College 101: Everything You Need To Know

Not much is more scary than leaving for college. College is a one-of-a-kind experience, but it can also be very daunting. You don't have to feel this way, though. Learning about what lies ahead is a great way to alleviate your concerns before you hit campus. Start with this article.

Toiletries are a vital essential for the beginning of college. When you don't have enough, you'll run out in a hurry. Bulk purchases avoid this situation and keep your costs down, too.

Look everywhere when looking for financial assistance. There are many unique scholarships which can put a positive dent in your expenses. Also check into forgivable loans and government grants.

If you find yourself falling behind in a class, do not hesitate to consult your professor. Check with your school's faculty directory to find out his or her office hours. Make time to stop by an express your concerns. Your professor wants you to succeed and can direct you to the best resources.

Do not fall into the credit card company's tricks where they give you a credit card. These cards have high interest rates, and they aim to prey on college students who have no money. There are many instances in which college student's default on these cards because they understandably have no money to pay them back.

It helps to stay connected with your instructors throughout the academic year. Be sure that you know where their offices are and how you can easily get a hold of them. You must develop good relationships with your professors so that you will feel comfortable talking with them if you need help or an exception on a due date.

Choose a college that has an environment you'd enjoy exploring. In addition to a beautiful campus, your school should be in a city or town that you would enjoy exploring. You are going to be here for four years and might move into the surrounding community when you finish college, so make sure you enjoy where you will be living and studying.

If you are unsure about which major to choose, use your first two years of college to take a wide variety of courses in addition to your core courses. You may find yourself interested in things you might otherwise never have considered. An eclectic course of study gives you greater insight into possible career choices.

Your high school accomplishments won't count much in college. College is nothing like high school. Even if you were a great athlete or a kid that got great grades, you probably won't be around people who used to know you anyways. Challenge yourself as much as you can and push your old boundaries.

If possible, you should avoid scheduling classes one after the other. You are going to need breaks during the day. The best time for these breaks is after a class. This time will allow you to wind down, prepare for your next class or study if needed. Take these opportunities when you can.

If you can find someone who took the same class, offered by the same teacher, the semester before you, then ask them about the class. They can give you valuable insight on the teacher's style of teaching, where the test questions come from, what type of tests there are and many other helpful hints to put you on the right track.

Textbooks can take a huge toll on your wallet. Fortunately, you now have many options to save money. For example, you can rent textbooks online. Another option is to purchase online-only access to required textbooks. While you won't have a physical book to take notes or highlight in, you will save money in doing so.

If you are a woman, consider a STEM major. STEM majors are those that are focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Since women are less likely than men to choose these fields of study, there are many scholarships and grants available for women. These fields also usually end up being more financially beneficial after graduation.

Follow the advice presented here to quell your fears about going to college. As you can see, anyone can successfully graduate with the right tools and the right planning. Implement what you've learned here and you might just graduate with honors. Best of luck to you!