Whoa, college is harder than I thought . . .

Zane · Otaku Knight Gender: Joined: 21 Apr 2003

I know I haven't been on in a while (give or take a few years), but I figured I should give this place another chance (still don't know why I stopped posting).

ANYWAYS!

It's been a little weird adjusting to the college life, I'm living in the dorms about 2 1/2 hours away from home, no one from my high school or hometown applied to my college so I've had to make new friends. They all rock, I just don't feel like I'm part of a group yet. I mean, it's not like I'm excluded or anything, just that I usually have to end up inviting myself to a lot of excursions. Is this something I have to just be patient about, something that'll just eventually happen, or is there anything I could do to speed up the process?

And oh, any advice on how to find a job that won't demand too much of my time?

Shammy · New Age King Age: 37 Gender: Joined: 29 Sep 2004

I've found the college book store to be a good place to work. During the semester it isn't typically too crowded and that generally means leniency with hours. Other than that I would just take a look around the dining halls and any restaurants in the town around your school.

As for the friends thing, yeah it happens. Everybody (I assume) in the group is just getting to know one another. I would say my friendships with my dormies was really cemented around the beginning of December. Just keep inviting people to do stuff. Also, keep your door open. An open door policy just creates more opportunities. Smile

Shino · Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:31 am Post subject:

College is a very different world.

First off... don't underestimate your studies. Even if you think you are doing well in a class, it only takes 1 test to turn that around. I know this from experience. Went into a final in a Calculus class with an 88 and hopes to have an A... somehow I came out of the class with a C. Of course that was my first Quarter of my first Year... so I didn't know that you could challenge things like that.

Anyway. Job. Something on campus like Shams was saying would be good. Also, Mom and Pop places. Book stores, video stores, video game stores.
I worked at a Video game store my 5 years in school. But it was privately owned so I didn't have to do any of the corporate BS most of the time. And Private owners are usually a little more understanding about doing well in college. Unless you get a really cool manager that understands your situation. It is possible though. I worked 50+ hours a week throughout college... but I was able to do my homework at work. So that was a help.

As far as the people. Don't sweat it too much. College is much different. Everyone is just a person. There's no "popular crowd" or any of that High School bullshit. So make an effort where you feel you want to and it is appropriate.

Silver Adept · Otaku Lord Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 20 May 2003

From my own experience with university, there's plenty of stuff out there for people who hold similar interests, so if you invite yourself along to things, you'll eventually develop a circle of friends and regulars. It'll just take some time.

Don't neglect your studies. Period.

And what they said about finding work - if you've got work-study awards, it's much easier to find a job with the college.

FawkesFyre · Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 2:30 pm Post subject:

I remember being in that same sort of situation where I think I knew of maybe 3 ppl from my high school...and none of us were really friends back then.

If you're really looking for some social events, you might want to look into joining an organization on campus...even a fraternity if you're into that, or something like Campus Activities. I joined up with my school's Campus Activities Board that was a nice and laid back group where you get to meet new ppl, and get a heads up on campus events.

I agree with the job hunt suggestions, working on campus is really good. That was my first real job and it rocked! Just keep in mind they don't pay much. But, its all a matter of why you need the job...for extra spending money, or to pay tuition.

P.S. On-campus stuff is also nice to add to you resume. Wink

Zane · Otaku Knight Gender: Joined: 21 Apr 2003

I've been keeping active, going to any on campus activities that interest me, I joined the BBQ Club (and yes, it's exactly what you'd imagine it'd be), and I've been keeping up with my classes relatively well with the exception of one class which I might drop.

As far getting a job, it'd be more of something to do than needing money. I got enough scholarships where I could just chill and not worry too much about bills but it'd be nice to just have something constant other than school.

What about study habits? I never studied in high school and got away with it but here it seems like I might actually need to start.

SirGunslinger · Rebel without a clue Gender: Joined: 21 Jun 2007

Follow the S.I.N.G.L.E philosophy!

Stay Intoxicated Nightly Get Laid Everyday =D.

Silver Adept · Otaku Lord Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 20 May 2003

Study habits? Depends on the course. Doing your assigned readings is a good start. Asking questions about what confuses you in discussion sections is even better. Forming or joining study groups to help each other out is a great supplemental tactic, and most of your teaching assistants will offer group help around examination time.

My #1 biggest tip for getting understanding out of studying, though, is this:

Your professors, and your teaching assistants, have posted office hours. Use them. Your profs are more than willing to help you understand, and even better, most people don't think about using office hours as a way of getting help and understanding.

FawkesFyre · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 1:43 pm Post subject:

Definitely what SA said!

If you use their office hours to ask them questions, or to even just say hello, it earns big brownie points for you in class. It shows you actually care about doing well in the class and are doing the homework Wink

I still think that if you can make an impression on your professor, it will help you in the end...they'll at least be able to put the name to a face which is a big step above most of your classmates.

Tobias · *explodes* Age: 38 Gender: Joined: 17 Jan 2003

It's already been said - go to your teachers and ask them for help...thats what they're there for, and getting paid for. And trust me, they love it.

Also, statistically, students who have better relationships with their teachers tend to get better grades from those classes. Be a personality in and of yourself.

Also, for the friend thing (it's odd for me cause im a commuting student), just hang in there, have fun, and be who you are. People will come to you, and you'll be drawn to a crowd. I happened to be drawn to the rest fo the on-campus students and the people i've begun to know and love from my school's Board Game Club.

Anywho, hang in there, try to do some studying (and reading...DONT FORGET TO READ) and enjoy yourself. Study habits are something i had to start adopting, since i was the same way in highschool. Make sure you know the material, understand the syllabus, and be sure to challenge the teacher in the event of not knowing what's going on. I asked my teacher the other day about an editing question that was blatantly obvious, but asking him and learning that just made it easier for me to understand. Also, try to do some studying, and try to do it as soon as you finish class. The faster you get it done, the more time you have on weekends to get projects done or just enjoy the time

Oh...and for the job thing - if you're looking for it, get a work-study. It keeps you from spending earned money on random crap. But if you're looking for something outside of school, find a job at a bookstore or a gamestop/EB, where you can get discounts on books from B+N or boarders or something. College books are EXPENSIVE (especially in business-oriented courses) and the cheaper you can get em, the better it is.

Godspeed kid.

PS: YOU HAVE A BBQ CLUB!!!! IM GOING TO YOUR SCHOOL!!!

*explodes*