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How to Become an Early Riser

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It can be dreadful trying to wake up for that 7 or 8am class. In those early mornings it can be very tempting to want to sleep in, especially if that class is in the lecture hall with hundreds of other students. No one will know you're not there, right?

College is a demanding, always on-the-run lifestyle that doesn't leave much time for sleep. That reason alone is why Starbucks and Red Bull energy drinks are a big part of keeping us awake and giving us the energy we need to survive the day.

A typical weeknight in college may keep you up until 2am, whether it be due to studying, partying, or other social event. Regardless if you can't fit in what you consider is an ample amount of sleep in one night, it is still imperative that you're getting up and going to class. It's the reason you're going to college in the first place. Don't let all that money spent on tuition go to waste.

Here are a few tips to help you get up in the mornings when you find yourself tempted to sleep in and skip class.

  1. Get up at first instinct
    As soon as your alarm wakes you in the morning, immediately get up and get out of bed. Don't "think" about sleeping in, because you probably will. The longer you lay there half-asleep the more you'll want to keep hitting snooze and the more time you'll find a way to convince yourself to sleep in. Fight off these temptations and awake with a bright outlook on the day.

  2. Place your alarm clock away from your bed
    This forces you out of bed. No matter how tired you are, it can't be satisfying trying to snooze to an alarm going off in your room. When an alarm is placed near the bed, sometimes it can be easy to subconsciously reach over and continually hit the snooze button. Placing the alarm clock away from the bed helps you accomplish #1, which is getting out of bed as soon as you're awake.

  3. Stretch or Exercise
    After following the advice of #1 and #2, it can still be tempting to want to go back to bed. A little blood flow and movement can help wake up your mind and body. This is also good advice for people who wake up with not much of an appetite in the mornings. A little exercise should make you hungry, which is good as I'm told breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

  4. Don't eat before going to bed
    I am not sure what effect food digestion has on falling asleep, but that's not what this article is about. What we're talking about is waking up, and being hungry in the morning is what gets me up and out of bed.

  5. Set coffee to brew in the morning
    If you have an automatic timer on your coffee pot, set it to start brewing just before you're set to wake up. This way when your alarm starts going off, the smell of coffee will start to wake your brain and help get you in morning mode. For those who can't function without their coffee, it also means you have a hot cup waiting for you as soon as you're out of bed.

  6. Open the Curtains/Blinds
    Doing so will allow sunlight to come into your room in the morning. Seeing this natural light will help convince your brain that it's time to get up. If your room gets bright enough, sometimes you won't even need to use an alarm clock to let you know morning has come.

  7. Set your alarm to music
    Set your alarm to music rather than that annoying beep. If you wake up grumpy (because of that annoying sound) you're more likely to roll back over and go back to bed. Set it to a music station that you'll enjoy and that you know will get you out of bed, and it might just put you in a better mood to start your day.

  8. Stay motivated
    A lot of people are just lazy and choose to sleep in. It is important that you are motivated for the day to begin. Those that dread the day ahead will not want to wake up in the mornings. Wake up early in the morning wanting to be productive, and in doing so you'll feel better about yourself and your accomplishments throughout the day.

  9. Clocky Alarm Clock
  10. Get a Clocky Alarm Clock
    If all else fails, consider this product that is sure to annoy, but will do its job of getting you out of bed in the morning. The Clocky is an alarm clock with wheels that runs around the room when the alarm goes off and doesn't stop until you find it and shut it off. A device like this easily takes care of tips 1-3 on this list.

I know some mornings can be difficult, but it is important that you're getting up on time and going to class. Some people are more effective at their work in the mornings, so maybe even try waking up an hour or two earlier than you normally would and being productive. But it's true, some people are just not morning people. If this is the case for you, try not to schedule any classes before 10am.

 
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Preview: The HP DV2 Notebook

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The HP Pavilion dv2 Entertainment Notebook computer has just arrived in for review. The dv2 is the newest 12-inch notebook from HP which hopes to fill the void between low-performance netbooks and high-priced ultra-portable notebooks. At first glance, the dv2 appears to be the perfect notebook for college students, given its affordable price and impressive specs.

When it comes to notebooks, I'm a big fan of ultra-portables and the new dv2 looks promising. The model we’re looking at is Moonlight White (also available in Espresso Black).

HP DV2 Laptop

Let's briefly take a look at some reasons this notebook would be great in a college setting:

Looks: All I can say is WOW! Unboxing the dv2 was a jaw-dropping experience. This notebook looks sharp! The glossy look of the Moonlight White is impressive.

Power (Specs): The dv2 comes loaded with Windows Vista Home Premium and packs everything a typical student needs: speed, storage and entertainment. The dv2 will fit all your needs from gameplay, watching/listening to movies and music, and easily being able to handle all school work in a conveniently portable manner.

Price: A price of $699.99 makes it affordable when compared to other notebooks. The dv2 also packs some impressive specs compared to cheaper alternatives such as netbooks.

Entertainment: The dv2 is a perfect mobile entertainment center. It includes HP MediaSmart, a slick interface which makes movies, videos, music, photos, and live TV just a click away. The sound is actually pretty crisp and clear for the small built-in notebook speakers.

Size and Weight: The dimensions of 11.50 in (L) x 9.45 in (D) x 0.93 in (min H) and a 12.1” widescreen display makes it easy to carry around. For those of you that are worried 12.1" is too small, have no fear. I had the same thought when I purchased my first ultra-portable notebook and feel it’s the perfect size for taking it with you on the go. It comes in weighing just under 4 lbs (with 6-cell battery).

Check out some of these other cool features of the HP dv2:

  • External Blu-ray ROM with DVD burner. Having an external Blu-ray DVD drive helps keep the unit thin and lightweight.
  • Bundled with Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) with Service Pack 1.
  • 320GB Hard Drive.
  • AMD Turion Neo X2 Dual Core Mobile Processor (1.6 GHz 1MB L2 Cache).
  • 4GB DDR2 SDRAM.
  • 12.1" Diagonal WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen display.
  • Built in HP Webcam.
  • ATI Mobility Radeon HD Premium Graphics 3410 with 512mb DDR2 dedicated graphics memory.
  • 802.11a/b/g/n wireless and Bluetooth.
  • 5-in-1 Digital media reader.
  • 6-Cell Li-ion battery.

Inputs

  • 1 HDMI
  • 3 USB 2.0
  • SD card reader
  • Headphone/microphone jacks
  • VGA-out
  • Ethernet port

An ultra-portable usually means a smaller-sized notebook with good battery life. Because it's not a full-size notebook, the keyboard is only 92% of its original size, but is still easy and enjoyable to type on and pretty sturdy (with no flex).

We'll get a better look at this notebook over the next couple weeks, but first impressions are:

  1. This thing looks amazing! The moonlight white glossy look is so nice I almost don't want to touch it for fear of getting fingerprints on it. You could use the track pad as a mirror with its chrome finish.

  2. Great value. For the price this looks like a great deal for what’s all included.

  3. Pretty strong chassis: thin, light and well built. This notebook can survive the daily wear and tear from students who plan on carrying it around with them everywhere.

With its price and performance specs, I foresee the HP dv2 being a great notebook for students because it is compact and lightweight, affordable, and equipped with a powerful processor. The dv2 is available for $699.99, which I think is a fair price for what you’re getting. It should be a popular choice for budget conscious students this upcoming school year. Some of you who are considering netbooks for their cheap price, may want to pony up a little more cash and highly consider the dv2 from HP.

Stay tuned for a full review of the unit coming soon.

Until then, check out these reviews of the dv2:
NotebookReview.com
CNET


 
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Review: SimpleTech Signature Mini Hard Drive

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When it comes to school work on your computer, nothing is more important than safely saving and storing your data. I’m sure you have heard many horror stories (or maybe experienced them yourself) of students losing all their work because of hard drive failure. There are even stories out there of students going to far extremes to protect their work.

Here comes a product that will safely store all your important files and has a large enough capacity to store all of your music, photos and other media as well. Typical students opt for bargain thumb drives of 2-4 GB, but the problem with those is that they typically fill up fast and reach full capacity, forcing the user to get and carry around an additional thumb drive or delete past work/files that they may or may not need again.

Why not have in your possession a storage device that is lightweight and still has more than enough storage space for whatever you need? Enter the SimpleTech Signature Mini. A beautiful Black Cherry colored external hard drive with a whopping 320GB of storage space.

SimpleTech Signature Mini

You don't need to be a tech genius to use this product. It is very simple to use...simply plug in the provided USB cord to a computer and you're ready to start transferring files. The device also includes software that will automatically backup your files.

The Signature Mini is available in 9 different colors with capacities of up to 500GB. Colors include the cleverly named "flavors" of blueberry, black cherry, kiwi, bubble gum, marshmallow, espresso, cool mint, ice, and cayenne.

Size and Portability
While yes the Signature Mini is technically "pocket-sized", it’s not something you'd want to be carrying around with you all the time. But, it’s lightweight design makes it easy and convenient for on the go, as it won’t weigh down your backpack or messenger bag. The product is pretty durable, making it appear heavier than it is. You could drop this thing and not have to worry about damaging anything.

When the Signature Mini is placed in your pocket, it is noticeable, but doesn’t get in the way when walking thanks to its smooth and lightweight design. It fits nicely in both the front and back pockets of your pants, but I personally preferred the front pocket, not only for comfort reasons, but also in case I forget it’s there and decided to sit down. Because it is so lightweight, sometimes you may forget that it’s actually in your pocket.

With its thin compact size, the Signature Mini can easily be hidden or stored away to wherever your liking.

Product Details

  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 4.5" x 1.5".
  • Weight: 5.8 ounces.
  • Designed by Pininfarina, maker of Italian sports cars.
  • USB 2.0 powered.
  • Has a “Velvety” feel to it.

Pros

  • 3 year warranty.
  • Lightweight and Durable.
  • More storage for your dollar.
  • Easy to use.
  • Stylish and elegant looking.
  • Included software automatically backs up your files.

Cons

  • Bulkier than your typical thumb drive.

Cost
The Signature Mini we reviewed (320GB Black Cherry) retails for $109.99, but searching around, you can find it for under $100. This is a fair deal on a cost per GB basis. You can't put a price on piece of mind knowing that all your data and files are safely backed up. Everyone needs some sort of portable storage device, so it may be worth it in the end to spend a little extra and get more bang for your buck. Stop wasting your time with 2-4 GB thumb drives.

Uses
The Signature Mini would be good for students and grads looking to store all their college digital files ranging from class assignments to their favorite MP3s. If you are doing a lot of work on different computers, the Signature Mini would be the ultimate storage device for easily being able to access all of your work by simply plugging the device into a USB port. With storage capacities ranging from 160GB to 500GB (160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB), it should provide more than enough space to store just about anything.

For more visit:
Simpletech.com/products/storage/signature-mini


 
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Review: Ice Booze Vertical Ice Luge

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Need more entertainment at your parties and get-togethers?

Here we will take a look at the Ice Booze Vertical Ice Luge, something you may want to consider as an addition to your next party.

Ice Booze Ice Luge
The Ice Booze Ice Luge

Here is a product that will ensure drinks and shots stay cold, on top of adding a great conversation piece and center of attention to any party or gathering. For you sports fans, this would be quite the attention-getter at tailgate parties as well.

Ice Luge
Typical Ice Luge

Ice luge parties can be a fun theme party where typically a 3-foot long block of ice is purchased and channels are carved into the block where drinks are to be poured and channel their way down the other end of the ice block and into the mouth of the person at the other end.

The Ice Booze has the same effect, in a more portable, do-it-yourself manner.

Typical ice luge parties can get pretty messy. A large ice block sitting on the edge of a table means water runoff gets everywhere and is a pain to continually have to clean up. Rather annoying, especially when you’d rather be partying with your friends.

The Ice Booze, when used with the optional drip tray, means no mess for you to deal with. You could let the ice sit for hours and not have to worry about a puddle forming below your ice block.

A traditional ice luge party usually involves ordering a 300-pound block of ice, which depending on how and where you get it, can be pretty spendy. Then the block must be team-lifted to the point of the party destination, carefully to ensure that it is not dropped. Upon placement of the ice block, channels are carved into the ice where the "liquid" is to be poured, creating the ice luge effect. A lot of prep work for one party.

With the Ice Booze you’re getting a more manageable way of creating the same effect that an ice luge has. Making the ice yourself means less expense and time spent on this hassle in the future. Freezing the ice in the Ice Booze takes about 1.5 days in your typical freezer, and when ready can easily be moved to your party location (The dimensions are: 14.55" x 9.91" x 9.84").

Ice Luge Mold

The product promises to deliver fun and excitement to any party. One thing this product will surely provide is a cold rush of liquid to the recipient at the end of this device. The ice does a good job of cooling down any liquids that pass through it.

Package contents

  • Ice Booze Plastic Mold (2 pieces).
  • (2) 18" long flexible tubing.
  • (2) Clamps with hex head bolts.
  • Allen wrench.

Optional add-ons include the drip tray with an LED light module that will make your ice formation glow in color.

Cost
Ice Booze: $49.95 + $9.99 s&h
Ice Booze with drip tray and LED light module: $69.95 + Free Shipping

Assembly
Construction of the Ice Booze is fairly simple:

1. Attach the tubes to the nipples.Image 2. Assemble mold pieces together.Image
3. Slide clamps over shell and tighten bolts.Image 4. Fill to first water line. Freeze completely.Image

There are a total of four freeze lines on the mold. Repeat the freezing process for each line until completely frozen solid. The complete freeze process will take about a full day or two to freeze.

Using the Ice Booze
When the freezing process is over, remove the clamps, plastic mold, and tubing. Now the Ice Booze is ready for use. When pouring liquid into the top of the ice, Ice Booze recommends attaching pour spouts to your bottle like bartenders use to prevent the liquid from spilling.

Pros

  • Cool lighting effects when used with the LED light module.
  • Cools drinks/shots as they pass through ice.
  • The size is small enough to be portable.
  • Using the provided drip tray means no mess. Melting ice and drink runoff goes out the drain/tubing.
  • Unlimited usage. Assuming you’re not too rough on the product, it can be used over and over again.

Cons

  • Can't use at spur of the moment. It's use at a party must be planned out in advance to allow freeze time. It takes about a day or two to completely freeze the water used to make the ice luge. (Exception: if you freeze the ice block before hand and keep in your freezer until needed. Note that the Ice Booze unit will take up a good portion of your freezer space).
  • Pour holes on top of ice are small. This is why pour spouts are recommended. It may make things easier if the holes are carved out a bit more, so it's easier to pour drinks/shots into.

Other Usage Observations

  • Liquid rushes out fast sending a cold rush straight to your head, so be prepared.
  • The ice doesn’t melt as fast as you think it would, so you should be able to use it for the full length of a party.

Quotes from users:

  • "A very entertaining drinking prop."
  • "A lava lamp of liquid greatness."

Conclusion/Final Thoughts

At first glance, the price of the Ice Booze may seem quite a bit considering what this product does, but where you are getting your money's worth is on the reusability factor, and considering the fact that if you do want an ice luge for your party, they can be pretty expensive when purchased through an ice supplier. But, overall the Ice Booze would be a great addition to any party. I'd definitely recommend it with the LED light kit, as it adds much more to the wow factor.

Want more info? Read more about the Ice Booze at icebooze.com where tips, directions and party pics are posted.


 
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Saving Money: 50 Tips for College Students

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Money in the Wallet

Being a college student usually means living and surviving on a cheap budget. Some of you may be pretty good at pinching your pennies and getting by, while others take out student loans and get themselves further into debt. Either way, all of us could use some additional advice and ideas on stretching our dollar just a bit further.

Check out these 50 ideas on ways to save money:

    FOOD & DRINK

  1. Learn how to cook your own meals, it's healthier and you'll save money.
  2. Don't get a meal plan, the cafeteria food isn't usually that great anyways.
  3. Bring your own snacks/water to class instead of buying them on campus. Stay away from vending machines.
  4. Bring your own lunch to school. If you do it right, you can usually make it a healthier lunch than what is offered in the cafeteria.
  5. If you have a meal plan, actually use it.
  6. Eat Ramen Noodles.
  7. Don't get soda when you go out to eat.
  8. Don't go to Starbucks.
  9. Buy food in bulk. Get a Costco card with your roommates and get bulk discounts.
  10. Find events on campus that offer free food for attending. Follow those "Free Pizza" signs!
  11. HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES

  12. Have a roommate (so you can split expenses).
  13. Shop at Walmart, Dollar Stores, and thift stores.
  14. Shop at garage sales on the weekends for any household items you may need.
  15. Put on more layers of clothing instead of turning up the heat.
  16. Buy generic brand items.
  17. TEXTBOOKS

  18. Buy used textbooks.
  19. Buy textbooks online. Maybe even consider buying the e-book version of the textbook.
  20. Check the library for your required books, you may get lucky!
  21. Sell back your textbooks.
  22. TRANSPORTATION

  23. Use public transportation. Being a college student, you can usually ride for free or at a reduced rate.
  24. Don't get a car. They are a huge expense and cost a lot in insurance and gas.
  25. Ride your bike. Except for commuter students, no one needs a car on campus for daily use.
  26. Live close to campus and use the campus shuttles to save on gas.
  27. ENTERTAINMENT

  28. Instead of hitting the clubs, try and find house parties.
  29. Keep an eye out for free activities on campus. Most college campuses have free entertainment almost every night. For example: some colleges have a weekly movie night that is free to all students.
  30. Borrow movies from the library. The library has a large collection of movies for students to check out.
  31. COLLEGE EXPENSES

  32. Fill out the FAFSA every year.
  33. Take a look at your college bill. Certain fees are optional. If you won't be using your college's fitness center, remove the fee.
  34. Depending on dorm prices, it may be cheaper just to get an apartment. (See: Most Expensive College Dorms)
  35. Don't buy anything from the school's bookstore. Some of the prices they charge are outrageous.
  36. Go to a community college and get your core classes completed, then transfer to a 4-year college for required classes for your degree. Make sure all your credits will transfer.
  37. Do not use student loans for anything that is not school related. It's tempting to rack up your credit and loans, knowing you'll eventually pay it back. However, you have no idea how the economy will look when you graduate and you don't want to be in massive debt while job searching.
  38. Test out of classes. For a small fee you can usually take a test to fulfill certain class requirements. Think of the cost you'll save on tuition.
  39. Finish in three years if you can.
  40. Apply for financial aid early.
  41. Get good grades so you qualify for certain (typically merit-based) grants and scholarships.
  42. Work as a Resident Advisor and get free room and board.
  43. Take as many credits as allowed every term.
  44. Research your school for scholarships. That means taking a look at the website, contacting the admissions office, scholarship office, and faculty to see what’s available. Use every resource you have to get the big scholarships while keeping your eyes open for smaller, but still substantial ones. Look for scholarships in the area of your major. Most professional organizations will have scholarships to encourage students to stay in that field.
  45. Take advantage of student services. There are plenty of free programs that assist you while going to school. From health care to transportation, there are many different ways to save money.
  46. Take advantage of things that are already paid for, such as on-campus meals and library services.
  47. Get a job first and have your employer pay for your schooling.
  48. Don't go to these colleges.
  49. MONEY TIPS

  50. Only buy what you need. Don't buy on impulse.
  51. Don't get a credit card. It's not necessary and you'll end up paying a high interest rate.
  52. If you do decide to keep a credit card on hand, pay for things with cash as much as you can. Don't run up credit card bills for trivial things.
  53. Open up a savings account that earns interest.
  54. Keep track of everything you spend. It really helps to know what you have coming in and going out.
  55. Take advantage of student discounts.
  56. Not only should you try to save money, but you should also try to make money! Get a campus job. There are several jobs that have very little responsibility, believe it or not, and many times you can do your homework during this time. There are typically many jobs available on campus and most are pretty flexible with your class schedule.

Other Resources:

Frugal Law Student's 180 Money Saving Tips
Tired of Ramen Noodles? 27 Penny Pinching Survival Tips For College
Clever Dude's 12 Tips for Saving Money in College
118 Ways to Save in College
40 Money Tips for College Students
 
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College Complaints

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We surveyed over 1000 college students nationwide and asked them what their biggest complaints about college were. Here are the most popular answers that were given about what students hated most about their college.


  1. Parking. The school's parking situation sucks and the parking rates are crazy.
  2. The price of textbooks! You spend hundreds of dollars on them and only use them for a few months. It seems like such a rip off.
  3. The cafeteria food is gross.
  4. Having to take mandatory prerequisites and electives.
  5. 7am classes.
  6. College is too expensive.
  7. The school is too big; too many students.
  8. There is a lack of community feel at a big college.
  9. When TA's end up teaching most of the class instead of the actual professor.
  10. When the professor publishes their own textbook and requires it for their class. Seems so unfair.
  11. Being homesick.
  12. Being forced to abide to the school's meal plan.
  13. Student fees that aren't covered by tuition scholarships.
  14. The time constraint it has on you. College is a lot of work to handle all at once.
  15. The Dissertation process is a nightmare.
  16. Hate being away from family.
  17. Having a roommate.
  18. Not getting enough privacy.
  19. There are too many distractions on a college campus.
  20. Having to walk long distances across campus.
  21. Having to walk through the snow in the winter months.
  22. Students go a little wild at first because they aren't used to being on their own.
  23. All the required reading homework.
  24. The pressure on students to complete their degrees in a specific time frame.
  25. Too much to do and not enough time to do it.
  26. Being broke all the time.
  27. Homework keeps you so busy, it's hard to hold down a job.
  28. Not getting enough sleep.
  29. Construction on the school buildings. It is such an eyesore on campus.
  30. There is too much focus on sports.
  31. Some teachers are primarily interested in research, and they are not very good at teaching.
  32. The lack of independence when you live in the dorms.
  33. College (in general) places too much of an emphasis on academic success and not enough on professional development.
  34. I wish there was more effort put into guiding students on how to pick their majors.
  35. I disliked the fact that sometimes it was hard to get the classes I wanted.
  36. My college did not help me to find employment.
 
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College Advice: 100+ Tips for Survival

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College is no cakewalk. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get that degree and maintain a respectable grade point average. Let's not mention that you'll also be balancing that with all the social aspects and other distractions that are present on a college campus. Yes, the path to graduation may be a rough and rugged road, but with the right attitude you can survive the ride. Image

Follow these tips to help you on your journey.


Study Tips

  1. Take advantage of office hours. They are there for a reason. It's your chance to get one-on-one help from a highly qualified teacher. If you are struggling in class, there is no reason why you shouldn't be going to your teacher's office hours.
  2. Don't fall behind. Don't procrastinate. College school work is very fast pace and it's very difficult to catch back up.
  3. Use a study group rather than a late night cram session.
  4. Make sure you find yourself a nice study environment. Dorm rooms are not an ideal place to clearly focus on your studies.
  5. If things get loud, use ear plugs.
  6. Learn the material the very first time it’s presented rather than having to cram every time there is a test.
  7. Finals week will be hell, make sure you are prepared.
  8. The best test preparation is a good night of sleep and a good breakfast.
  9. Stay organized and manage your time efficiently.
  10. Keep good class notes. Use web 2.0 note taking tools if you need to.
  11. Actually read the textbook. You bought and paid for it, so read it. This is usually the material that is on the exams.
  12. Don't cheat on your exams. This is a very serious offense in college.
  13. Have a good laptop. Its pretty much a necessity in college nowadays.
  14. Set clear goals for each class.
  15. Keep a to-do list of assignments and other projects.
  16. Prepare for college-level work. The amount of writing and reading required can be overbearing.
  17. Sit towards the front of the class. It will improve your grade, encourage interaction and your standing/recognition with the professor.
  18. Ask questions in class. Or, provide input in ongoing class lectures.
  19. Use the library. It's full of useful resources.
  20. Don't cite Wikipedia in your research papers.
  21. Student Finance

  22. Student Discounts - Shop at stores and restaurants that give a student discount w/student ID.
  23. Shop around for textbooks. Buy used or from a cheaper online textbook store.
  24. Consider renting textbooks or buying in digital form to save money.
  25. Check the library for your required books. You may get lucky!
  26. Ride the bus. Some buses let you ride for free as a student.
  27. Sell back your textbooks.
  28. Apply for financial aid early.
  29. Take advantage of things that are already paid for, such as on-campus meals and library services.
  30. Use school resources - Colleges have video equipment, computers, movies, books, etc for your use.
  31. Don't use a credit card unless you know what you're getting yourself into.
  32. Don't be afraid to take out student loans. If you work hard in college you will be able to pay them back.
  33. Learn to survive on a college budget by penny pinching.
  34. Don't drive. You'll have pretty much everything you need within walking distance.
  35. If you're an overachiever, take the maximum allowed credits per quarter, and get most out of your tuition.
  36. Take advantage of free stuff, just be careful when it comes to things like signing up for a credit card.
  37. Apply for college scholarships. Many scholarships are fairly easy to obtain and only require a written essay.
  38. File your FAFSA on time.
  39. Social Life/College Life

  40. Make a real effort to get to know more people. This is a new beginning for everybody and a great place to make new friends. Be outgoing and ready and willing to meet new people. These people are in the same boat as you.
  41. Spend your first year of college in a dorm/residence hall. While it may be crowded, it's a great place to easily make new friends.
  42. Get involved on campus and join organizations that interest you. Another great way to meet people and give you student leadership experience.
  43. Befriend upperclassmen. They're pretty good at giving advice and getting you into good parties.
  44. Make friends with your RA. It might keep you out of trouble.
  45. Be able to handle alcohol and know your limits (if you do decide to drink).
  46. Thursday is the new Friday.
  47. Maintain. For many college students, it's their first time away from parents. This formula can lead to some wild times.
  48. Don’t give in to peer pressure. Whatever you may think, you are not in college to drink and party.
  49. Learn how to say NO. When it comes to drugs, partying on a study night, etc. Have the courage to tell your friends no.
  50. Try and get along with your roommate. You don't want any awkwardness between you two.
  51. If you don't like your roommate, get a new one.
  52. Expect to deal with all kinds of people. There is a greater diversity of people in college than there was in high school.
  53. Your friends will change a lot over the next four years. Let them.
  54. Make your housing plan for next year well in advance, so you have plenty of time to look if you choose to live off-campus.
  55. Don't wear pajamas to class. I still don't know why some people walk out of their houses looking like that.
  56. Balance work, school and social life - A schedule that doesn't leave time for sleep.
  57. Go to college football games. Even if you don't like football, you'll have fun.
  58. Join an intramural team. It's fun, competitive and another great place to meet new people.
  59. Unless you two are really serious, lose the long distance relationship.
  60. Keep in touch with parents. They'll miss you and can comfort you in this time of change.
  61. Rush the fraternities/sororities. It's not for everybody, but at least check it out.
  62. If you decide to go Greek, don’t pledge during your first semester. Most students find that their GPAs go down during the semester they pledge, so if you do, take an easier load of classes.
  63. Make friends with students, professors, and other influential offices on campus. It can really help you when networking later.
  64. Use facebook, just not all the time.
  65. Be careful to what you post publicly on your facebook or MySpace profile.
  66. Selecting Classes/Majors

  67. Before selecting your major, consider taking a few related classes or even doing an early internship to make sure it's actually something you want to do.
  68. If you can't decide on a major, take classes that will interest you.
  69. Take a wide variety of classes your first two years, that's your experimental phase. Take the courses that interest you and some that don't. Give your mind and soul opportunities to be bent in directions you would not ordinarily choose. You may just find something you love that you didn't even know existed or that you thought you hated.
  70. Select classes carefully - Read the syllabus, check out the teacher and maybe even sit in on a class session or two to see if it's fit for your liking.
  71. Check out prospective teachers through online professor rating services.
  72. Don't schedule early morning classes if you're not a morning person. It becomes very tempting to skip that 8am class in the lecture hall.
  73. Take a few classes on subjects that you enjoy!
  74. Register for your classes as soon as possible, because classes fill up fast.
  75. Take a few classes outside your major. It'll open you up to new ideas/people.
  76. If you don't want to continue on for a master's, make sure you pick a degree where a masters isn't needed to be competitive in the workforce.
  77. Health/Personal Safety Tips

  78. Learn how to cope with stress. College can be very demanding.
  79. Maintain a healthy diet. Don't be a victim of the Freshman 15.
  80. Learn how to relax and take breaks. Your time at college goes by quickly.
  81. Take advantage of your school's fitness center. Fight off that freshman 15!
  82. Wear sunscreen.
  83. Wear sandals in the showers.
  84. Wear comfortable shoes. Prepare to do a lot of walking around campus.
  85. Familiarize yourself with the rules/policies of the university. Every campus has its own set of rules and regulations, and they are usually pretty good at letting you know what they are. Guidelines, restrictions, rules and regulations of all kinds can usually be found in your student handbook.
  86. General College Tips

  87. Top Ramen - Learn to love it. It's the perfect food for the college student who's strapped for time and cash.
  88. Be on time for each class. Don't be known as the one who always comes in late.
  89. College is living in a small cramped room with tons of work, not getting enough sleep, not getting good healthy food, and having to deal with various stresses and negative externalities.
  90. Learn to love teamwork. It is the new frontier in most college classes.
  91. Get to know your professors. Getting to know them on a more personal level may increase your standing in class and always helps come grading time.
  92. Going to class is important. College is expensive, so better get what you pay for.
  93. If you do buy your textbooks at the bookstore, wait a couple of days into the term to avoid the long lines.
  94. Wait to buy your books until after you go to class and get the syllabus. The bookstore has a list of the books you will need for each class, but that list is not definitive.
  95. Sit towards the front of large lecture halls. Sitting in front makes it easier to pay attention and see whatever is on the overhead projector. It is also easier to understand the point the professor is trying to make if you can see him or her. The people who sit in the back tend to fool around more and do worse in the course.
  96. Take college serious from the start, it's not high school anymore.
  97. Become familiar with PowerPoint. I used it a lot in college.
  98. Be open-minded. Self-explanatory.
  99. Ask yourself, why are you going to College?
  100. Carry your student ID with you.
  101. Set goals on what you want to achieve from going to College.
  102. If you are driving to campus, get there early (before 8am) so you won't have problems trying to find a parking spot.
  103. Parking is always a problem and you will get parking tickets.
  104. Practice parallel parking. Prepare for a tough parking situation where you'll have to squeeze into tight spots.
  105. Take advantage of free help on campus from professors, career counselors, Ombudsman office, etc.
  106. Go to class!
  107. Career Tips

  108. Work on your networking skills. It's one of the keys to getting a job after college.
  109. Take advantage of internships. Most of my successful friends got their feet in the doors of companies where they still work by doing internships.
  110. Start looking for a job/career while you're still in college. So many students graduate without having a clue of what to do.
 
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