College Advice

[Innocence22]

~Innocence22~

[CrimsonTide4]

Some tips:

1. NO CREDIT CARDS. If you MUST get one and ONLY use it for emergencies.

2. GO TO CLASS. IF you cannot go to class, call the prof and tell him or her.

3. SIT IN THE FRONT ROW or at least the first 5 rows.

4. NO CREDIT CARDS

5. BUY BULK -- Go to Sam's Club and buy your soap and other toiletries in bulk.

6. Learn to do your own hair especially with you being from New York. What city is UNC in?

7. HAVE FUN!! I wish I could go back. Don't most of us?

8. Get your GPA as high as you can the first semester. It is easy to go down but harder to get it back up. Trust.


I went to Amazon and they have some books. I never read these could not remember the title of the one I did read.

The ABC's of College Life
by Vicki Salemi

Been There, Should've Done That II : More Tips for Making the Most of College
by Suzette Tyler

101 Things a College Girl Should Know, from a Big Sister Who's Been There
by Stephanie Edwards

[Pepsichick]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Some tips:

1. NO CREDIT CARDS. If you MUST get one and ONLY use it for emergencies.

2. GO TO CLASS. IF you cannot go to class, call the prof and tell him or her.

3. SIT IN THE FRONT ROW or at least the first 5 rows.

4. NO CREDIT CARDS

5. BUY BULK -- Go to Sam's Club and buy your soap and other toiletries in bulk.

6. Learn to do your own hair especially with you being from New York. What city is UNC in?

7. HAVE FUN!! I wish I could go back. Don't most of us?

8. Get your GPA as high as you can the first semester. It is easy to go down but harder to get it back up. Trust.


I went to Amazon and they have some books. I never read these could not remember the title of the one I did read.

The ABC's of College Life
by Vicki Salemi

Been There, Should've Done That II : More Tips for Making the Most of College
by Suzette Tyler

101 Things a College Girl Should Know, from a Big Sister Who's Been There
by Stephanie Edwards

I totally agree with all these.

I have one bit of advice. Ask around for books! The cost of books are ridiculous! I attend NC Central U. I spent around $400 for 4 books and I only really used one! The professors only used the books for reference! So, unless the book deals with your major and you plan to keep it, check the library to see if the book is there or in other libraries in the area.

[12dn94dst]

~ NO CREDIT CARDS!! I don't care how badly you want the t-shirt/slinky/movie passes/whatever they're giving away, DON"T DO IT!! DO NOT let them folks tell you that the allowance you get from your parents is income. Do not let them con you into thinking you'll "always" be able to pay the min $10 a month. It will come back to bite you in the butt.

~ If they have Freshman Orientation, GO. You'll get some good insight on how things really work. Plus you'll get to meet folks.

~ Piggybacking off my last thought and CT4, get to know your professors. It's very handy if you do have to miss class or if you're in danger of failing or need them for a recommendation for internships/co-ops/grad school/other stuff

~ THe BEST place to sit @ a football game is next to the band. Get there kind of early to get a seat, those are the ones that fill up first.

~ I hate to say this, but get locks for your trunk/closet. Shady individuals are everywhere & your roommate and/or her friends and/or your friends may be among them.

~ Quarters, Quarters, Quarters...& I"m not talking about the drinking game either. You'll most likely need them for laundry. Watch your clothes. Remember those shady folks I was talking about? Well, some of them have been known to steal clothes out of the washing machine and/or dryers. (NO, I'm not making this up)

~ 8 times out of 10 the food in the cafeteria is going to be nasty and Ramen noodles may become your best friend, but beleive it or not, you will get used to it.

~ Take advantage of the weight room/track so the "Freshman 15" (pounds) don't sneak up on you

~ Have fun! Have a LOT of fun!! But not so much fun that you become a 8th year senior. Some of the best fun you'll have will involve you & your friends being bored @ 1 or 2 in the morning.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by 12dn94dst

~ Quarters, Quarters, Quarters...& I"m not talking about the drinking game either. You'll most likely need them for laundry. Watch your clothes. Remember those shady folks I was talking about? Well, some of them have been known to steal clothes out of the washing machine and/or dryers. (NO, I'm not making this up)

**flashback** MOFOS stole my PANTIES out of the dryer my sophomore year in college.

PepsiChick said:
I have one bit of advice. Ask around for books! The cost of books are ridiculous! I attend NC Central U. I spent around $400 for 4 books and I only really used one! The professors only used the books for reference! So, unless the book deals with your major and you plan to keep it, check the library to see if the book is there or in other libraries in the area.

BUY USED BOOKS when you can especially the classes that are not in your major. TRUST a $60 book that you only get $2 back for at the end of the semester will piss you off. Plus some people highlight really well and you can study their highlights.


Go to Freshman Orientation. I had so much fun @ PLAYFAIR.

Get involved in your Black Student Organization.

MAKE FRIENDS WISELY. There are people who will be your ace boon coon your first week but by sophomore year you all will walk by each other like you ain't never seen each other before. This has nothing to do with who pledged ABC vs. DEF, this is just basick human nature.

Do NOT get caught with a boy in your room especially when they make you pay $25 for that mofo who was not your boyfriend. He was only there to take your friends back to their dorm after the party.

FIRE DRILLS -- If they have one in the middle of the night. STOP and GET DRESSED. Trust me -- you do not want to be outside when it is cold with a t-shirt and shorts on.

SHOWER SHOES!!!

LOL, it has been 9 years this September since I first stepped on a college campus. I miss it.

DO INTERNSHIPS. Read the College Majors Thread.

SEEK HELP!!

Get to know the POSITIVE students on campus, regardless of race. Do not let race be the gatekeeper to making friends.

PRACTICE SAFE SEX!!

Never walk alone at night. I did it and truly GOD watched my back EVERY TIME but seriously if you can avoid it, do not walk alone.

CALLING CARDS

HAVE FUN!!!

Be true to who you are. Try new things because YOU want to not because of so and so.

[candygirl]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Get involved in your Black Student Organization.

Getting involved is a very good idea but my opinion is not to limit yourself to Black Student Organizations. You may find yourself with a resume filled with organizations such BSU, NAACP, Black Choir, or a BGLO. These are all good organizations but prospective employers may feel that you're not well rounded or capable of interacting with people from all walks of life. Consider joining organizations pertaining to your major, Hall Council, etc.

Learn time management. You may find that the entire day has passed its 2am and you have a paper due at 9am. Its cool to be involved, meet new friends, and have fun but don't loose your focus.

Visit your Academic Advisor frequently so that you stay on track. You don't want to stay an extra semester because you didn't take that Gen. Ed course 2nd semester Sophmore year.

GPA, GPA, GPA. I know its been stated before but it can't be said enough. This is soooo important. You may find yourself so caught up in being away from home that you forget your purpose. I know CT4 said it already but I want to drill it in your head. Its better to start out with a good GPA than to struggle in the future. As a freshman I was told this but I didn't listen. Please take heed.

No boys, they cause trouble . I'm playing but I'm also serious. Its really hard to study when you're worried about why Frank isn't in his room at 1am.

If you don't have your class schedule by now you should have it soon. When you get to campus take you schedule and look for your classes the weekend before classes start. You don't want to be lost and embarrassed on the first day of class.

Lastly, just has the others have stated, have fun.

Just reading about all of this is taking me back. I can't believe its been four years.

[CodeBlue_R3]

First and most importantly remember why you are going to college. College isn't a social club, happy hour of your life, a fashion show, nor a non-stop party. It's real and the way you play your cards determine the outcome of your future.

Always be yourself, some 90% of those people on campus you will probably never seen again in your life.

Keep your head up, even if you fail some classes-take them again. Life isn't over-college algebra bout banned me from school, but trig and calc where too easy. What's in your face might look bad, but there's always the future.

Dress to impress. Your clothes are you. Respect the classroom well enough to know midriffs, booty shorts, anything you'd wear to the club should be left for later that night.

Pull your weight and yours only. Friends are cool to help but don't let them push you and jerk your around to there own advantage and when you need help they disappear.

Remember not everyone is your friend and some people are still stuck in the high school ways and don't realize they are adults now.

If you choose to have any type of sexual contact-PROTECT YOUR SELF. Nobody is worth trusting your life too. Your degree won't mean a thing when you on that hospital bed with something without a cure.

Learn a second language especially if you dealing with business, medicine, etc

Set goals.

Need more drop me a message.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by candygirl


Getting involved is a very good idea but my opinion is not to limit yourself to Black Student Organizations. You may find yourself with a resume filled with organizations such BSU, NAACP, Black Choir, or a BGLO. These are all good organizations but prospective employers may feel that you're not well rounded or capable of interacting with people from all walks of life. Consider joining organizations pertaining to your major, Hall Council, etc.

Definitely. Please NEVER limit yourself to the Black Student Organizations but @ the same time, do not leave them out of your life.

NETWORK for sure. You never know who you are sitting next to.

COMMUNITY SERVICE -- not just BECAUSE you want to join a sorority but BECAUSE you have been blessed in life and need to give back to others. A life of service is a GREAT THING.

Definitely talk to your professors and advisors on a regular basis. This is not meant to be a BROWN NOSER but you never know when you might need a favor, a recommendation, HELP, etc. That professor might remember you and be willing to help you out.

Have a RELIABLE backup for notes in classes in case you miss class.

[CrucialCrimson]

Find a church home away from home!!!!! Campus life can be overwhelming and all-consuming, it is nice to have a second family and a church can often provide that.

Be open to the changes in your relationships with family members as you mature and grow - don't ignore stress points with your family, this might be a very difficult time for them as well - also be prepared to let go of some immature friendships that will not last beyond college.

Be open to people with lifestyles that you might not have been exposed to, but don't get sucked into every NEW thing you encounter!!

Take advantage of any and all opportunities to travel (within US and abroad)- it can be really inexpensive as a college student andwill provide you with a true education.

Get A (ONE, SINGLE) credit card and learn to manage it properly along with a checking account - if possible, do not tie a debit card to the checking account if you aren't savvy at balancing and tracking your funds. If your parents are assisting you with your educational financing, still take some time to find new scholarships or paid internships to assist them in this effort.

Relax and have fun!!! These should be some of the best years of your life, but they should be balanced.

[librasoul22]

Everyone has given great advice.

Just my perspective...

College teaches you, above ALL, how to be RESOURCEFUL and stretch that last dollar as far as you can. You are GOING to be broke at some point. It is inevitable, the proverbial "broke college student". Hey, those are some of the best times, lol! I spent like all 4 years being dead broke and loved it! I found out how to make a dollar out of 15 cents.

TIME MANAGMENT...goodness I know some have said it already but it can't be stressed enough!

Just know that, like 12dn94dst said, Ramen noodles will become your best friend. Also re-familiarize yourself with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Use your college experience to learn about YOURSELF first and foremost. I know when I was 18 graduating from high school, I thought I knew all there was to know about life. HA! Boy I couldn't have been more wrong. KEEP YOUR MIND OPEN.

Lastly, I know I would NEVER have fathomed this in HS, but college is not a fashion show. You can always tell the freshmen on campus because they are all decked out in the latest namebrand fashion. The upperclassmen do not care anymore. My wardrobe includes tee shirts, shorts, and sandals, nearly everyday, lol (unless it is appropriate to dress otherwise).

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by librasoul22

Just know that, like 12dn94dst said, Ramen noodles will become your best friend.

RAMEN NOODLES, pardon me,

That is THE NASTIEST mess EVER. I ate ONE forkful and that was it. Nadanotherdayumnoodle passed my lips.

I was a meal card queen.

Treasure the SPONTANEOUS moments in college. **flashback** Most of my friends in college did not have a car. We used to WALK THROUGH the DRIVE THRU @ Burger King.

[librasoul22]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4



RAMEN NOODLES, pardon me,

That is THE NASTIEST mess EVER. I ate ONE forkful and that was it. Nadanotherdayumnoodle passed my lips.

I was a meal card queen.

Treasure the SPONTANEOUS moments in college. **flashback** Most of my friends in college did not have a car. We used to WALK THROUGH the DRIVE THRU @ Burger King.

Hey I am not a fan of the noodles, myself, i am more of a sandwich person or Kraft mac and cheese! Yum!

OMG!!! Me and my friends used to walk through the drive through, two rows of two people (to simulate tires). We would be like 1...2...go! We really thought that we could fool the sensors into thinking we were a car! LOL!!

[sistahdiva]

I am really close to this subject. Many of our college students wait too late to get involved and get help when necessary. Look for help when you don't need it so that when you do you already have a network in place. Find some member of the faculty or staff that you feel comfortable with and get to know them. The resources they have can be invaluable.

Another thing to keep in mind is that involvement on the campus can really put to use the things you are learning in class. Many of your greatest experiences will be outside of the classroom. That is what makes your experience a well rounded experience. I have learned to appreciate that college is a place where learning is supported.

Take the time to get to know who you are. Set high standard for yourself and do not let anyone move you from that which you have set for yourself.

Treat your day like an 8 hour work day. The first 3 weeks of any semester are the most important. Many students make the assumption that these are the least important weeks in a semester, WRONG ANSWER. This is the time you can really set your schedule and let your faculty members know who you are.

If you need to work find a job on campus.

Get to know the resources available to you. Although you are paying tuition to attend the university, generally there is no fee for use of many of the services available. Locate the campus writing center, the career center, if you are a first generation and/or a low income student find the campus Student Support Services-TRIO office (if they have one). Locate the office of student activities/student life.

Your entire college experience is based on the tone you set your first year. Believe it or not many of the persons who work at colleges or universities look forward to helping students who really want help. That is why we are here.

Learn to drink responsibily, if you must. Many college incidents start with irresponsible drinking.

So much to share, not enough space or time.

Good luck to you!

Enjoy you college experience. You only have one freshmen year, so make the best of it.

[12dn94dst]

Originally posted by candygirl

No boys, they cause trouble

Especially the ones in fraternities! LL

I'm KIDDING of course. The best big brothers I had @ SSU were in fraternities. They're very handy.

But seriouly, be very aware of/careful with the varieties of fraternity punch. It my taste & look like kool-aid, but it ain't and the fruit may look harmless, but it's not. And even though I KNOW you're NOT going to take not one sip of an alcoholic beverage before your 21st birthday, I'm going to tell you this anyway: eat b4 you drink. Don't find out the hard way like I did.

Spades is not just a card game, it is a way of life.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by 12dn94dst

But seriouly, be very aware of/careful with the varieties of fraternity punch. It my taste & look like kool-aid, but it ain't and the fruit may look harmless, but it's not. And even though I KNOW you're NOT going to take not one sip of an alcoholic beverage before your 21st birthday, I'm going to tell you this anyway: eat b4 you drink. Don't find out the hard way like I did.

Before I went to college, some older woman who I met told me once I put my cup down in a public setting, i.e. party do not go back to it. You never know WHO does what to your drink while your back is turned.