What College Freshmen Need to Know

Advice for new college students.  Read.   Remember.  Congratulations, you're ready to graduate.  (Yes, it really does go by that quickly.)       By Ryan Tibbens

When you arrive at your dorm, be nice and be confident. Don't be too cool to hug your parents.  If dudes in the dorm feel hostile, pretend like you're in prison and punch the biggest guy in the face as hard as you can to establish dominance. Go to every class, even if they don't take attendance. Read everything they tell you to read, even if they don't seem to use it.  Take notes by hand.  If possible, set aside time in your weekday schedule for short naps, gym visits, and library sessions.  Get involved in dorm activities.  Join a club.  Don't rush until second semester or sophomore year or maybe at all.  Use professors' office hours. Start studying three days before you think you need to. Pack extra Febreze. Start lining up next year's living arrangements two weeks before anybody else brings it up. Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Don't talk to cops. Don't walk in the street. Don't call or text after midnight. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, and don't do some things I would. 


What advice would YOU give rising freshmen as they head off to college for the first time?  Leave some wisdom in the comment section below.