High school is completely different from college. You are free to do as you please. Your parents are not here helping you as you make your way to your profession. College is all about you and your path to adulthood.
1. Parties are fun...until they get busted
You do not want to be caught at a party especially if you are under age because those fines are not something you want to pay on top of college tuition.
2. You have to make the effort to show you care or your professor will not
Your professor does not care about your grades. Professors do not reach out to you. As an adult you need to reach out to them and show them you care enough to succeed.
3. Sports aren't everything
Most of us grew up doing the sports we are now continuing to do in college. However, sports are not everything. If you are falling behind while you are in a sport then it is probably for the better that you are not on the team anymore.
4. Work Study is a great outlet to make money
Federal Work Study will work with your schedule and give you money. You can put this money towards your tuition and even pocket the money as well.
5. Live by your syllabus
My college writing syllabus is practically my life. It outlines every day of my classes. I can find out what to read, what to write, what we are taking a quiz on, all in all my savior.
6. Get enough sleep
Going to an 8 AM running on no sleep is not healthy and chances are you are not going to pay attention. When you so things like that it is like you are trying to learn sitting in a bubble.
7. Save your money
It is amazing going out all the time and buying things but it is way worse being a broke college student.
8. You can skip a class or two, but DO NOT make it a habit
Missing classes is going to hurt you more than anything. There are no reviews so being in class and listening to the lectures is highly important.
9. PREPARE TO FAIL
Studying for classes is trial and error. You absolutely will fail and there is no harm in it you just need to pick yourself up and try again.
10. Freebie Friday
We have this and it is the best thing ever created. Last time we got a cactus! You never know what you can get until you go and look for yourself. Who doesn't love free things?