BeautifulLoser
07-12-2004, 01:58 PM
I'm out of the Army next week (yay!) and starting college at the end of August (yay!)
Do you have any advice? I'm kinda scared. :(
Do you have any advice? I'm kinda scared. :(
View Full Version : Give a new college student some college advice. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 01:58 PM I'm out of the Army next week (yay!) and starting college at the end of August (yay!) Do you have any advice? I'm kinda scared. :( Ihaman 07-12-2004, 01:59 PM Don't go on academic probation. Karl Connor 07-12-2004, 01:59 PM your early twenties is basically your last decade of bonafide youth so get it over with ASAP BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:00 PM Originally posted by Randall Sandell your early twenties is basically your last decade of bonafide youth so get it over with ASAP I'm already 23 :( Karl Connor 07-12-2004, 02:02 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser I'm already 23 :( you're still in your early twenties. my mom didnt start college till she was 28 and she's banking now...but still.... ASAP sppunk 07-12-2004, 02:02 PM No Friday classes are good. DeviousJ 07-12-2004, 02:04 PM Get in communal accommodation so you get to meet more people. And uh... enjoy yourself? BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:06 PM Originally posted by DeviousJ Get in communal accommodation so you get to meet more people. And uh... enjoy yourself? Well, me and my hubby already have a house with another couple, and well, they're turning out to be not-the-best-roommates-in-the-world. I don't know if I could deal with more than 2 people like that. pink_ribbon_scars 07-12-2004, 02:09 PM It would be wise to make <B>learning how to budget your time</B> and <B>learning how to study hard without wasting time</B> just as much a priority as any of your individual classes. If you're not spending enough time studying, get some prfessional help or whatever it takes to keep yourself on track. Way too many people end up doing only the bare minimum. I "studied" a lot and only got a little studying done. WHATEVER YOU DO, be sure to cut way back on Netphoria. It's a great way to avoid studying, and unless you come up with a plan to avoid getting sucked into here for hours, you'll regret it. If you're going to college to learn, and if you love learning, do everything you can to learn the most. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:10 PM Awesome advice, thank you I plan on doing my homework in the library, at a table, away from the internet... I <i>plan</i> that, but I'm not sure if that'll work out. I'll be glad when I get my schedule. Then I can actually schedule study times and gym times and such. BlueStar 07-12-2004, 02:12 PM -don't register for any classes before 9:30am (even when you tell yourself that you are going to go to that 8:00am class, you won't) -use your dining dollars/meal plan/whatever wisely -the library is more of a pick up place than a study place -avoid buying brand new textbooks -don't overload yourself with classes that you know are going to be difficult or that you know you won't enjoy...always register for a good mix -get involved in some clubs or whatnot (i.e. College Democrats)...it looks good on your resume and will help you meet people -always have the name, number, and e-mail of at least two people in each of your classes...for purposes such as a missed class, forgeting when a paper was due, having a question whilst studying for an exam, etc. -study groups can be a great thing DeviousJ 07-12-2004, 02:14 PM Originally posted by pink_ribbon_scars WHATEVER YOU DO, be sure to cut way back on Netphoria. It's a great way to avoid studying, and unless you come up with a plan to avoid getting sucked into here for hours, you'll regret it. I actually found Netphoria while doing some procrastination at college pink_ribbon_scars 07-12-2004, 02:16 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser Awesome advice, thank you I plan on doing my homework in the library, at a table, away from the internet... I <i>plan</i> that, but I'm not sure if that'll work out. I'll be glad when I get my schedule. Then I can actually schedule study times and gym times and such. It might be smart to schedule "internet time" into your day and only go on the internet at "non-internet times" when you actually <I>need</I> to get on the internet for a good reason. If you work hard at this and don't start wasting your work time here and posting "OMG I have a paper due in 10 minutes!!" threads, we'd all be proud of you. Too many of us have fallen into that trap. jczeroman 07-12-2004, 02:17 PM Don't register for the army to get free money for college! sppunk 07-12-2004, 02:18 PM Originally posted by BlueStar -don't register for any classes before 9:30am (even when you tell yourself that you are going to go to that 8:00am class, you won't) -use your dining dollars/meal plan/whatever wisely -the library is more of a pick up place than a study place -avoid buying brand new textbooks -don't overload yourself with classes that you know are going to be difficult or that you know you won't enjoy...always register for a good mix -get involved in some clubs or whatnot (i.e. College Democrats)...it looks good on your resume and will help you meet people -always have the name, number, and e-mail of at least two people in each of your classes...for purposes such as a missed class, forgeting when a paper was due, having a question whilst studying for an exam, etc. -study groups can be a great thing Study groups can also suck. :) And I once hated 8 a.m. classes, but by my junior year I loved them because I could get classes out of the way and concentrate the rest of my day on work or recreational activities with friends. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:18 PM Originally posted by jczeroman Don't register for the army to get free money for college! :mad: Not funny. (and that wasn't the only reason I joined, but it's a nice bonus.) The Pashing Smumpkin 07-12-2004, 02:18 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser I'm out of the Army next week (yay!) and starting college at the end of August (yay!) Do you have any advice? I'm kinda scared. :( make sure you sever ties with all of your butt buddies, you don't want them following you home... BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:19 PM I think I'll be alright if I take 8am classes... 8 am is late as hell for me. I'm used to being up at 4:30am. But I'm trying not to have one that early anyway. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:19 PM Originally posted by The Pashing Smumpkin make sure you sever ties with all of your butt buddies, you don't want them following you home... You know I'm a girl, right? twilightfadez 07-12-2004, 02:20 PM Originally posted by BlueStar -don't register for any classes before 9:30am (even when you tell yourself that you are going to go to that 8:00am class, you won't) i would disagree with you on the 9:30 rule. getting into class early is the best, cos you have the rest of the day to yourself. but that's jsut me. but...do buy used text books on amazon.com and get your general education credits out of the way asap. just really dedicate yourself and organize your time, and try to not get lazy so you're not stuck in college for 7 years trying to finish a 4 year degree. I_was_aborted 07-12-2004, 02:20 PM If you are going for your BA finish in 4 years or less, preferable less. I would say that would be a good way, especially starting late. The Pashing Smumpkin 07-12-2004, 02:21 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser You know I'm a girl, right? :eek: goddamnit!!:dammit: jczeroman 07-12-2004, 02:22 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser :mad: Not funny. (and that wasn't the only reason I joined, but it's a nice bonus.) I'z just playing. Seriously though, just don't do any group work and try to keep you rprofessors happy. Get to know the nice ones, blend in if it is a mean one. jczeroman 07-12-2004, 02:23 PM ...and stay away from the deli tray. pink_ribbon_scars 07-12-2004, 02:23 PM One more thing: go ahead (now!) and find out if your college gives an award for excellent undergrad teaching (it would be even better if it's a student-nominated award) and schedule classes with as many of those teachers as you can. There are some waste-of-time professors out there. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:42 PM Originally posted by jczeroman ...and stay away from the deli tray. What's that and why should I stay away from it? twilightfadez 07-12-2004, 02:43 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser What's that and why should I stay away from it? :erm hint: sp BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:44 PM Originally posted by twilightfadez :erm hint: sp :dammit: Don't pay attention to me... I'm dense. Thank you guys for the advice. :) jczeroman 07-12-2004, 02:44 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser What's that and why should I stay away from it? uh, you know, candy, and we can put any sort of footwear we want on it. twilightfadez 07-12-2004, 02:44 PM Originally posted by jczeroman uh, you know, candy, and we can put any sort of footwear we want on it. :rofl: cap'n jazz 07-12-2004, 02:45 PM ALCOHOL ALCOHOL AND DRUGS!!!! BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:45 PM Originally posted by jczeroman uh, you know, candy, and we can put any sort of footwear we want on it. http://smashingpumpkins.com.ar/albums/james/aag.jpg twilightfadez 07-12-2004, 02:46 PM omg make sure you watch out for std's! :0 Boner 07-12-2004, 02:46 PM don't go to a public university in Texas other than A&M, UT, or UT-Dallas. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:47 PM Originally posted by The Ace of Aces don't go to a public university in Texas other than A&M, UT, or UT-Dallas. Going to A&M until PJ graduates, then we're moving over to UTD. jczeroman 07-12-2004, 02:48 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser http://smashingpumpkins.com.ar/albums/james/aag.jpg http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9808/11/smashing.pumpkins/james.jpg BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 02:50 PM Originally posted by jczeroman http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9808/11/smashing.pumpkins/james.jpg Bah, I couldn't find that one. Lizard Queen 07-12-2004, 04:46 PM Try to pick classes that are smaller in size. Register as soon as you are able to, and check back regularly to see if other interesting classes free up. If your university has free wireless internet available on laptops, be extremely cautious. It can lead to a terrible amount of procrastination. Start the readings early in the semester. You'll know if you need extra help in that class, or if it's a class you don't need to focus on that much. Scope out the parking on campus and see what the public transit situation is like to get there. Maybe get a bike. Try to use the campus fitness center, they are usually a lot cheaper then private gyms. Isle 07-12-2004, 04:51 PM Originally posted by jczeroman uh, you know, candy, and we can put any sort of footwear we want on it. :rofl: :rofl :rofl: <3 iha. killed radio star 07-12-2004, 04:55 PM have a good idea of what you want to major in, it's far too easy to waste time. The Light 07-12-2004, 06:41 PM Have perfect attendance and some teachers will give you a free A on a quiz. Not all, but the laid back ones often do. If you can't manage this and are perpetually flaky or late, do really well on the tests and it won't matter. Make sure you're free the night before a big test of final or assignment is due. This is when I get a lot of my best work done cause I know at that point that I have to. Always have a big cup of coffee. Half the time this is the only thing that keeps me awake and attentive. Lizard Queen 07-12-2004, 06:53 PM Unless you and the husband are going to live on campus, don't bother with a meal plan (unless it's obligatory). Brown bag it. Cafeteria food might be yummy at times, but it puts quite a dent in the budget. Mooney 07-12-2004, 07:02 PM don't get academically dismissed. :p BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 07:04 PM Originally posted by Mooney don't get academically dismissed. :p Teehee that bitch kristin 07-12-2004, 07:24 PM no one mentioned to schedule your classes that you find most difficult during the time of day you're most awake. i hated how they have all the hard sciences between 8-10 and all the easy classes 1-5. ugh! and, rather than driving all the way to campus, and then walking to the library, it would be more sensible to arrange a place in the apartment devoid of distractions where you can study. if all else fails take pillows into the bathroom:D and study in the tub! BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 07:26 PM Originally posted by trykristin and, rather than driving all the way to campus, and then walking to the library, it would be more sensible to arrange a place in the apartment devoid of distractions where you can study. if all else fails take pillows into the bathroom:D and study in the tub! hehehe I don't think it's possible in that house... at one point, me and PJ were going to turn the garage into sort of a study area, but our roommates decided to store all their extra shit in there so there's no room. Plus, it's hot as balls. :( alisonmonster 07-12-2004, 07:42 PM check out your dental/insurance plan -you'll probably need one if its not an automatic thing. you'll spend twice as much money on food as planned :) if you do a bit at a time over a long period of time-you'll do better than cramming. i tell myself this every year but i learn the hard way every time. dusty 07-12-2004, 07:54 PM has anyone told you to kiss up to your professors/TA's yet? by kiss up i just mean- get to know them and make sure that they know you. it's a good security to have just in case something goes wrong. for example- i had one professor last quarter who i got to know and she gave me her phone number- not to chit chat or anything but just to discuss a paper i was to be writting. at the end of the quarter, during finals week, the class was all supposed to meet her on campus between 5 and 6 amd turn in our final assignment. i showed up around campus around 2 to study for some finals i had the next day. i ended up falling asleep in the study lounge and when i woke up it was 6:30. i ran to the court i was supposed to meet her in and she was gone. i started to freak because she had specifically told us that if we didn't show up in the court between 5 and 6, we wouldn't be able to turn in our papers because she didn't want them emailed. luckily i had saved her number on my phone. i called her and explained to her that i had fallen asleep in the student center for four hours. she arranged to have me meet her at a restraunt she was at and i turned my paper in to her- no late marks. in summary, this is why it is important to get to know all your teachers and to be sure they know you as well. Lizard Queen 07-12-2004, 08:18 PM Originally posted by dusty has anyone told you to kiss up to your professors/TA's yet? by kiss up i just mean- get to know them and make sure that they know you. it's a good security to have just in case something goes wrong. for example- i had one professor last quarter who i got to know and she gave me her phone number- not to chit chat or anything but just to discuss a paper i was to be writting. at the end of the quarter, during finals week, the class was all supposed to meet her on campus between 5 and 6 amd turn in our final assignment. i showed up around campus around 2 to study for some finals i had the next day. i ended up falling asleep in the study lounge and when i woke up it was 6:30. i ran to the court i was supposed to meet her in and she was gone. i started to freak because she had specifically told us that if we didn't show up in the court between 5 and 6, we wouldn't be able to turn in our papers because she didn't want them emailed. luckily i had saved her number on my phone. i called her and explained to her that i had fallen asleep in the student center for four hours. she arranged to have me meet her at a restraunt she was at and i turned my paper in to her- no late marks. in summary, this is why it is important to get to know all your teachers and to be sure they know you as well. This is true. They'll be able to give you hand if you're having personal shit going on in your life. When I broke my hand the day before my exam, I called my prof at home to tell him I couldn't write anymore, and we made other arangements. He made *really* lenient arangements with me as well. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 08:19 PM That's cool. I already know one of my Physics professors... PJ works with him alot at school, and we go to church together. He takes us out to lunch sometimes. And he's the head of the Sci Fi book club, so he's really cool. I'm hoping the rest of the teachers are that neat. /geek BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 08:20 PM One of my friends at University of Southern Mississippi gets high with his professors sometimes :D Lizard Queen 07-12-2004, 08:32 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser And he's the head of the Sci Fi book club, so he's really cool. I'm hoping the rest of the teachers are that neat. /geek Sci Fi book club =/= cool. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 08:33 PM Originally posted by Lizard Queen Sci Fi book club =/= cool. Hey, the last one I went to, we talked about Harry Potter, so nyah... Lizard Queen 07-12-2004, 08:35 PM Originally posted by BeautifulLoser Hey, the last one I went to, we talked about Harry Potter, so nyah... The one at my old community college had a bunch of hunched back geeks living in their parents's basement with long greasy hair, chasing each other around with plastic swords and falling over their shoes whenever a girl walked by. Oh god they were scary. BeautifulLoser 07-12-2004, 08:37 PM Originally posted by Lizard Queen The one at my old community college had a bunch of hunched back geeks living in their parents's basement with long greasy hair, chasing each other around with plastic swords and falling over their shoes whenever a girl walked by. Oh god they were scary. :rofl: Luckily, the people in ours aren't like that... quite a few professors go, and the geek students that go are quite like PJ... they're geeks with social skills. |