Things Every College Freshman Ought to Know
1. Read introductions.
If you think you’re going to go back and read it later, you’re procrastinating.
2. College is very different from high school.
You’re on your own.
You have complete freedom to succeed or fail.
It’s up to you.
3. It is your responsibility to question.
Question everything. Assume nothing.
“Why am I here?”
“Who benefits?” How does your proposal help
the situation?
4. Never misspell the instructor’s name.
It gives the appearance of being sloppy or lazy.
5. Never begin a conversation with a faculty member by saying, “I’ve tried to find you many times but you are never here …” even though it might be true.
6. Properly address instructors.
Dr. so-and-so Prof. so-and-so
7. Be polite in relations with faculty members.
Like it or not, the ultimate power resides with the grade giver.
Be very polite, but persistent.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
If you can engage in humor, it will always be welcomed.
8. Treat custodians and secretaries with great respect.
9. Who is your competition?
It’s yourself. Learn to work in small groups.
10. Parties, drinking, and late hours will take a toll on your body no matter how young and virile you are. Some fun is necessary to break up the routine of perpetual studying.
11. Attendance in class must be carefully considered. Know your instructor’s attendance requirements. Some will take attendance, some will not.
12. Being late to class can be embarrassing. In some classes the door is locked when the lecture begins. Being late can be annoying to an instructor. Again, it comes down to you deciding what you want to get out of this experience—you paid for it.
How long do you wait for an instructor who arrives late? If the instructor is late, err by waiting and use the time to review your notes. I would suggestion 15-20 minutes.
13. Never mix colors when doing laundry.
14. You must be willing to ask for help as soon as you think you need it. The very first person to ask, not the last, is the instructor. You cannot make up an entire semester’s worth of material in the last week of classes.
15. You need to watch your diet. The four basic food groups for freshmen are not caffeine, fried foods, sugar and chocolate.
16. You will be exposed to new experiences that aren’t part of the academic schedule. Whatever the issue, drugs, alcohol or sex, only you as an individual can make a decision for yourself. “Don’t feel” you have to be seen as part of a group.
17. Wearing a watch is not uncool, it’s critical. Being late can be embarrassing and you will quickly discover that no two clocks on campus ever show the same time, let alone the correct time.