As the students of Seattle University prepare themselves for another year back, a new batch of freshman prepare themselves for the epic first year upon them. When I was a freshman, I didn’t know anything about college. My perception of college was based on movies like Accepted and Road Trip and television shows such as Greek. [But not really.] Most people will say that you have to learn as you go and that’s completely true, but why not take some helpful hints along the way? I tried asking some of my own friends what advice they had, but I think I didn’t phrase the question correctly. Common tips include studying hard, finding the benefits of self study and never stop pursuing further knowledge, getting involved, etc etc, but that stuff is a given.

Here are some things that I have learned from college:

• Get the boring stuff out of the way first. Find a good insurer to insure your belongings (check out this review for Roost Insurance), make sure your ID is up to date, register for everything you need to register for ect….
• Don’t add everyone in your class on Facebook. Facebook is for people you know so don’t force any friendships, just let them happen when you get to school and actually meet people.
• College is not all about drinking and partying. Remember that the school doesn’t actually care to keep you there if they don’t want you.
• Lanyard around the neck? Not a cute accessory. That’s how we spot out a freshman.
• Crate & Barrel, IKEA, and Pottery Barn claim to have the ultimate lists for college dorm rooms, but that doesn’t mean that you actually need all that stuff.
• You are not the shit just because you are in college.
• Care about something. Learn something and have intellectual conversations.
• If you can avoid buying your books in the bookstore – do it. Look for your used books on Amazon first or any other discount textbook site – just be careful of which one you use. There’s no reason to buy a new book. Seriously.
• Core classes may seem pointless in the beginning, but you’ll be grateful for them later. It’s better to be well-rounded then knowledgeable in one area.
• Study group sessions will help your grade and possibly your social life.
• Take classes you want to take and are interested in. You’ll “regret” it if you don’t.
• If you go to a smaller college, use your professor’s office hours. If you don’t – at least attempt at letting your professor know who you are.
• It’s normal to not know what you’re going to do after college.
• I know that your school has lots of food options, but try to stick to the normal routine you had before college. Restrict yourself from getting fro-yo every day or endless bottles of pop.
• Invest in a good alarm clock. If a class starts at 7:45 that doesn’t mean you wake up at 7:45. [Actually had a class with someone on this type of schedule.]
• Get organized. Use a day planner, post-its, or excel spread sheets.
• Don’t be…a douche bag.
• If someone tells you that taking a shot of vodka straight to the eye will get you drunk faster…don’t do it.