Alex's Blog

10. Get free stuff. The U offers so many free things to students; counseling, career advice, a writing center. Take advantage of it! Go to convocation on the first day of school and get a free burger and XXL t-shirt. Who can turn down a free tee?

9. Apply. I don't like all the work that goes into applications. Interviews make me really nervous, but the more you do it the better you become. Even if it's a job you know you won't get, interview for it for the practice. Now I sound like my dad...

8. See your advisor every semester. My advisor's schedule fills up more quickly than mine! Make an appointment every semester to avoid one of those nasty "will I graduate on time�? scares. (Based on personal experience, that was really not a good time).

7. Office hours- just go. I know that they can seem pointless, but office hours are a great way to not only get help from your professor but score extra brownie points. If you show initiative by bringing in questions about a paper/test/assignment they will see the effort you've put in. I've had quite a few grades bumped up and papers rewritten by happy profs.

6. Try not to procrastinate. Note: I said try. I am a pro at putting things off. I claim that I work better under pressure. (Don't believe it). You'll get a paper assigned the first day of class that's due on the last day. Set yourself a roomy time table to work in- totally worth it- I promise.

5. Explore the Cities. It took me two years to step outside of campus. Jump on a bus and see where it takes you- just make sure to take a map.

4. Don't be shy. Still working on this one. But don't be afraid to go to a meeting or find new friends in class- everyone is in the same position that you are. Be the one to take the initiative.

3. Surround yourself with good people. This isn't high school. Don't rediscover your clique, or shut new people out. This is your chance to figure out who you want to be and find great friends who will support you unconditionally.

2. Get involved! Find one group you want to join and do it! It'll make your college experience!

1. Learn those life skills. This is like sky diving with a net or driving 200 mph on a raceway with bumpers. College is your chance to test the waters of the real world. Half of what you learn will be outside of class. Learn how to be professional, to work with people, and how to be self-sufficient. That's more valuable than any degree.