to advance and get good references.

- ... But don't work too much.  Be careful not to take on so many hours that your grades suffer - I've had semesters like that, and it's not good.

From here

- Utilize your academic advisors. Don't be too proud to go to them with your questions. They really are there to help you, and most advisors really do care about their students. Your advisors can be your best friends on campus.

- Keep courage in your hard classes. Attend study sessions, grit your teeth and hang on. It'll be over soon.

- Don't be afraid of people. You'll be surrounded by people who are nothing like you, at least on the surface. They'll all seem more confident, more worldly-wise, prettier or more handsome - or, they'll be tattooed and pumping death metal music through their Skull Candy headphones. But unless you're alone in a dark library at 2 a.m., don't be afraid of them. Be courageous and talk to new people that you normally wouldn't talk to. You'll be surprised to find how much you have in common with them - and you'll be surprised at all the cool friends you'll make!

- Don't be afraid of professors. They may seem imperious and frightening at first, but don't be afraid of them. They're human, they have their quirks, and most of them will like you if you work hard and stay engaged.

- Ask for directions or advice if you need it. Upperclassmen love to be needed.  :-)

From here

- Keep your heart with all diligence. There will be lots of attractive people of the opposite gender all around you; but use your head, your Bible, and your parents or mentors when you're evaluating them. Have some ideas in mind of what you're looking for in a future spouse, and don't waste time on people that don't measure up. On the other hand, don't be unrealistic - Mr. Darcy doesn't go to college, but lots of nice Christian guys do.  :-)

- Be frugal. College is expensive - don't waste money or spend it recklessly. Of course you can have fun and spend within your means, but don't go crazy.

- Shop around for your textbooks. Depending on your major, your textbooks can cost almost as much as your tuition for a semester, if you buy from the campus bookstore. Sometimes the time you save by buying at the bookstore is worth the extra money, but if you can shop around, do. Try Amazon, eBay, or Barnes and Noble, or use a service like SlugBooks.com.

- Know where to go to get help. Know the phone numbers for your campus police and health centers, and know where both of them are located. Campus can be a dangerous place, and you should be careful and watch out for your safety.

From here

- Find a good church in the community, especially if you're away from home. I haven't found a church yet, and even though I live at home, I sorely miss the spiritual support and encouragement of other men and women my own age.

- Limit your time online during the semester. Do your homework!

- Hang onto your love for learning. Don't let classes turn into a job and a chore, even if they're in a subject you don't particularly like. Remember how privileged you are to be here. Remember that this is an adventure and one of the best times of your life, and cherish every day and every hour you're here.

But most important of all:

Source: Uploaded by user via yulie on Pinterest

- Be yourself! College is the only place in the world where you can be as quiet or flamboyant, mainstream or offbeat, stylish or geeky, conservative or liberal, athletic or musical or fluffy or bookish or whatever you want, as much as you want. Don't feel like you have to change or hide yourself just to fit in. Hold onto your interests, your personality, your favorite clothes, and especially your faith. Remember that college is the place to expand on who you are and learn more about God's plan for you - not the place to take on everyone else's looks and personalities and become molded to society. Don't be afraid to stand out! Don't be afraid to follow your dreams and walk close to God in the midst of apathy and wantonness! You will shine brightly like a star, and the Lord will bring you likeminded friends who support you in your quest.

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Hopefully some of this tips will be helpful to you ... there will be a short quiz on the material next week.  ;-)  If you have any other questions or if there's anything about college you're just dying to know, leave me a comment and I'll try to be as helpful as I can.

Welcome again, freshmen and transfers! I'm so excited to have you in college!!

Lots of love,
Vicki