Apply for scholarships or grants as soon as possible. The more time spent planning for and securing funding can result in your having to borrow less money. Make sure that all documentation and fees are submitted in the proper time frame.
Familiarize yourself with the route you will have to take to get to your classes prior to your first day. Time your route from one course to the next, and plan the best way to get there. Include other resources, like student aid and the cafeteria, on your map for ease of use.
If the campus you are attending is large, it is important to familiarize yourself with it during the first week. You should know how to get to the cafeteria, library, the Professor's offices, college security, study rooms and the student center. Knowing the location of places you have to go saves time.
Consider living on campus even if you go to school close to home. Not only will you miss a lot of things going on, but you may miss out on your first opportunity to live on your own and make your own financial and social decisions. If you can possibly afford it, live in a dorm.
Get a bus pass. You might be surprised to find that traveling time is nearly equal to that of driving your own car. You won't have to look for parking either. You will also save yourself money on both gas and parking passes. There are many ways to go green as a college student.
You should be respectful of your roommate's wishes. You need to learn how to work with him or her so that it makes your time easier. Sit down when you first get to school and find out what you both expect out of a roommate so you can both be happy.
Are you under a lot of pressure for a certain class you are not sure you will pass? You should talk to your academic adviser or to your instructor about credit no credit. Most schools will let you take one class where you will get credit but your grade will not impact your GPA.
If you are struggling in your classes, ask the professor if there are any tutoring options available. By enlisting the help of a tutor you will normally be able to score better on tests, learn the information better and get a more rounded understanding of the curriculum. If
rto resources to purchase is not available, ask around on campus. There are many study groups available that are student led.
Listen to your parents if they have input as to what major you should decide on. They are older and wiser than you are, and you should respect their opinion, especially if they are helping pay for your college education. However, just listen. Only follow their advice if you know in your heart that is right for you. It is your degree, regardless of who pays for it.
Make sure you become acquainted with your campus library. Many useful resources are available in your library to help you do well. Also, you can speak with the librarian, who can give you advice on what you specifically require. Most libraries let students sell and purchase textbooks via a bulletin board.
Know your limits - don't overwhelm yourself with too many courses. It may seem like a great idea to take as many courses that you can, but if you take too many, you may fail a few in the process. This totally defeats the time saving you were trying to accomplish!
Charting your course in the higher education landscape can be difficult. Fortunately, with a bit of good, solid information, it is possible to craft a plan that will provide you with the background you need to achieve your professional goals. The tips above provide the foundation you need to get the process started.