I've spent a total of six years in college. No, seriously. Most people are finished with college in four years, but it took me much more than that to finally be done. But that is beside the point.
Having started off at a community college in 2012 and transferring to UCF in 2015, I've learned a lot about the college experience throughout these six years. And for the new college students (transfer students and freshmen) who are looking for some help to get through it all, I'm here as a soon-to-be postgrad to offer you some real, genuine life advice.
1. Go to class when you can.
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This will be especially important when you reach your upper-level classes. Sure, you can catch the important info online or from your classmates, but I promise you that going to class will be rewarding in the long run. Plus, your professor may tell some funny jokes.
2. Take advantage of office hours.
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Even if they're in their office for two hours out of the entire week, just go. If you have a question or you're stumped on an assignment, take note of your prof's office hours. If you're in a large class, this can be to your benefit because you can get to know each other on a more personal level!
3. Get involved.
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I can't stress this enough. There's a club for everybody and for every interest. And if you don't find a club that suits your interests, it is never too late to start! You'll be a trailblazer and develop key leadership skills.
4. Utilize your school's career services.
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Seriously, people. Your school will, more often than not, have a career center where they will help you with resume and cover letter critiques free of charge. They can also assist you in finding internships and jobs, even after graduation!
5. Save your money.
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It's easy as h*ck for college students to blow through their money on things like eating out. I have admittedly made this mistake before. If you can help it, try and save your coins.
6. Keep in touch with your favorite professors.
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You should definitely try and keep in contact with your favorite professors that you really loved after you graduate. Once your school email is deleted, that's it forever, so take this as an opportunity to reach out to your faves before you walk the stage.
7. Do volunteer work.
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College will give you many opportunities to get your hands dirty and do some volunteer work. Don't just do it for a requirement, though; you should do it anyway because of how rewarding it can be! Plus, you can make new friends this way, too, if you're stumped.
8. Take advantage of free stuff.
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Free food, free scantrons, free workshops, free classes - anything that has the word free is something college students shouldn't ignore. Everything in college is expensive; heck, even the stores on campus are expensive. I should definitely mention that free food is important, especially if you're strapped for cash.
9. Remember you're on your own time.
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Don't be in a super-rush to graduate from college just because all your peers are graduating before you, especially in a year you were due to graduate. College is not a race and it shouldn't be seen as one, so take your time and complete it on your terms!
Take this advice with larger than a grain of salt, folks; I'm about to finally graduate college so I can tell you all of these from my own personal experiences. Everyone's experience will be different, but that isn't to say these tips won't be useful. Use this as a guide to help you navigate your college life, and I promise you will succeed.
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