10 Things You Should Know Before Starting College

Going to college is a great accomplishment, no matter how old you are, what your choice of study, or how long you intend to stay. However, there is much more to it than stepping through the gates and starting your journey. We are sure you have heard a lot about college and the fun experience the kids have, but there is so much more to it than meets the eyes. The disadvantage to the whole experience is that not knowing some critical truths about life in those walls will help to shape the overall outcome in the next couple of years. Planning to start college should see you doing the following…and what you should know before starting college.

10 Things You Should Know Before Starting College

Prove Yourself

The requirement for a lot of the colleges is that you graduate high school, so you need to prove to them that you have. You need to provide them with proof that you have earned your diploma and are qualified for entry. Also, even if the college does not require a copy of your transcript, you must send it, so they know you are a hard worker as you live. You can quickly inform your counselor about the college of your choice, and they will send the document over to them. It will include your graduation date as well as other accolades you have accomplished. This step may seem like the simplest, yet it is one of the most important steps you need to complete.

Learning Takes Place Outside the Classroom

College is different from high school, where learning takes place solely within the walls of the school. For Colleges and universities, learning most takes place outside of the classroom, so basically, you are responsible for your learning. Most college students will tell you they only get a limited amount of resources from their lecturers and professors, and they have to source the rest. An average of 20% is given by the lecturer, and you have to get the other 80% on your own by researching and other methods. As such, you will realize a lot of the knowledge is sourced on the outside.

Review Your Syllabus Before Class Begins

You want to know what to expect in the class you are going in as it relates to the information, learning tactics and methods, and much more. You usually have an understanding of the course you are about to do, so having a clear view of how to approach each session and what is expected of you is an advantage you want to make the most of. You will get the necessary tips needed to help you prepare for the lesson.

Get a Hold of the Book “What the Best College Students Do”

You want to be successful in college, and the best way to achieve this is to know what college life presents and how the most successful make it out with greatness. This book will teach you the difference between learning and memorizing your way through college. It turns out a lot of students use their study time to memorize their work, but this is just the beginning of the earning process. This book focuses on teaching you the importance of critical thinking so you won’t end up on the low end of the course’s grading scale. It takes more than reading and trying to remember to get through college, and this book shows you just how to go above the average.

You Might Change Your Major

There are thousands of college kids who change their major once they start college. It often comes as a result of them doing a single course that somehow pushes a different influence on them. Going into college, you might have an idea of what you want to come out with. However, after one year and a unique course, you realize you have a passion for something else, and you just turn your heart to another career path. It happens to the best of college students, so don’t feel weird about your decision.

Time Management Skill is Important

Going through the entire night before the books never work out well, and it sucks to do that. Going to classes and studying gradually will help you to manage your time better and do more activities. Proper time management means you have to design a schedule that covers everything. You need to set class hours, professor consultancy hours, study time, time for a little fun like going to the movies, having a small drink, or chilling at the park with friends. College is about studying and gaining more knowledge, but at the end of the day, you have to be flexible and know how to work your time in your best interest.

Make a Budget

Budgeting is important as you have a lot to pay for while in college, so you have to manage your money properly. You need to set aside the amount needed for school supplies, those for your upkeep, and that to have a little fun. However, it is critical that the plan you make, you stick to it as failure to do so will cost you a lot. If you need help, you can consult your parents or friends to help you plan and be flexible with your spending.

College Life Builds Friendship

Getting involved around the college grounds will help you to build friendships that will last a lifetime. You can use this process as an opportunity to help grow yourself and align your life with what you want to become. Understanding your needs for the type of friend you want to associate with can be achieved as you move around the various parts of the campus. Joining groups, clubs, and engaging in other school activities will help you to connect to the right people. A tip to help you make friends… put yourself in a position or situation that requires you to interact with people. You are sure to connect with like-minded people before you know it.

You Might Not Get the Best Roommate

This you need to know before you move into your flat. You might get a roommate that gets on your “last nerves,” and this is a “must” for all newcomers. You can end up becoming best friends, but on the other end, it could turn out to be a nightmare. It can be uncomfortable, but flexing with other students can keep you away from that space for most of the day – a plus for you. Interestingly, before the first semester is out, it is possible you could make a new friend you want to share a flat with when you return after the break.

Know the IT Desk Works

You can get a lot of much-needed information from the IT Desk as it is one of the more flexible sources around the campus. Whether it is getting help to set up your computer and internet system, check your storage mediums, or any other IT-related works, they will always be available to help you. A lot of things happen in college, especially when it comes to your devices, and as such, you need to connect with this resourceful team. They may not be able to fix everything, but they will help a long way.

These hints and tips should help you prepare for college and make a great first year out of it!