College is an exciting time, especially for new freshmen. It is also a very confusing time for these new students, as college is an entirely new experience that can be very demanding. Here are just a few hints from someone who learned how to thrive while getting a college education.
1. Get Scholarships
Everyone tells you to submit the FAFSA, but this is only a way for the government to determine how much money they will loan you or give you in grants. It is not going to get you the free ride that you would like to have. Search online and through the school’s student financial aid office and find as many scholarships that you qualify for and apply for them.
2. Buy Textbooks Online
Campus bookstores are an easy way to get books, but they are expensive. Go on Ebay, Amazon, or Craigslist and search for the books you need. Amazon often has great prices on used books, and you can save big if you get the previous edition of a book if your professor approves.
3. Get the Small Meal Plan
While the larger and more expensive meal plan may sound like a great idea, you will never eat that many meals on campus. You will probably end up buying frozen meals that you can eat in your dorm, getting fast food, or going out to restaurants with your friends. You will lose a lot of money if you end up with 40 meals left at the end of the semester, as most colleges will not transfer them to the next semester or refund your money.
4. Learn the Town
You are possibly moving into a completely new town, and you will need to learn where the businesses are. Knowing where good restaurants, shops, and automotive repair businesses are is critical when you have to live somewhere new.
5. Get Sleep
It may be tempting to go out all night and party or stay up and play HALO, but it will bite you in the end. Sleep deprivation leads to poor grades, decreased resistance to illness, and the danger of falling asleep behind the wheel. You do not always have to be in bed by 10 every night, but do try and get 7-8 hours a sleep on average.
6. Go Home
Visit your home town every once in awhile. Your mom will do your laundry and feed you, and it is nice to see your old friends.
7. Take Advantage of Specials at Restaurants
Many local pizza joints and restaurants offer great deals on certain days. Use them. They will not only save you money on the cost of eating out but also provide an opportunity for traditions to develop with your friends.
8. Study Comfortably
If you feel that you can study effectively on your futon in your dorm then do it. If not then you should find a nice cozy nook in the library, the campus coffee shop, or an off campus location. Studying when you are not comfortable or are distracted will typically just lead to you staring blankly at a book.
These are just a few hints to make your college experience a fun and effective one. Take advantage of this advice and do not forget the most important thing about college: it is the best time or your life.
