How To Go To College... And make It Out Alive

By Rob Mason

For many students, it can be a difficult transition going from high school to college. No more parents to make sure they get a good night of sleep, and no teachers nagging them to get their homework done on time. It may seem like a dream to many, but it can quickly turn in to a nightmare. If students don’t go to bed at a reasonable time they may be too tired to attend class; if they don’t get their homework turned in on time because no one is there to remind them, they will likely fail out. But, fortunately for them, they can learn how to survive their college experience by taking some advice from those who came before them and made it out alive!

Make a class schedule that works for you: Hopefully, you have an idea of what path you want to take in life. If nothing else, you should have an opinion in the matter. College counselors are great to take advice from. “The admissions staff and advisors are here to help,” said Rich Higgins, Director of Admissions at Plattsburgh State. “If students have questions or need help deciding what classes they should take to fulfill their requirements they should definitely come talk to us.”

However, they should not be the ultimate authority in making your schedule according to Ben Thompson, a graduate student at SUNY Potsdam. “If there is a class that you really want to take, then take it,” Thompson said. “Even if it doesn’t count toward your major it will still benefit you to take classes you enjoy and will help give you a more well rounded education.”

Sit near the front of the class: Yes, in high school this would have made you a loser! But in college, things are different. In the collegiate world, having a good rapport with your professor is very important.

“If you have any questions, make sure to ask the professor,” said Jess Bola, a senior at the College of Saint Rose. “Professors are real people. They have all been to college and understand what it is like. Show some respect; thank them for their hard work, and make sure they know who you are.”

Each semester take at least one “fun” class: College is about learning, but it is supposed to be a fun experience as well. Sometimes the fun gets lost between economics, chemistry, and math.

“Take one fun class every semester,” said Paul Deyoe, who is pursuing his MBA at Empire State College. “I can assure you that having at least one fun class to look forward to can help keep your sanity. Taking something like kayaking, ice skating or snow shoeing helps break up the monotony of sitting in a classroom all the time ”

Keep in touch with your family: Being free and on your own for the first time can be exciting, but regardless of how much you try to deny it, you’re going to miss home and your family. They helped you get through school thus far, so let them help you now.

“I call my mom almost every day.” Bola said. “You don’t have to take it that far, but it’s amazing how much talking to your family can help you get through college, or anything for that matter.”

Don’t live with your best friends, but live close to them: Best friends are your best friend for a reason. You do just about everything together and are always there for each other, but you have never lived together before and things start changing once you are in college.

“I have seen a lot of friendships get ruined by living together,” Thompson said. “People need some time away from each other, and you can’t get that if you live together. My advice would be to live with people you like, but not with your very best friends that you hang out with all the time.”

So for those of you heading to college for the first time, or even those who have already started, learn from the experiences of those who have entered the gauntlet and made it out the other side. Make sure to have fun, but remember that getting good grades is just as important. If you can learn to balance the two, you just might make it out alive!