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Freshman year is a whirlwind of activity. There are so many new experiences and adjustments, it's hard to catch your breath, let alone build a foundation for the next three years and the rest of your life. But what if you had a crystal ball that gave advice to help you through your first two semesters of college? We may not have a fortune teller or a genie with seven wishes, but we have something even better... Seven college students who have been there and done that, dishing out advice they wish they knew then.

Before you can begin the life of a college student, you must schedule courses.
McKinley926 > Don't take the hardest classes your first year. Many college students, including myself, think that since they went to a great high school, and had a good GPA or SAT, it translates into great academic performance in college. There are a few college students who can do this, but the majority of students shouldn't try this approach. As a freshman, you should take courses that you have some sort of background in and that interest you. In your first semester you shouldn't worry about trying to fulfill all your core requirements.

Irish1988 > Unless you're a morning person, do not schedule a class for earlier than 10 a.m. You've been warned! After a few late nights, whether it be studying or going out with your friends (which you will always say "yes" to even when you shouldn't), you will not want to move when your alarm clock goes off in the morning. Once you have the perfect class schedule, stick to it!

Jmk99 > No matter what the frat boys say, go to class on the first day. Not only will you know that it's the right room, but you'll be able to scope out the best seat next to the cute guy/girl.

Starlight1137 > First things first, go to class! You might think that the weather is nice outside, so why be stuck in a classroom? Classes can feel like they are boring and useless, but it is necessary to attend. Many professors talk about things that are not in the book and base their tests on what is said in class.

Get to know your professors.
Irish1988 > Definitely talk to your professors, even if you're not having problems. It may seem like brown-nosing, but it makes a difference. You don't have to go and stroke their ego all the time, but just ask them specific questions about how you can improve your studying/writing and you'll be amazed at how much better you'll do.

Starlight1137 > If you're unsure of something, ask questions. Professors usually welcome any question that you have because many believe that no question is stupid. What do you have to lose if you ask? Nothing. What do you have to lose if you don't ask? Everything!

When class is over your work is not done--time to hit the books.
Kimingkw > When you are reading a book or your notes at home, take your own notes. For example: Read a section and then put the book down and write your own version of what you read. This will help you absorb what you just read. And, do the homework! Homework will usually help you remember information for the test.

Enjoy the full college experience.
McKinley926 > Make a daily schedule. I'm not saying that you should have your organizer with you every second and write down every little minute of your day, however, you should have some sort of plan for attacking your days. What's worked for many college students is the eight-hour plan. This is, approximately eight hours of sleep a night, eight hours of class and homework, and eight hours of relaxation, exercise, meals, video games, etc. This plan is very effective because you're guaranteed enough sleep, you have enough time to do homework, and you can still enjoy your free time.

Levda > Let off some steam. Go out sometimes and dance or scream or whatever you have to do to let your hair down. Go see a cheesy cover band that plays Neil Diamond and sing your heart out. (Every college campus has a few cover bands!) This will make you forget that stupid statistics class. Share your problems; you may find an easy answer from a friend that you never thought of. Your friends are there for you, so let them help.

Roommate roulette is unavoidable, so play fair.
Cahi0029 > If you have a problem with your roommate, get it out in the open sooner rather than later. Suffering in silence about a loud hairdryer in your dorm room before you need to be out of bed in the morning is much worse than getting the silent treatment from your roomie for a day or two. Leaving little notes to avoid conflicts isn't a bright idea either; when I got a few of those asking me to straighten "my stuff on my side of the room" it just made me fume. Talking things out is your best bet.

Cyber Panel:
McKinley925 > McKinley Glover, Davidson College
Jmk99 > Julia Keating, University of Kentucky
Starlight1137 > Jessica Martin, University of California at Riverside
Irish1998 > Mike Hume, Georgetown University
Kimingkw > Kim Inganamort, University of South Florida
Levda > Dana Lev, Indiana University
Cahi0029 > Jenna Cahill, University of Minnesota

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