By Staff
Going away to college can be one of the most exciting times in a student's life, but can also be very scary. With a new roommate to share living space with, new professors and more difficult classes to get accustomed to, not to mention being away from mom's cooking, the transition to college life can sometimes be rough.
To help dispel some of the fears, the University of Mobile is offering some suggestions, a "Top 10" list, of facts:
1. Call your roommate before moving to campus. This way you can decide who will bring the refrigerator, microwave, stereo, tv, etc. This saves a lot of money and space and allows you to get to know your roommate.
2. Be sociable and make friends. The first few weeks can be some of the loneliest times if you don't make the effort to be friendly.
3. Remember college is not an extension of high school. Your teachers will not remind you on a daily basis what is due the following day. Refer to your syllabus that is distributed on the first day of class. A good idea is to have a planner to write down all of your assignments so there are no surprises. By the way, even if homework isn't checked, it still affects your grade because it enhances your knowledge and decreases the need to cram the night
before an exam.
4. Learn how to do your own laundry. Wearing all pink clothes will not get you off on the right foot, and if you are not careful, clothes may come out of the dryer a size or two smaller.
Knowing the right amount of laundry to put in the machines will be helpful too because laundry can get expensive at 75 cents or more per load at most universities.
5. The "Freshman 15," the casual 15 pounds students may gain during their freshman year, can be avoided if you don't have the pizza delivery guy's number memorized.
6. Beware of empty nest syndrome. Your family will miss you dearly, and you will have moments of homesickness. Stock up on calling cards to call home every once in a while, just to say "hey," not necessarily to ask for more money. Another idea is to write out a few standard cards to your parents before you leave home, and ask them to open one per week
7. Go to class! (Remember, you go to college to learn, not just have fun.) Professors will care about you if they know who you are, and sometimes when your grade is on the borderline, good class attendance can give it that extra nudge up. Also, your professors have to know you in order to write a reference letter.
8. Get involved. There are always many opportunities to work in your Student Government Association, Campus Ministries, and to volunteer in community service projects, in addition to many, many others. Beware, however, of "COC"-Caution: Over Commitment. Get involved, but don't weigh yourself down.
9. Ramen noodles are great. Even if you're not gifted in the culinary arts, you can prepare this quick meal. It's low in fat, and most importantly, you can get three or four meals per buck.
10. Have fun! All work and no play makes college boring. Your years in college can be a time that you will cherish forever. So, have fun, live it up, and make the memories and friends that will last you a lifetime.