Scriptorium Daily
First, ignore advice to “remake” yourself the first day you get to college. You have eighteen years (or more!) being you and have to account for it. Your family history and heritage matter, even if they were not so great. Socrates was right to urge the examined life, but also be wary of making big changes quickly.
Second, do something each week that puts you in contact with people older and younger than your peer group. Spending time only with people your own age can distort perspective. If you are religious, go to service each week. Get involved beyond the main service.
Third, if you have a decent relationship with your parents keep it up. Remember that they are going through a tough transition too. Thinking only about self is never very appealing. Cut them some slack and do to them what you hope future children will do to you. Don’t be foolish enough to claim total autonomy if you are also taking money from the folks.
Fourth, if you are going to college, then go. You are in college to learn. In America, education often includes getting a job skill, but should also be about becoming a good, civilized citizen.
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Fifth, find a faculty mentor during your first year. If you cannot, then your college is charging you for an education it cannot deliver. Spend quality time with that mentor. You could hang out with dorm-types at home for free.
Sixth, take classes that are hard from full-time professors that love to teach. Try to pick your profs by researching their writing and career. Ask good students for advice.
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Seventh, secretaries and support staff are overworked, underpaid, and very powerful. You should be good to them out of virtue, but you must do it to thrive. The friendship you make with the department secretary now will pay dividends over the years. (One way I judge the character of a student is by how they treat the support staff.)
Eighth, books are not yet antiques. Go to the library. Talk to librarians. They are faculty members that are often under-utilized.
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Ninth, don’t be too quick to pick a major, but try to do so by the end of the first year.
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Finally, live like an adult in college which includes moderating your passions. (more)
