-Get along with your roommate. Not getting along with the person you're living with makes life miserable.Even if it's a pain for you, deal with it. Unless your roommate is an ass, he/she'll do the same for you. Example: My roommate went to sleep at about 1 almost every night, except for weekends. I tried to get all my computer work done by then, so I could move out into the common area. I got my work done, and he got to sleep. He did the same thing for me (though generally in the morning... I don't think I went to bed before 2:30 most nights).
-Don't wait till the last minute. I have trouble working on things until the night before they are due. I ended up averaging 3 all-nighters per semester. When you take the time to do the work, then proof-read it, have someone else proof it, and repeat this until you're satisfied, you'll have much better results.
-Most schools have writing centers where other students will proofread your papers if you give them a few days. Use this resource! Or, at the very least, get a friend to read your papers. Getting another opinion will only help your grades.
-If you have an all-you-can-eat style caf, take whatever food you want back to the dorm. Bread, milk, cereal, all that stuff that you would otherwise buy, can be easily acquired from the dining halls with the help of a water bottle and a backpack.
-Explore your campus. Most campuses have some sort of underground tunnels for electricity, water, etc. These can be fun. Same thing with the roofs of buildings. Note: don't do this under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Then you do stupid stuff, and get caught or hurt.
-Try new things. Always wanted to go skydiving? White water rafting? Do it! Just make sure you don't tell your mother until
after you get back...
-I have to disagree with TIO about the TV... bring one if you have one. Just don't bother with cable, make sure you have a vcr or dvd player to go with it. That way you can watch movies with your friends (or a friend
) and not have to deal with other people. Sometimes you'll want to use the public tvs, but other times you probably won't.
-Do things on campus. The more activities you do, the more people you get to know.
-Have fun!
-Don't have
too much fun during the week or sunday night...
Everyone reacts differently to being at school. Last year was my first year, and some people take it harder than others. I really was fine. I didn't have any trouble getting used to living away from home. However, one of my friends had a major breakdown at the beginning of the second semester. She's probably returning for the second semester this year. So don't let the stress get to you, and watch out for your friends. If they seem like they're having a tough time, help them out.