Useful Tips and Must-Haves… to improve your college experience

As another school year commences, so does the anticipated stresses and chaos that come along with it. Going back-to-school shopping, dorm shopping, insane traffic, and getting back into the mindset to prepare for the tests and projects that are always super fun—not really—are never looked forward to, however, it is always a great idea to start prepping yourself for the upcoming school year with helpful tips and must-haves that can turn those stresses into no big deal.

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1. Always check your school’s Academic Calendar.

My college has published an academic calendar for each semester throughout my years as a student. It provides me important dates and upcoming deadlines for registration, add/drop deadlines for classes, when to petition to graduate, dates for finals, etc. I always refer to this before the semester begins to ensure that I am aware of upcoming deadlines that may have had date changes or that I need to stay privy to.

2. Always, Always, Always get an Agenda.

Whether its an online agenda or you prefer the old-fashioned one, it is imperative that you provide yourself with an agenda in order to keep yourself organized and efficient. I prefer the old-fashioned agenda that the school store has for sale because it includes all the important dates and deadlines for students throughout the academic year. Having an agenda has been extremely beneficial for me to keep up with my crazy schedule and not miss out on events or homework that I would have forgotten if I did not.

3. Take advantage of on-campus events.

Colleges are constantly trying to find ways to get students involved on campus. Check your student email or the university’s campus activities site to stay updated on student events held on campus. Usually these events are free and provide free food and swag for those in attendance. I strongly advise that you take advantage of these opportunities, you get a free meal, free stuff, get to meet new people and a new experience, and plus you did kinda pay for it so…ENJOY!!

4. Don’t be scared to ask questions.

Go to your advisers, your major’s department, the registrar’s office, and the financial aid office as many times as you need to with any of your questions. Do not be afraid to ask them your questions, it’s their job to help you. I cannot express to you the amount of times I, myself, have been to these offices because of questions I have had about courses, my financial aid, or how I can get course credit for certain classes. Most times I find out information that I had previously not known just by simply asking. And often, if you do want to get something done by one of these offices, I would advise that you just be persistent with them. I have noticed that by continuing to grace them with your presence and not backing down has been quite successful.

5. Please go to the Job Fair.

If your school holds annual job fairs, just go! My college provides semester job fairs for both all disciples and individual disciples that are readily available to students. This is an amazing opportunity for you to network with professionals in your field and ask about open opportunities for internships or a paid position at their company. Employers that come to these events want students like you for their company and why not provide them with what they want…YOU!. If your school does not happen to provide this opportunity to its students, look up nearby career fairs in your local area. Start networking with them and see if they will provide you with your first opportunity. Great things can come out of putting yourself out there and selling your greatest asset…

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