Preparing for College Life

Source : http://naomi-rockler-gladen.suite101.com/preparing-for-college-life-a49618

Are you ready for college?
Learning how to survive freshman year is a challenge for everybody.
 However, there are some skills you can bring with you that will make your adjustment easier.
Here are a few academic, social, and living skills you should know before your first semester freshman year.

Academic Skills

Note taking. Sadly, many students come to school without a solid understanding of how to take notes in class. Here's some important information about how to take effective notes.
Citing sources. Did your high school English teacher show you how to cite sources in a paper, and how to write a bibliography correctly? If not, ask for a tutorial. Your college professors will expect you to know how to do this.

Social Skills

Confrontation. Living with a college roommate is a challenge, as is living with a floor full of strangers. It's important to know how to stand up for yourself in a way that's both diplomatic and effective.

How to avoid drama. As you already know from high school, your social life will be much more pleasant if you avoid causing and getting caught up in drama. Remember, years from now, nobody is going to care that so-and-so dated so-and-so and that so-and-so said blah blah blah about so-and-so, and so forth.
How to avoid gossip. This goes hand-in-hand with avoiding drama. Learn to keep your mouth shut and you'll avoid trouble. This is especially important if you live in a dorm, where staying away from someone you've offended is difficult.
Alcohol safety basics. If you're going to drink, it's very important to understand the dangers of binge drinking. It's also important to always drink with people you trust and to use the "buddy' system to look out for each other.
Sexual violence safety basics. Did you know that 20 to 25 percent of women are raped while they are in college? Know the facts. Here's some important information about sexual violence and college students.

Living Skills

Basic hygiene. This requires no explanation.
Laundry. If you're lucky enough to have a parent who did this for you throughout your childhood, thank them-- and ask for a crash course. With a few pointers, you'll be washing and drying your clothes without a single disaster involving the color pink in no time. While you're at it, ask for an ironing lesson too.
Balancing a checkbook. It's a shame that all high schools don't make sure students understand this simple and important skills. Make sure your parents explain this to you before you leave.
Enjoy your freshman year! Remember, you've got a lot to learn, so be patient with yourself.




-----> I really enjoy reading this..  I learned a lot while I'm preparing for college. It makes me realize that I should be more responsible in all my actions even my attitude. I should know how to balance my studies to other activities. I'm looking forward to make myself better by looking and understanding all what you've see above. :)