Lovelyish

number six. dress like you actually give a shit, even if your boyfriend doesn’t go to your school.

i’d add, your current romantic relationship probably isn’t as important as it seems. and homework, papers, and exams just might be a little more important than they seem.

oh, and take advantage of the free gym. those don’t exist in the real world.

I’m not in college, (although I will be in the fall)
but I learned from my brothers who are
that it’s important not to get sick!
So always wash your hands, gargle,
and dress warm-especially during the cold winter months.

I’m starting college this fall. I do want to dress like I give a sh*t, but since both of you girls said that, why is it such a big deal? Just curious!

@supaflychikn@xanga - YES to the free gym thing esp. I have only been to the gym less than 6 times in my two years of college and I regret not going more

these are all very good points

1. i still think doing well in school is kind of an important thing. but i know what you mean.
5. really? isnt it the year 2010? do women really have to worry about that stuff still? =/
6. i love my pajamas…dang

the only one i dont agree with is number 1 -shrug-

grades mean more to me than the nonexistant shit friends out there waiting

@weirdgirl017@xanga - You’re professors will take you more seriously, which means they are more likely to work with you in the case of an emergency. You’ll feel better about yourself. You never know when an opportunity will hit! You want to be ready for any chance you can jump on and look professional while doing it.

i totally remember all the tests i pwned.

@MissPixieGlitter@xanga - me too, but mostly because they’re so rare. sigh.

7. I prefer Wheat Thins but agree with everything else, haha.

This is the last time in the world nothing concrete will be expected of you.  Enjoy.

And I am struggling to be taken seriously.  it’s a pain but it’s a handicap you get stuck with.

I hate when people wear there pajamas to class, especially since I’m currently at a community college I don’t see why they do it. It’s like wearing pajamas in wal-mart or something..

Study study study.

Watch out for leeches. I’ve seen in all my years of school but it’s WORSE in college. They’ll butter up to you just enough so you’ll share homework or help them out in class. Bullshit. I work hard for my grades & take the time to study. 

What I usually do is I tell them I WONT let them copy, but I’ll tell them where to find the info since working out of 3 books can be confusing & judging by their reaction, I know what kind of person I’m dealing with. If they catch an attitude, I know they’re just a user. Once or twice I get someone who actually wants to do the work & just doesnt know how to admit it. Homework counts for alot, more than the tests even. 
@MissPixieGlitter@xanga - I take pictures of all mine! XD

@Hoborrific@xanga - OMFG!!! My very first day of college, I saw a guy older than me in Spongebob PJ pants. I was blinded from across the parking lot! XD Now I’ve been known to come to school in sweats but I wear pretty ones, not raggedy shit like some people. College prepares you for real life so you could dress like you didnt just wake up 5 minutes ago….

@supaflychikn@xanga - free gym, YES! and free cable TV! totally took that stuff for granted

I actually wish I would have worked less!! I worked 20 hrs a week, on top of taking 18 credits, always with at least 2 labs (which means I was busy alllll afternoon at least 2 days a week). I should have worked less and had more fun! But I still did have a lot of fun.

Also, how movies and the media portray the college image is completely false. Just like how high school isn’t anything like Mean Girls… Haha

Regarding #5 – I never had a problem with being taken seriously… then again, I was always the nerd in class, who never missed, was rarely late, and always turned in work (on time).  Plus I always showed up in real clothes… that helps.

The most important things, I think, are: be responsible, get involved in activities you find interesting, and stay true to yourself  

Ahh the freshman 15.. Fml. Lolol

Joining a sorority was not the brightest decision of my college career…maybe it was just a bad sorority, but I’m definitely more of a small, intimate circle of friends type of girl. I barely finished out my freshman year before quitting. The drama was INSANE.

And as comfy as they are, I try to avoid wearing sweatpants to class. I don’t dress up but I dress like I want to be taken seriously. And if I’m wearing sweatpants I’ll just get sleepy.

I agree with most of these points. I hate when people wear pajamas to class, and it helps if your professors at least know your name, because if you ever need to ask for reference letters, it’s a lot easier to get one if the prof knows you exist!

I never had trouble being taken seriously. In undergrad, my program was male-dominated, and most of them assumed I was smart and well organized because I am a girl. And my professors always took me seriously because I always attended lectures and handed my assignments in on time.

Now I’m in grad school, we are all taken seriously, as they assume if we weren’t serious, we wouldn’t be there.

@iheartemo26@xanga - I’ll be taking fifteen credits and working 25 this upcoming fall it’s a bummer, I wish I didn’t have to work and could just focus on school!  Blahhhhhhhhhhhhh

But yeah, learn how to budget your time.  I know it’s overphrased, but… DON’T PROCRASTINATE.  You’ll feel WAY better about yourself when you stop and think, “hey, all my shit’s done!  Now I can go relax or do whatever else I friggen want!”

i would have to say:

-speak up and/or change roommates if you dont mesh well.
-you should probably appreciate the free things you are getting like rec center, meals,events, etc.
-peer pressure changes a bit in form, but its the same. dont do it if you are uncertain.
-yes, enoy yourself!

goood advice list

great list! i would say don’t trust frat boys, be okay with eating alone in the caf once in a while, go out on a monday night if you feel like it, leave your door open to meet as many people in your dorm as you can, call home to catch up, write thank-yous when your family sends you gifts, relax! 

@weirdgirl017@xanga - You don’t need to dress in a suit when you go to class every day, but don’t dress like a hooker either. You want to look respectable.

i agree with all of that except the meals thing.  it wasn’t free, it was on our school bill and it was so shitty. i got off the meal plan for health reasons but still had to pay a fee. i love cooking.

If I could go back to college, here’s what I’d tell myself;

1. If you get the opportunity, go overseas to study– for a semester, for a year, whatever, just get the experience in.
2. Don’t feel like you have to do everything. You’re there for school, to go to parties (ha ha) and to learn to live on your own as your own person, independent from your parent’s influence. You don’t have to go to ten bible studies a week and paper the campus with Worship flyers. You don’t have to overachieve and those feelings of inadequacy you got from your parents won’t get any better if you try to overachieve here as well.
3. Don’t be afraid to get that apartment with friends. The dorms- and the people they pair you with- suck. But, don’t move too far from campus, the further you go from campus, the less likely you are to go to class and the more likely you are to flunk.
4. Learn to drink, but don’t binge drink. Get trashed a few times, but that’s not all there is to life. Same goes for drugs. Learn your limits.
5. Don’t be afraid to work hard on your classes.
6. Mean girls are still going to be mean girls and you’re really not missing much by not joining a sorority- you’re just sparing yourself a lot of pain.
7. Go on roadtrips with your friends.
8. Don’t always be the good girl. Experiment with sex- don’t be afraid to order a vibrator.
9. Run. Everyday. Learn this early.
10. Date more. The more you date, the more fun life is.

@wideopenskies@xanga - i disagree… procrastination is the college student’s way of life! =]

@opheliasbones@xanga - i think i enjoyed your list more than the original one. awww, i really miss undergrad!!!

@kimmieheart@xanga - I wish I could tell myself those things, now. I miss undergrad, too. I felt like I didn’t get the entire undergrad experience because I was so busy trying to make my parents proud. Now, I realize how little of a difference it made. And, I’d probably major in nursing instead of theatre, now. Then, I’d have a job wherever I went.

first, good list! and second, OMG YOU WENT TO MIAMI?! aaahhhh that’s where i’m going now! GO CANES!

i disagree with the first one. school’s more important than having fun to me. a lot of my friends from high school came in with that mentality and ended up messing up their first semester. 

7 is definitely true! i pass by the dining hall and think about how easy it was to walk down the stairs to the dc and get food…now i actually have to think about what to make, buy the food, and cook!

i would probably suggest staying away from creepers.  and if you do get yourself involved with a creeper, try not to piss them off and stay on their good side.

If only I had come across a list like this when I first entered University. Great list!

I definitely agree with not HAVING to join a sorority to make a great group of friends. Regardless of not having the money, sororities at my university are known to take up quite a bit of time. I instead spent this time volunteering and leading groups to build up my resume and met tons of people in the process. Not saying either way is for everyone, but it’s just what I found to work.

Thanks I move in in around a month. I can’t wait!!

I actually DO remember the two biochem tests that I aced sophomore year.  But that’s because I did craptastic on the first two and that was (and still is) my favorite college class ever. But yes, I pretty much agree with everything on the list anyway.

Also, don’t get over involved.  If you want to be in a couple clubs, go for it. DO NOT try to be President of a couple clubs, or in leadership positions in more than 2 clubs, or else they will eat all your time and screw up how well you do in classes. 

I’ll add to your lineup…

11. Drama isn’t worth it. Grades are.
12. Never go to sleep drunk. Your body will hate you. Dry up before you sleep, or exercise moderation.
13. The gas tank does have a bottom. So does the wallet.
14. One- and five- dollar deals add up faster than you think. It’s on sale – but do you need it?
15. Shop with a list. Stick to the list.
16. You’re going to make and lose friends fast. It happens. Enjoy your time.
17. All-black or all-red is not a Statement. Attitude is.
18. When going out, all dressed up and ready – pause at the mirror. First thing your eye gravitates to, remove it. Chances are, you’re wearing too much of something – whether jewelry, makeup, or accessories. You don’t want your fashion wearing you – you want to wear your fashion. 

dont procrastinate. thats a deff no no.

im actually doing that right now, but allowed its summer classes…lol….

ditto

@iJUST_ATEabug@xanga - omg yay! are you living on campus? do you like it? i loved it there

I would recommend studying abroad if possible. It is a fantastic experience and it might be your only chance to. After college live seems to constantly get in the way. 

thanks for the advice! i can’t wait for college in the fall!

@Jessica - yep! they just closed the apartment area so now there’s a housing lottery (>.<), but thankfully i got housing for next year! i’m in Pearson, and was in Stanford last year :]. and YES, i love it!

Don’t put off work. If your teacher gives homework and grades it, do it. Even if they don’t grade it, unless it’s in a class where you already know a lot of the information and can pass easily, do it. My algebra teacher pulled test questions from the homework, making the tests slightly easier for those of us who did the homework and checked it, even though he didn’t grade it. Also, graded small homework assignments can be rare, so take advantage of those extra grades! Homework and readings (yes, they are important since a lot of teachers don’t cover everything they test you on in lectures) are important and will pile-up if you don’t do it. My roommate last year screwed up her GPA majorly because she half-assed the homework assignments (that were graded), would skip classes if she felt like it or was too tired, and then put off her readings, causing her to do badly on tests. This especially goes with practicing if you are a music student. It’ll probably screw you over when it comes to mid-terms or juries and explaining a C (or lower) in lessons to your parents isn’t fun and can be rather frustrating.

If you’re thinking of going the military route but also want to go to college, think seriously about ROTC. My roommate did it and all her classes and room and board were covered AND she got a monthly stipend. Plus, workouts were scheduled so she never had the excuse of “I just don’t have the time.”

Umm…Don’t go home every other weekend. You’ll probably just end up missing home even more. 1st semester I did that, so it was very hard going back for 2nd semester. Also, when my parents could no longer pay for me to come home every other weekend, it was really hard to go the 2 months in between breaks without seeing them. Those that didn’t go home as often seemed collectively to have fewer bouts of homesickness. Also, don’t take a lot of pictures of your friends, family, and pets. You’ll just miss them more.

Oh and ask around about teachers when you make your schedule. It’s a good way to find out which teacher is lenient, which one is hilarious, which one seems to not like being a professor, etc. I found that this helps with your general education classes because you have a teacher with qualities you like, thereby making the class that you probably are only taking because it was the lesser evil in a list of classes you don’t want to take just a little bit enjoyable.

Woah, loads of advice. I don’t know why, but I’ve been having an issue with cutting back on the advice since freshman year ended.

Question for you experienced people: Do you find that employers are flexible with working around weird class schedules? I want to have a job this semester, but I really only have time on Friday (afternoons), Saturday (all day), and Sunday (mornings and afternoons only) for shifts. I don’t have a car or else I’d look for a tutoring or babysitting job (I’d rather not rely on the bus system). There are places like Subway and CVS within walking distance, but I’ve heard that places like that prefer you to have much more flexible schedules. I never got notice of if I qualify for work study or not, so I’m not sure about a job at the library or something. Should I try anyways?

i’m in a program called upward bound so i know a little more about college then most others! But this is also very informative to because there are somethings that i didn’t know and you informed me! Thank you!

thanks for ur list !! 

11. Don’t take out loans for college, there are so many ways to go for free

another thing to addDSK jewelry go VOTE for YEN  thanks everyonehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0JRIgZTfoE

Take advantage of all the “amenities” like cable,tutoring (if offered), and gym because thats what you are paying for as part of the tuition!!! Dont waste your money, learn to budget! Finally, dont just sit there in your room. Be proactive. things will not always come to you!

enjoy! :]

Don’t procrastinate. Get homework out of the way asap. 

Wow. I’m in college now, and almost none of this is true/applies to me.

1. I’m in art school so I don’t get many tests, and when I do they don’t take more than 20 minutes and I have never gotten below a B. BUT, I would much rather study for a test than be “out” with “friends”. I’ve tried to cut myself off from all my high school friends, and haven’t gotten close with anyone at college because I’m only going to know them for a semester or two, so there’s no point.

2. I don’t want to make friends. If I have friends, they are strictly school friends. I don’t talk to them outside of school unless in school-related conversations.

3. Me and my high school sweetheart are still together. And if we weren’t, I would not be dating in college. There’s no time for the drama.

4. I work in the summers because I’m in art school and the 2 or 3 days I have off during the school week go to me doing photoshoots for my 7-9 classes.

5. Not true at all. Most of my classmates are girls, so we’re taken seriously no problem. I do have a problem lifting heavy photography equipment, but this is why we ask for help.

6. I thought everyone knew that? I mean, people in high school are stupid for doing that, and I always made fun of them for it. It’s not cool to look as lazy as you actually are.

7. I have never set foot in my school’s cafeteria, nor eaten there. Someone brought me back a drink from the Starbucks that’s in there, but that’s about the extent. I brown bag it. And I don’t live at school.

8. Haven’t had any preofessors who do what I do/who can actually teach. And my school doesn’t offer much in the way of internships until the BFA program. I don’t have enough time to go searching for them on my own.

9. I gained at least 20lbs since Christmas. Oops.

10. I guess this is true, only I don’t have many friends, nor too much time alone, so. (I share a room with my little brother.)

xX Ame ~*~ Hana Xx

11. Going to a big/well known university isn’t the best choice for everyone. There are ton of smaller (and cheaper!) universities that provide the same education and experience.

But I guess that falls under the “10 Things I Wish I Had Known When I Applied to College” list.

I guess I’m doing pretty good then.

1. I’ve both aced exams and taken quite a few roadtrips (three of which were out-of-state – that’s a big deal when it takes at LEAST 5 hours to even LEAVE the State; Texas is Huge!)
2. Never even thought about joining a sorority and definitely have made the BEST friends I could ever ask for having not joined a sorority.
3. I’ve been single all three years of college. While I would kind of like to maybe find a boyfriend now, I have definitely enjoyed being single and I definitely do not want a “ring by spring”.
4. I’ve worked in the summers and yeah, it is good to have your own money.
5. I think this might depend on your major or where you’re going in life. My major is about 70% female even though we’re all science-nerds trying to go to either Medical, Veterinary or Dental School.
6. I have never in my life worn my pajamas outside of my apartment or dorm.
7. I’ve lived off campus the last two years, but I do kind of miss the ease of walking over to the cafeteria (one of) and grabbing an easy meal.
8. Build lots of connections; do internships – DONE, join organizations – DONE and secure leadership positions – DONE; chat up your professors – Haven’t done much of this, but wish I’d done more.
9. At my University this hardly applies – it’s so large that you lose weight just trying to get to class! LOL
10. Enjoy college!  = Awesome advice. Definitely!

Hmm…adding things? I don’t know. I’d say try to talk to people who are not like you. There are all kinds of people at college – I’ve learned a lot talking to those who are NOTHING like me.

Also, figure out time management early…don’t party all the time. Number 1 priority in college is academics – you wouldn’t be paying so much money if it wasn’t. Class first, party second. Do not get your priorities mixed up.

My advice for those entering college: try to do your best your freshman year because it’s actually your most crucial GPA-wise. If you do bad, it’ll be a struggling up-hill climb ’cause it’ll only get tougher!

1. You won’t remember that test you aced, but you will remember
taking crazy road trips with your friends.

Um, no. I remember getting that “A” in ochem. And I am certain there are plenty others remembering the tests they aced and becoming doctors now Don’t underestimate your education…because you ARE there to get an education. Just sayin’. People always say not to focus on academics. But shouldn’t the true advice be to balance everything out? Have both, if you can. That’s the best.

@ribbonsxnxlace@xanga - In response…

1. i still think doing well in school is kind of an important thing. but i know what you mean.
(doing well in school is important, but giving up 100% of a social life for school isn’t healthy…it will ultimately lead to early heart attacks, over/under eating, and a sense of worthlessness when you realize you have no friends)
5. really? isnt it the year 2010? do women really have to worry about that stuff still? =/
(sad, but yes…and once you get out into the real world, it’s 10 times worse…so buck up, ladies, and don’t take “no” for an answer…lord knows frat boys definitely know how not to…hee hee)
6. i love my pajamas…dang
(eh, once or twice during college is fine, but if you take #8 on her list to heart, you won’t want to be seen as the lazy kid who doesn’t even bother to get dressed in the morning…it’s not a good way to market yourself to potential job contacts…I mean, who wants to hire someone who can’t even dress themselves in the morning?)

“DON’T wear your pajamas outside of your bedroom.”

Damn it, not even to go down the hall and piss? 

I’m going into my final year this September, and I agree with all of these except number one. You might not remember acing the test, but you’ll regret that roadtrip if the test you failed was the difference between a First and a Second class degree. (I’m English, so I don’t know how the degree system works over there).

Take advantage of all the societies out there – join them, go to the meetings and meet as many new people as possible. Don’t put your studies on the back burner for the sake of a social life, but don’t let yourself get swamped by one or the other. Make sure you have a mix of the two!

And I’ll agree with those who said to take advantage of the gym. You won’t get such cheap access to sports facilities again – make the most of the gym and the pool and the sports fields while you can!

thank you for this I will be attending college in the fall

@MissPixieGlitter@xanga - me too. lol. 

College is, generally, a huge business. Waste of time and money. It doesn’t teach you shit about the real world. 

Some good points here.

As a college grad, I’d throw out 1,4, and 5 on that list.

1. That test really is that important. If you need to skip some social engagements to do well on it, you’ll thank yourself later when you ace the course.

4. If you have a family that’s willing and able to support you (or your own savings), let them, at least at the beginning. It’s very hard to adjust to school and work at the same time when you’re just starting out. Give yourself a couple of semesters of just getting the studying down.

5. Doing well will get you noticed and appreciated, regardless of gender. If you expect to see sexism, you’ll see what you’re looking for. If you’re not looking for it, you’ll see a lot less and maybe none at all. I didn’t experience any that I recall during my college career. My grades spoke for themselves, and no one seemed to care that I was a girl.

I’d add:

Be yourself. People will get used to it and like you. If you act fake, people will get tired of the act.

Jump in on activities and groups that are out of your comfort zone. You may discover a new passion.

Don’t discriminate against people because they don’t act cool, look perfect, etc. That is SO 9th grade. People of all kinds may turn out to be amazing friends.

Take some “fun” courses that are in areas of interest but not necessarily related to your major.

Call your parents/siblings. It’ll help keep you down to earth.

Can someone explain the freshmen 15 to me?

I’m proud of every test I aced. Like it or not, college is more than just about the people. I’m by no means a prude or a book worm, but part of what made college fun is taking it seriously and being in class with people who took it seriously. Made for great conversation.

@idaredtodream@xanga - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshman_fifteen LOL, I didn’t know there would be a wiki article on it. 

Yeah, I get that a lot of girls in college have a boyfriend to just have a boyfriend, but my relationship IS infact important to me.

I have a job, and it’s the reason it’s taking me longer to graduate, because I’m only taking 12 credits a semester.

Personally, I hate college.  I’m probably the only one in the world though.

@omggsoozin@xanga - haha great comment, college is definitely nothing like the movies!

Number 8 is probably the one that I wish I had focused on more when I was in college.  If I had it to do over again, I would’ve focused more on starting my “real world” career while I was in college by networking and doing an internship.  Another word of advice that I would add is to not max out your hours.  Sure, 19 or 20 hours in class a week may not sound like a lot to a high schooler, but the classes require a lot of work outside of the classroom.  Some say that you should study 2 or 3 hours for every hour you’re in class, and while I would consider that as more of a suggestion than a rule, you do have to spend a lot of time studying and doing homework.  It really adds up with each extra hour you take beyond the suggested course load. 

1. I will, however, remember failing Organic Chemistry because there were only four tests comprising my entire grade.
2. I’d like to think I don’t have to shell out $1000 a semester for friends and tacky apparel, but that’s just me being idealistic. 
3. Agreed.
4. Some of us are majoring in subjects besides Bullshit and take 16 to 18 hours a semester plus labs. I wouldn’t be able to pass, much less excel, if I work my ass off at some minimum-wage job that won’t even help me later in life.
5. Unfortunately, this is true.
6. College isn’t the real world. If your pajamas are underwear and no shirt, people might look twice. But sometimes my pajamas are pants and a t-shirt, so yeah I’m going to be in Microbiology lab at 7:30 a.m. in my pajamas.
7. Better Triscuits than a hearty serving of E. coli and Salmonella. I’d rather eat crackers than have the runs every night.
8. YES.
9. True.
10. Yay!

awesome post =)

lol, I have teacher/professor phobia, but it would help to have connections.  Yeah, I’ve seen plenty of people walking around in pjs and house slippers, you have better clothes, so wear them. 

I would suggest, keeping up your gpa, it’ll help in the long-run.  Partying and not caring about grades seem to give you freedom and fun for awhile, but you’ll regret it later.  Also, complete and turn in you financial aid as soon as possible because you’ll receive more and if there’s a problem, it could be taken care of asap. 

Yes, if you can, try not to miss class, especially on those important test days because professors will not allow make-ups unless you were in the emergency room and had a note to prove it. 

I think people can still budget if they want to even with the financial help of their parents. 

Balance and time-management is key to college survival.  You can study and still have fun as long as you keep your priority straight.  You can have a relationship and still ace college, just make sure you know how to juggle your life around. 

And the facilities is paid for in your college tuition, so might as well use them.  Library prints, computers, and the gym.  Gyms in college are nice and I really like how the pool isn’t as crowded as our neighborhood pool.  Enjoy college as much as you can and don’t be frightened because you’ll get use to things and know how to manage.

thanks for this post! im heading to go to college august 25th and im everything you described, im excited, nervous to be on my own, just broke up with my high school sweetheart and feel like im heading out into the world absolutely clueless! ill try and keep these things in mind. But reading that you felt the million of things im feeling now makes me feel immensely better!