Prepare for College Life
Edited by estrella sacragon, Eng, Lynn, Nerissa Avisado and 2 others
Entering into college is something a lot of graduating high school students look forward to. College is the time when you become your own person, break free from the confines of home life, and are able to assume responsibility of every decision that you make. College is an enlightening and refreshing experience, but can also be overwhelming for many. To kick off your college experience, here are helpful tips on how to prepare.
How to Prepare for College Life
- 1Live on Campus.During your freshman year, it is important that you live on campus. However, if this is not possible, at least live somewhere near the school. Being a college student is all about experiencing social interactions with other students. Freshmen are typically unsure about what they must do, where to look for their classes, or where to have the best meals for lunch. Although the school provides freshmen with orientation before a semester starts, there is only one way to learn the ins and outs of college; Experience.
Advertisement - 2Budget.This is a very crucial factor when entering college. When you were still living with your parents or guardians, you really didn't need to worry about toothpaste, food, toilet paper, etc. All these necessities were provided by your parents. However, by the time you go to college, these expenses will pile up in your budget, thus making a huge dent in your bank account. It helps that you monitor and document how you spend your money. That way, you will be able to identify where your money goes.
Advertisement - 3Technology.When in college, there are technological devices that are both practical and beneficial. Other devices are just fun to have. Each college student should be equipped with a computer and a printer. If you don't have one, you can still make use of the computers from campus, but most times, library computers are very crowded and usually make you pay to use their printer.
- 4One beneficial device to invest in is a "jump-drive".This is a type of external hard drive where you can store all your important documents and assignments on your computer. This will allow you to store as many files as you need so that you can also use these files on another computer. It's a good safeguard in case your computer breaks. Jump drives have different storage capacities and normally range from $50-200 depending on how much storage you want or need.
- 5Find Ways to Earn Extra Cash.You can find other means to earn some extra cash for a weekend movie trip or night out with your friends. You can check out websites that offer part time opportunities. Most of these jobs are geared toward young college students.
- 6Have the Right Attitude.Depending on where you grew up and how you were raised, some college students are not so used to interacting with different types of people. You have to prepare yourself to encounter people with different personalities. Some of them probably may not posses your beliefs, morals, attitudes, or values. Make sure you have an open mind to all these things. Make your whole college experience a positive and interesting one, not only through your subjects, but also through your social interactions.
How to Decide What Major You Should Take in College
The start of the second semester in college marks that time when colleges and universities start to require students to state their majors. As spring comes around, college students have completed a variety of classes, just enough for them to discover what appeals to them. However, narrowing them down to a single subject may seem like a very daunting decision.
While the college major you choose will play an important role the types of jobs you apply for, you should try to keep in mind that these majors do not necessarily dictate what your future holds altogether. In addition to declaring your major, part-time jobs, internships, grad school decisions, and other resume-builders can have an impact on where you will go with your career choice. So to help you decide on what major you should take in college, here are some important things that you should consider.
- 1Consider Your Family's Insights. There are times when you may find it hard to identify your own skills and strengths. This is when the insights of your close friends and family are will help you tap into the things you are most passionate about. Take the advice of those close to you, but ultimately make the decision for yourself.
Advertisement - 2Consult Your Academic Adviser. Along with college guidance counselors, academic advisers are also trained in helping students determine what they wish to do with their futures and they generally know how these students can go about achieving those goals. Academic advisers can generally help a lot when it comes to helping students decide on the right majors.
- 3Go for What Makes You Happy. Your college major will not only determine what you will be studying while you're an undergraduate student, but it will also greatly influence your future career. Instead of keeping a close eye on the immediate pay-off, try to look for something that you will enjoy in the long run. College students who are happy with their majors are more likely to achieve success. It is always best to do what you love and what you are passionate about.
- 4Weighing the pros and cons in deciding your college major can help. Make a list, and consult your friends, family and academic advisers so you can easily narrow down your choices before you finally enroll in the right college major.
Stepping into College: Things to Know
College is a time unlike any other in a person's life. Being a college student means you have gained your independence, you're in a new environment, and your future adult life is staring you right in your face. You have lots of choices to make, and you begin to realize you need to be responsible with your choices. When it comes to succeeding in college, there really is no secret recipe].
Everybody has to do it a little differently, but those who succeed generally share certain characteristics. Here are some tips that will help you learn, succeed, and survive as a college student.
- 1Proper Studying. When it comes to studying, avoid procrastinating at all cost. College academics, especially during the first and second semesters, are generally not difficult. However, unlike high school, college education demands you to start building your education from the bottom up. So instead of telling yourself that you will bounce back on the later years in college, it is best to start working hard the moment you step into college in order to be ready for your later years.
How to Help Your Child Prepare for College Life
Preparing for college is something you and your child should do together. As a parent, it is vital that you take an active role during this whole process so your child's success is ensured. College presents a lot of new challenges, especially for incoming college freshmen. Not only will your child start to live on their own for the very first time, but they will also be the ones responsible in managing their time and finances.
Simultaneously, college entrance is not a very easy process. Students and parents must both determine the necessary steps as they go. Below is a guide on how you can prepare your kid for college life.
- 1Identify that type of education your child wants. Students enrolling college must first determine the type of education they want. The most lucrative jobs at present can greatly help determine your child's preferred type of education. If your child has a career in his mind, take the time to do your research as to the exact requirements needed to prepare.
- 2Academic Preparation for College. While your child is still in junior high or high school, you should start thinking about their college years preparing academically. Students can take college-level courses, and the necessary standardized tests while in high school.
- 3Choose the Right College. The college in which your child enrolls is a personal decision that should be based on their personal needs and talents. When choosing the right college, it is very important that a parent and a child should consider some important things, like why your child wants to go, what he hopes to achieve, or if he has a vivid idea of a career he wants to pursue. Your child should also decide if he wants to stay near your home, farther away in the same state, or even in a different state.
- 4Prepare for College Financially. College education is expensive, and for parents, you will need to financially prepare for your child's tuition fees, books, housing if necessary, and miscellaneous other fees, depending on his or her major.
- 5College Savings Plans are ideal options. It also helps to start scouting for possible scholarships that your kid may apply for.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
