Eleven Things A College Freshman Should Know About

Entering college is a great achievement. It is the stepping stone to full adulthood. Leaving home and the protection it brings may present challenges the freshman college student may not be prepared to handle. Mom and dad tried to do all they could to help with the transition from home. They had the life talk but there are at least eleven more things that may have forgotten to tell you about.

1. You were an "A" student in high school, look around the freshman auditorium of your college. Nearly everyone around you was an "A" or "B" student too. No need to think you are the smartest one there, no pedestal for you in college. You start brand new. College and high school have no comparison. They are nothing alike.
2. Independence will blow your mind. You won't have to answer to anyone on the campus. you are on your own. No one cares if you fail or pass your course. Find a group whose values are similar to yours. They may help you keep yourself grounded during your liberation process from home.
3. Get yourself accumulated before taking on super complex and demanding classes. Take your general education courses first. Get a feel for how the academic structure works. Take the minimum courses the first semester. Figure out what you're doing. Then jump in there and take the core subjects.
4. Sororities and fraternities are great. They give you a feeling of connection and pride. Stay away from them until your junior year. They mean well but you are in college to learn a career that will support you in a comfortable fashion. The brotherhood and sisterhood is there to promote a belief and a cause. You can join them before you leave college. Waiting to join gives you a chance to observe how they work and relate to your personal life goals.
5. Participate in activities that encourage academic support with a chance to meet friends that have the same interests as you. And they do not intrude on a chunk of your time.
6. Don't alienate yourself from home. Let the home folks know you are alive at least once a month. They deserve that as a thank you. They will also come to your rescue when you need them the most.
   
7. If you have a faith you believe in - don't abandon it. It will take you through the trying times that make you want to drop out of college.
8. If you find yourself on academic probation, don't panic. It is not the end of the world. work with your counselors and do what is needed to get your grades where they need to be. You won't be the only one nor the last one to get on academic probation.
9. Don't drop out of college and don't take 20 years to finish college either. College is proof that you have what it takes to achieve a goal. You're disciplined and you're trainable. That adds a few extra zeroes to the end of your annual salary earnings. You will most likely be the boss. And not be bossed by people who have far less going for them than you.
10. Be accountable to yourself. Set a plan of action about your college career. And how you will not only get a degree but how you will enjoy your time in college. Be true to yourself.
11. Avoid risky behavior such as drinking, drugs, unprotected indulgence and reckless handling of credit cards.