Tips For Incoming 2002 Freshmen

An Anonymous Freshman asks: "I, along with many other individuals in my age bracket, will soon be heading off to college. It seems that it would be quite easy to become bombarded by the many changes and potential pressures that are on the horizon. So, as the fall semester/quarter rapidly approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to ask what seems to be an experienced (and, overall, educated) community for any suggestions that would aid myself and the numerous other 'freshman-to-be' in adjusting to college social life (or lack thereof), academics, and the like. I would especially appreciate comments related to the potential necessity of time management in response to increased study requirements (and the desire to have an existence, otherwise)."

Comments

Dorms

[austad]

Live in the dorms, or find someone who does and hang out there a lot. My first year in college sucked because I lived by myself and I didn't know anyone. So I ditched that place and answered an ad for a roommate with 3 other people. Yeah, it detracted from my study time, and it definitely hurt my grades. But I'm probably a better person because of it.

Oh yeah, Frats suck, don't waste your time. After a year or so, you'll start to notice how much people despise frat boys, you don't want to be one of them.

Oh, and a fourth!

[Otter]

A second thing I wish I had done -- take a semester or year abroad! You'll take the advice about learning a language, right? Then go spend a term or two in Brazil, Japan, Denmark.

It's another '"this'll be a lot harder once you're out of school" thing, it's a break from the stress of classes and at a lot of universities, it's cheaper to go abroad than to stay.

I was totally burnt out by senior year. Some travel would have done a world of good, and left me in better shape when I got back.

Also, your chances of hooking up are significantly improved -- in a foreign culture, your geekiness is less apparent.