Advice on Entering Higher Education:

[Mrepp]

But, unlike many, I'm not all that interested in crazy parties and getting drunk. Although I'm interested in getting with women, I don't intend to let it eat up my time.

I look forward to asking you about this quote when I send you a "congratulations on graduating" cigar in 4 years.

:whistling:

(Hell, it took me 5 years and 3 colleges...and gee maw...looks at me now!)

Stop trying to discourage the guy. :whistling:

 

[H311oLHD]

I was a non-traditional student because I went into college without a high school diploma. I enjoyed my time there. I often found it difficult to focus, but I also began to understand that my focus could help me financially. I began to study and I started getting grants and scholarships. This meant more cigar money!

As Brandon said, get yourself a reasonable schedule for the first semester of no more than 12 hours and kick ass in those 4 classes. Push it up to 15 hours and keep it there for as long as you can after the first semester. I don’t know how serious you are about your studies, but if you manage to keep a 3.5 GPA you’ll get several scholarship opportunities. Which means you don’t have to work as hard to pay off loans and, as I’ve said before, this means more cigar money!

Keep away from the fraternities. Get to know some friends. Keep them close and have fun together. Party at each others place. Don’t drive anywhere if you’ve been drinking. Don’t trust your friends to be the designated driver. There are taxis, shuttle services and even free transportation that you can take that the University might provide on peak drinking nights.

You’ll settle into a routine after the first six months or so. I recommend that you take the time required to read and combine it with cigar smoking. There’s nothing like cracking a book and lighting a Churchill for two hours.

Sorry to post so much..but DAMN you have a good point!!! I cannot even tell you how many times I've done this and it makes the reading go by so much faster. Okay, i'll shut up and let some other people have the mic for awhile ...Liking this thread though...getting me VERY excited to go back to school (August 13th!!!!)

 

[Mark Twain]

Just speaking from expierence....17 hours isn't horrible. I've done: 15, 16, 15, 17 so far. 15's a nice number....12 is too little.

You're right, it's not horrible.........BUT if it's your first time away with nobody telling you to do your homework or when to go to bed or what to eat, you get the picture.....I think it's a little much "at first". By all means, load up on hours, once you get used to the experience. I saw too many "smart" kids flunk out their first year b/c they tried to do it all and failed.

People are always different. I liked taking 15 hours a semester for my last three years. I could have done more, but what's the rush? I liked many of my classes. They ended up paying me for keeping good grades so I didn't rush myself.

 

[bfreebern]

I liked taking 15 hours a semester for my last three years. I could have done more, but what's the rush? I liked many of my classes. They ended up paying me for keeping good grades so I didn't rush myself.

I did the same thing. I was glad b/c that first semester was pretty tough. Not b/c I couldn't take care of myself, but b/c there were a TON of distractions.

Once you get through your first semester, you'll realize how much you can do, then you can go from there. I took 5 years, just because I really didn't want to leave, LOL.

Like everyone has already said, the most important thing is to enjoy it. Wish you the best :thumbs:

 

[Coinguy89]

I was a non-traditional student because I went into college without a high school diploma. I enjoyed my time there. I often found it difficult to focus, but I also began to understand that my focus could help me financially. I began to study and I started getting grants and scholarships. This meant more cigar money!

As Brandon said, get yourself a reasonable schedule for the first semester of no more than 12 hours and kick ass in those 4 classes. Push it up to 15 hours and keep it there for as long as you can after the first semester. I don’t know how serious you are about your studies, but if you manage to keep a 3.5 GPA you’ll get several scholarship opportunities. Which means you don’t have to work as hard to pay off loans and, as I’ve said before, this means more cigar money!

Keep away from the fraternities. Get to know some friends. Keep them close and have fun together. Party at each others place. Don’t drive anywhere if you’ve been drinking. Don’t trust your friends to be the designated driver. There are taxis, shuttle services and even free transportation that you can take that the University might provide on peak drinking nights.

You’ll settle into a routine after the first six months or so. I recommend that you take the time required to read and combine it with cigar smoking. There’s nothing like cracking a book and lighting a Churchill for two hours.

I've actually talked to my father about this. Right now, I've got 17 credit hours signed up, 5 classes. I'm allowed to drop any classes I so choose, with no problem. However, I cannot swap, trade, or pick-up classes. Perhaps I'll consider dropping my Astronomy or one of my languages for the first semester to get it down to 13 or 14 credit hours, 4 classes. This way, I can start with a solid 3.5 GPA and be applicable for those scholarships I never got in high school. However, I've been told by a lot of people I work with who're in or have just graduated, that it sucks trying to make-up hours or do more hours in the junior or senior year. But, this is something to think about. I'm glad you brought it up. Money is very important these days. And the way I figure it, I'm going to have to take out loans for my 3rd and 4th year.

 

[LilBastage]

I was a non-traditional student because I went into college without a high school diploma. I enjoyed my time there. I often found it difficult to focus, but I also began to understand that my focus could help me financially. I began to study and I started getting grants and scholarships. This meant more cigar money!

As Brandon said, get yourself a reasonable schedule for the first semester of no more than 12 hours and kick ass in those 4 classes. Push it up to 15 hours and keep it there for as long as you can after the first semester. I don’t know how serious you are about your studies, but if you manage to keep a 3.5 GPA you’ll get several scholarship opportunities. Which means you don’t have to work as hard to pay off loans and, as I’ve said before, this means more cigar money!

Keep away from the fraternities. Get to know some friends. Keep them close and have fun together. Party at each others place. Don’t drive anywhere if you’ve been drinking. Don’t trust your friends to be the designated driver. There are taxis, shuttle services and even free transportation that you can take that the University might provide on peak drinking nights.

You’ll settle into a routine after the first six months or so. I recommend that you take the time required to read and combine it with cigar smoking. There’s nothing like cracking a book and lighting a Churchill for two hours.

I've actually talked to my father about this. Right now, I've got 17 credit hours signed up, 5 classes. I'm allowed to drop any classes I so choose, with no problem. However, I cannot swap, trade, or pick-up classes. Perhaps I'll consider dropping my Astronomy or one of my languages for the first semester to get it down to 13 or 14 credit hours, 4 classes. This way, I can start with a solid 3.5 GPA and be applicable for those scholarships I never got in high school. However, I've been told by a lot of people I work with who're in or have just graduated, that it sucks trying to make-up hours or do more hours in the junior or senior year. But, this is something to think about. I'm glad you brought it up. Money is very important these days. And the way I figure it, I'm going to have to take out loans for my 3rd and 4th year.

I always used summer courses to make up for hours I didn't take during the regular school year. I went to college in my hometown, so that helped a lot, but I had several friends that stayed for the first session or came back for early for the second session. A university is a much different place in the summer and I found it much easier to concentrate on school during that time.

It doesn't work for everyone, but it worked pretty well for me.

 

[tone-ny]

Everyone has given you a ton of great advice.

It has been a while since I was an undergraduate and I worked my way through school. The only thing I would add is to try not to lose focus; there are way too many distractions in your first semester to get you in trouble. Make your parents proud of the fact that you are taking advantage of something that not everyone has available to them. Call them every once and a while and just say hello and thanks for everything.

I commend you on asking a question that a lot of people would be afraid.

 

[Capt Redbeard]

I just finished my first year, and I had a blast. I'd stick with everyone's advice on dropping one class and taking less credit hours, at least for the first semester, because there is going to be sooooooo much going on. Definitely don't be afraid to go out and meet some new people, or even rush a fraternity. I've made some great friends and some great memories so far in my fraternity and out of it. The biggest piece of advice I can give is don't skip class. It sounds easy enough but if you skip once you'll skip again, and then before you know it you havent gone to art history since the second week of school and its 5 hours before the final and you're studying your ass off to try and at least make a C.(personal experience) AND HAVE FUN!!! Really, if you're not having fun you're not doing something right. Good luck.

 

[Rodrigo de Jerez]

Do not drop Astronomy. Let me repeat, do not drop Astronomy.

That little suggestion is better than my whole post earlier.

-Mark

 

[bmickey9]

I've been in education for a while now. I've got the Masters degree and currently teach adjunct classes at the same college my wife teaches. If there was only one thing I could tell you as THE most important advice:

GO TO CLASS...........prepared....unprepared.......tired.....happy.....sad......sober


......drunk.......doesn't matter.......GO TO CLASS.



oh........and wear a condom.

 

[Coinguy89]

Well... Thanks for all of the advice guys. If I end up getting a computer on campus I'll keep you updated.

 

[Mike33]

I don't want to really add-on to the already great advice given in the thread. Just want to wish you good luck and try and have a good time without getting out of hand. College is what you make it and the most important thing it will teach you is how to balance responsibility and fun!

 

[antaean]

bMickey9 is spot on. NEVER MISS A SINGLE LECTURE/LAB?CLASS/HELP SESSION. EVER.

My GPA after 2 years was about 2.4 and had gotten worse each semester. I went to class about 2 to 4 times per semester. I was "smart enough" to get by on native ability. My roomies/fraternity brothers told me when the exams were and turned in my homework for me. After 2 years, I was working minimum wage during the summer and thought: what kind of career will I really have? I went back and never missed anything the last 2 years. GPA was 3.9 and the classes were even harder than before.

Good luck, you'll need it.

...If there was only one thing I could tell you as THE most important advice:

GO TO CLASS...........prepared....unprepared.......tired.....happy.....sad......sober

......drunk.......doesn't matter.......GO TO CLASS...

 

[Rodrigo de Jerez]

Do not go to class if you are sick and might spread something. Trust me, nobody who knows you will like you for it. Also, while it might seem tempting to try arrange for a university clinic visit during test time because you are "sick," just do not do it. Profs see right through that garbage.

-Mark

 

[MartyMcFly]

I wouldn't drop a class just yet, rather try out your schedule and see if it is too much. Colleges have a drop date for this exact reason, it allows students to try out their current workload and if it is too much they can drop classes without any penalties. Just be sure to keep that drop date in mind b/c if your late then you may get a W or even worse a WF. Other than that be as involved in anything and everything possible (both socially and academically) and try to expand to things that may not initially be within your comfort zone. College is a great place to meet a variety of new people and explore new and exciting things. I agree with previous posts that say college is what you make of it, so enjoy it while you can because it will certainly go by quickly.

 

[Coinguy89]

UPDATE:

Alright here's the news guys.

-I developed an issue with taking Chinese. I wasn't sure about it, because I thought I wouldn't be interested in learning it. But, it's going to be extremely valuable in the future. So, I will play it out and see what happens. If I don't really like it, I'll finish off the year knowing basic Mandarin and move on to another language. Credit hours aren't an issue anymore.

-I purchased a laptop today. They're too expensive, but, the good news is, I'll be able to post on here a bit.

-Everything has been purchased, except for condoms.

-The humidor is stocked with 50 cigars

-My cousin and his wife just moved into an appartment 5 mins away from campus. They're going back for their masters. I've now got a great place to smoke, relax, get advice, a good meal, and do the mess of laundry I'll have.

Move in is Thursday! Wish me luck!

 

[grateful1]

Congrats!

I enjoyed Chinese in college..... :whistling:

 

[tsmckenney]

Yo, sorry I didn't come across this thread until now and I apologize for not having the time to look through the other fine posts. However, I do have some advice. Some words my father departed on me when I was in your shoes.

"Blow the girlfriend a kiss goodbye, and move on."

I should have heeded those words. Would have saved me a couple years of bullshit.

 

[Turk10mm]

Join a fraternity if you are looking for a large crew of friends. Don't join a fraternity if you just like a handful of close friends.

Joinging a fraternity increases your chances of getting laid and decreases your chances of passing. You will be drinking any time you are not studying, sleeping, or screwing. Did I mention the screwing, wear rubbers.. Sorrority girls make GREAT party favors. Do not date one seriously. Screw them knowing they will be getting screwed elsewhere when you aren't around.

I started college 13 years ago, holy crap I'm old. Live it up. Pass. There is a fine line between those two that you will learn to stay in, or you will be bored or out of school.

do NOT go to "Drunk before you flunk" parties the night before finals. My fraternity threw it every semester, and its BAD BAD BAD..

Oh yea, screw every girl you get a chance to. Even if she's a bit chunky, she'll still be fun to ride. Sometimes the chubbies are the best and they don't hold out on you either!!

God the memories..


EDIT TO ADD: Please don't consider my above post the way I am today. I am a mature adult in a wonderful relationship. I drink in moderation and I am not a cheater or a womanizer. 10+ years ago was a different story when I was young dumb and full of it.. I am merely passing advice to a youngun from the point of view of my wonderful college carreer.

 

[Turk10mm]

after reading my post..

I want to go back to college!!!!! :angry:

oh yeah.. one last and most important piece of advice..

DO NOT GET A SERIOUS GIRLFRIEND AT ALL IN COLLEGE

Wait until after you are out of college and start to make your way in life. Too many changes will happen between two kids to try and really make a relationship work.

If the snooch is good, and its always there, then get a serious girlfriend to stay deep in the snooch without having to work for it but DONT FALL IN LOVE. But always keep yer eyes peeled for more snooch that could be better..