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 Whether you area recent high school graduate heading to college, leaving a full-time job to return to the classroom, or are working and attending college at the same time, you will face some adjustments during your first few weeks at school. You want to make the most of your college experience and not squander your (or your parents) hard earned tuition.
Here are ten top issues identified by students…
1. Personal responsibility: In college you have freedom to do pretty much as you please...to go where you wish...to do as you wish. Unfortunately, this new found freedom is easily abused. Remember you are in control of what you do.
2. Class attendance: You will decide whether you want to go to class or not. You are in control of getting up on time and being present in class. Missing classes will hurt you in the long run.
3. Teacher attitudes: Your professors will not hound you to do your work. It's entirely up to you. Get to know your teachers. Turn in your work, show them you are responsible. If your teachers know you are vested in your education, they are more willing to look out for you and help you if you're having trouble. You can ask for help if you need it.
1. Types of assignments: An assignment a day may have been the norm in high school, but now you have large tasks assigned to be done at a certain time. No one tells when to start or what to do each day. Once you get an assignment, start working on it right away. It takes a daily effort to keep up with the syllabi. Don’t procrastinate.
2. Importance of performance: Be serious about your studies. The decisions you make in college can decide your future.
3. Time management: Budget your time wisely and in a way that balances study time, fun time, and work, if you have a job. Don’t get burned out, but also don’t let time slip by that could be used for better endeavors.
4. Amount of study: You may have been an A/B student in high school without cracking a book. Chances are if you follow that same approach to studying in college, you will see your grades plummet. To succeed, you have to study!
5. Size of institution/classes: Lecture classes have a lot more students enrolled than high school classes. This can be scary for a new student, but don’t let it intimidate you.
6. Difficulty of college work: College coursework is probably going to be tougher than high school. Same rules of success apply though: go to class, pay attention, take notes, ask questions, participate in class, and study.
7. Social life: It may seem harder to make friends because of the size of the school. Get involved in a variety of organizations and activities to meet people. Remember advice #6 though, and don’t budget TOO much time for social endeavors!
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