Haven't posted anything in forever and yet to design this site a little more aesthetically. But on to the main topic. I've survived college along with many of my peers. It was something, I'll tell you that. I'll give you a lot of tips, but there are far too many of them to address. Let me remind you of a few things to keep yourself of the game.
Stay on Track
Wherever the course of life takes you, the number one concern is the effort you put forth to ensure your future. Take note of everything that is suppose to go your way. Make your self organized and presentable to others. You can't slop around like how I have, so stay on track on the goals, short and long term.
Learn Something New Everyday
Information is very important. Seek out colleagues, peers, advisers, TA's, professors, family, etc. for helpful advice about college. Anything will help indefinitely. The internet is one source you can rely on for contacting the aforementioned.
Think of Yourself, It's Okay to be Selfish Sometimes
This is college. You don't have time to waste around. For me, I thought attending UCR for 5 years to complete the whole 180 credits and such was too much time and money. I figured getting shit done early is better. As long as you can handle it, manage your time, sacrifice time for studies for a large amount of your time, then you are set. When friends invite you, sometimes you have to take initiative and be selfish about your current situation. AND if you can't take the packed schedule, then I recommend taking it slowly and still enjoy the college experience.
Money Bitches $$$
Throughout the year, I had problems financially. I managed thanks to friends and family. It was a pain and it stressed the f**k out of me. I couldn't concentrate on my studies with this pain in the ass money problem. So here's my tip. I would say work on campus or off campus jobs at the first quarter of your first college year. I know you'd have to be situated and rather not take on any jobs, but trust me on this that money was a big issue. It might affect your studies, but if you believe that you are a capable person with excellent time management, then it will work out in your favor. That hard earned money is yours to use. Use it on paying off unsubsidized loans, going out with friends, buying textbooks, etc. Use money wisely. Luckily, I didn't need to spend money on textbooks but if I did, oooooohhhhhh boy, would I be in trouble. (Thank you friends and family for everything)
Find Your Support Group
Form your permanent clique that will always have your back. Join clubs, make friends in there, and they will be your homies for life. These people care about your education while you care about them back. It's a win win situation.
Develop Positive Habits
Go to bed early, do homework early in the morning, eat a nutritional, healthy diet everyday, etc. All these things matter nonetheless. Stay on task, don't get distracted too easily. It's only good for like 30 minutes for every 2 hours of study.
Lets see....what more can I say, oh I have a hell of a lot more to say. I'll end it here because I still have finals and studying for biology right now, so I wish those entering college for the next academic year to have the best time of their lives. It's going to be hell. Its going to be fun. Its going to pay off.
The mindset of having determination and achieving a dream only takes 4 years. Extend that dream into reality and extend all the things that'll make you go to the top!
