Entering College, Part 2

College: A place where people
get trapped in elevators.

Continuing from Monday, here's the other half of tips.

9) You won't always need books - figuring out if you need them is the tricky part. If you take good notes of a professor who lectures well you most likely won't need the text. While it's required or recommended on the syllabus it isn't always used.

If you do buy a book, Amazon offers students free 2-day shipping and student listings can be cheaper than buying from the university bookstore. I always went to the store, copied down the ISBN numbers in my phone, then ordered online. I never sold back my books because it's awful how little you receive.

10) Be able to separate your work and play environments. If you're texting, going on Facebook, Youtube, or playing games on your computer or at your desk you won't concentrate. Understanding this will make you more productive. You'll be more inclined to procrastinate when trying to get work done in a spot you always relax.

Find a quiet place like the library, empty classrooms, student centers, or computer lab. Put your cellphone on silent then work. In between classes is a great time to get work done in a nearby buildings.

11) Add 15-20 years to your age. There, you've just created a professor. The only difference is they have specialized knowledge on a topic. Many professors are not strict - minus the occasional oddball - and are very casual when you talk to them. If you're not a complete idiot and aren't sucking up for a higher grade then they're pretty cool.

You don't have to like every professor, but the ones that catch your interest you should meet. Whenever they prefer is good - some like to talk after class for a few minutes and some during their office hours. It's also good to shoot them an email every now and then whether it's a question or sending interesting news articles their way. I've done it plenty of times and still do.

12) Exercise. There is a ton of free time so 1-2 days won't kill you (and that's on the low end). I went to the gym 3x per week and got strong during my 4 years. Others play basketball, tennis, soccer, or MMA. Do something with friends or join a student sports group. I experimented with Kendo, Weightlifting, MMA, Eskrima, and Ballroom Dancing (yep). It's fun and everyone is friendly.

13) Public speaking is inevitable. At one point or another you will have to do a presentation. I'll write about this in the future, but to keep it short know your material 2-3 days in advance and be confident and relaxed when you speak.

14) You meet a lot of new people during this time. But, don't forget your parents or whoever raised you. After 18 years, make a phone call and show you're not a total ass.

I've seen others with their parents looking embarrassed. You know that "just leave me alone!" demeanor and getting frustrated or angry. Relax and be cool about it - you look much less dorkier.

15) Again, you meet a lot of new people and they're all nice. It's all sunshine and rainbows. But apparently the admissions office lets in a good number of idiots as well. Learn who are good friends to have around that you can trust, are reliable, and glad you met. Surround yourself with positive people.

College is a learning experience and this is just a few helpful thoughts. If however that all went through one ear and out the other, remember this:

• People will tell you no or it can't be done. Prove them wrong. Trust yourself.

• Do not let fear hold you back.

• The greatest skill you can acquire is to adapt to a situation. Stuff goes wrong. Stay calm, but more importantly take control, act swiftly, then move on.
  

I'll finish this off with Arnold Schwarzenegger's rules of success. The guy's weird here and there, but he's achieved every goal he set for himself.

That's all I got! Enjoy the time because it goes by quickly.