Speaking from experience as a first-semester Freshman at a major public liberal arts college.
1.)The work load really is a lot, especially for liberal arts students. I have a ridiculous amount of reading to do every night. That being said, don't fall behind early either. As much fun as the Library can be some nights, your body was not designed to be awake and actively learning until 4 AM.
2.)Joining a club or an organization is really a great, quick way to making friends. I am an active member of 2 organizations and am pledging for a fraternity. Fraternities are a really good way to meet people and have fun, but they really are not for everyone. In your first weekends of school, try going to a few events and see if the guys are people you would like to know. And believe me, fraternity life is not Animal House, it is a group of brothers that are instant friends and mentors.
3.)Don't party too hard. Limit going out to 2-3 nights a week. It's tempting to go out every night you can with your new found freedom, but it really hurts your class attendance.
4.)Go to class. Seriously, I had trouble with it, even with my earliest class at 11 AM and it is killing my grades.
5.)Your grades really do matter now. Coming out of college, you need to have a job/plan lined up and your grades really help determine what that plan is. Don't fall behind like I am already doing, it is going to kill me during the next 7 semesters.
6.)The first few weeks will be awkward. Don't worry, it is for everyone. Get your bearings down with your hallmates and find some cool people. Eat with them. Play with them. Socialize with them.
7.)Find your roommate on Facebook through those survey things. Believe me, you do not want to be in a roommate from hell scenario like I have. Find a person that is compatible with you and you could stand with, don't look for your next bromance or bestie.
8.)Don't take too many credits. They told us to take 12-13. I have a friend doing 19 and he is getting destroyed. I am taking 15 and am sometimes overwhelmed. High School to college is a difficult transition, don't overburden yourself.
9.)Be yourself, be open, and be friendly. Not too many people know a hell of a lot of people going to the same college, so everyone is on a new page. You can meet some great people and form some great relationships that will be there in 20+ years.
10.)Most importantly, have fun. College can be a blast if you know how to moderate yourself. Don't focus on solely academics, but don't focus solely on partying. Find a study group, watch television with your dorm, order a pizza at 3 am, get wasted at a party, whatever, do something that you want to do.
I am home for the first time since mid-August and surprisingly, I already want to go back to college. I found myself bored this afternoon for the first time in forever.
ry. Don't carry your student id on a neckring or anything like that that will make you look like a tacky freshmen. You may want to find your classes the weekend before class starts so you know where your going to.
