The College Thread

[Miss Freeze]

I just started college today!!! It's all big and scary and I was wondering if any of you had any good advice.

[GCBC]

How exciting! Are you living in dorms? Either way, I'd say that socially, try to meet as many people as possible. Don't be shy! Every college freshman starts their first couple weeks being scared. Networking is a big part of the college experience, in my opinion. You want to meet and befriend as many people as possible because you never know later who might lend you notes when you are sick, might be able to hook you up with a fake id, etc... Also, I hate to sound "square" if you will, but skipping classes really screwed me my first semester.

[Shmuh]

get off your ass and go to class

[Beefynick]

Never be afraid to ask questions or meet professors outside of class for help. Most is not all of them are more than willing to help you in any way possible.

[Tyler_Legrand]

University is incredibly easier than high school.

[Quadros]

Choose your favourite beer wisely. You're going to be seeing a lot of it and a moment of indescision at the bar can cost you your place.

[letteratlantic]

Have fun.

[John Travolta]

I have no experience, but from what I've heard studying is the most important thing in college because tests make up most of your grade.

[Sugabe]

A few tips for you that most people learn the hard way.

Having two groups of friends sometimes sucks, but sometimes it is necessary. Example your party friends and your study friends.

Avoid roommate drama by buying food separately. Some people just don't understand what sharing fairly is. Sharing food seems to work well for some guys I have met though.

Have a board to record debts to each other.

Avoid going out to eat! No only is it fattening, but expensive.

Don't party, hang out, or play games too often. I know a many people who have drop out for the above listed reasons.

No one likes an alcoholic... except other alcoholics.

Always eat free food if possible.

Don't act like a whore, reputations have a way of following you around.

Beware gossip, don't join in keep your damn mouth shut. Most people don't know what the fuck you are talking about.

As cliche as it seems, don't start studying the night before. There are classes that are an exception to this rule. You will figure those out as you go along.

If grades are a concern for you, click up with the smart crew early on. They will help you all through your years. On the same note don't be a leech. I have a few people who straight up leech me (try to use me as a personal tutor all the time). I notice and it pisses me off. You don't want to piss off someone who is helping you.

Meet a lot of people freshman year when everyone is as desperate for a friend as you are. I met a lot of my current friends freshman year.

This is all really common sense, but some people don't have any. Its not really that scary.

Good luck, have fun, and remember to throw studying in there once in a while.

[diarrhea]

Whoa. Todays the first day of my new life too. Thought this thread would be appropriate...

I finally quite using heroin!

Any got any advice for the weeks ahead?

[ArKaiN]

Drink and fuck everyone you see.

[Zieken]

Drink and fuck everyone you see.

Yes because pissing away thousands of you or your parents hard earned money is great idea.

[El Mojado]

I'll give some advice my brother gave me,

1. If your gonna have sex use a condom, if you get her knocked up its your gonna have to drop out in order to support her.

2. If your in a small campus don't worry about going to your classes in time, just get there in time but no rush. If you live in a big campus you better start running.

3. If there are drug in a party ignore them, don't do them, and keep partying.

4. Its best if you write a paper to keep it in a portable harddrive. But remeber to keep a copy in your computer's hard drive.


I'm still in Highschool but it seems like really good ideas.

[ArKaiN]

Yes because pissing away thousands of you or your parents hard earned money is great idea.
I'm being a realist here. This is what eventually happens. Which is why college is awesome.

[Casalen]

I read that as (drink and fuck) (everyone). Drinking people is fun. And she(? based on avatar) might have to earn money like many of us do, giving her(?) every right to piss it away.

[Miss Freeze]

yeah i'm staying in a dorm gcbc. It is actually really big! It's ment for four but there are only two of us in it and she hasn't even arrived yet. I'm not so much scared as worn out. this whole experiance has been none stop for the last week. yeah i'm a girl, and have to pay my own way, which makes me not want to waste my money.Thanks everyone for advice.

[fabz]

When I went to college, the first day I heard the best advice ever.

GO. TO. CLASS.

That's it. I know, you're hung over and you don't really want to go. That teacher is terrible and just talks so he can hear himself speak. That dude in front of you smells weird. That girl that was in a group with you is a lesbian and has a gay crush on you or whatever. Class sucks, but for the most part you have to go. Some of the stuff that is going to be on the test is actually going to sink in and you will need to know it to pass History II which you will never ever need, but for some strange reason your school decided to put that in the curriculum because its going to make you a more rounded person, which it really won't, it just makes you better at Jeopardy.


Also get used to bullshit. Bullshit moves your college along, even if you are going to a state school and its funded by said state. There are layers upon layers of bullshit that you will encounter, from would be suitors and suitorettes to teacher and faculty to other students and teacher's assistants. There is going to be a lot of bullshit in the next four years and the faster you can spot it, the faster you can run away.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you think you are attractive in anyway shape or form, use it to your advantage. If your teacher has got a weird thing for blondes with huge breasts, and you are a blonde with huge breasts, wear the tightest shirt possible to class. so when you don't feel like writing your paper on the eveolution of the working class in the 1400s, you can ask for an extension and not have a problem.


Remember finding the right beer special could make or break your food/drug budget for the rest of the week.

Trying things is what college is all about. If someone offers a beer and you trust said person, take that red solo cup full of the nectar of the gods that is light beer. (probably miller lite, but also expect, natural lite, coors lite, or milwaulke's best lite.) If you get offered another one after you finished, take that one and continue to take the free beer until there isn't anymore.

[beermonster256]

My advice would be to enjoy yourself as much as you can but beware of the lure of partying when you know what you should be doing instead. I tried to party instead of studying and although I had a great time, I ended up not getting the grades I wanted.

Also as many people have said, meet as many people as you can - 6 years on I'm still living with someone I met at uni.

If you're paying your own way then I guess that means you'll be getting a job. On that front, be aware that your employer doesn't rip the piss out of you by asking you to work when you have studying to do. At the end of the day you're working so you can do the studies, not working so you can't.

Above everything though - have fun! Oh, and good luck also.

[GCBC]

Fabz touched on this point, but I want to stress the point that you will deal with a lot of bullshit. I expected the highschool drama bullshit to end once I hit college. It doesn't. Ever. Even after you've graduated, like I have.

Also, take advantage or at the very least appreciate the stuff you get as a perk of living in the dorms this year. Stuff like heat and electricity that you don't have to directly pay for. Because in a year or two when you have your own apartment, you may not get to use the electricity or heat as often as you'd like. :P

The most important part is to have fun, in my opinion. Obviously you are there to get an education, and I don't mean to sound cliche, but the college years are definitely the most fun of your life.

[Whitegrass]

Drink and fuck everyone you see.

How quaint.

I've never heard someone suggest cannibalism.

[Miss Freeze]

Is it normal that my roommate hasn't arrived? It would be nice to spend the first night here alone, but then agian it would be nice to meet her.

[GCBC]

Yeah, that's normal. Depending on where she is coming from, what she is bringing with her, how she is getting there, etc... Don't worry too much. But really, you should get out and wander the halls and meet the people on your floor at the very least. It will be more fun, the more people you meet.

[acy_linn]

Lucky, I don't start my new life until September 22. Have fun! :)

[I am homosexual]

Eventually, you'll get a boyfriend who wants to give it to you up the ass. Tell him that if he wants that, he should go screw another guy because you have a twat.

Yep. Sage words, those.

[gtrst7711]

I move out in one more day. I'm more than excited to be out living on my own, even though I'll probably be home most weekends. I've already met my roommate and he's a cool guy. Hippie. Hells yea!

Enjoy your stay at college. After this shit, its like, work or something.

[Chardon07]

I start college monday, im scared , nervous, excited, but i really dont want summer to end :-\

[Ninja 2.0]

Don't be afraid to suck the prof's cock. It'll get you A's!!!

But seriously, have fun! Relax and meet new people. Try to expand your horizons as far as possible.

[birthshirt]

Well when i told my army friend about going to college he said "move fast, keep low, hit 'em hard and don't give the bastards time to regroup". But I'm probably studying a different course to you.

[Razzmatazz13]

Apart from studying, do your homework the second they give it to you and read every assignment. That shit builds up very very quickly and my college was big on knowing your syllabus too, not sure if that's the same every place though. Make a lot of lists and schedule your time too (partying vs. studying), it's nerdy and anal but it helps get things done on time. My whole wall next to my computer was covered in post-its.

Also, studying and bookwork are clearly important, but friends will keep you sane. You'll need a good combination of both because if you lack one or the other you'll most certainly drop out.

[paper dreams]

I was in the same position last year!
Now I'm about to start my second year and am no longer living in halls, so first of all, enjoy all the electricity and water while you can, cos when you get a place of your own with your friends, water and electricity bills matter!

When your tutor sets you work and says, this has to be handed in in 6 months, for the love of GOD start it as soon as you can, theres a reason you have been given that long to complete it.

If your college is having a party(or as my college calls them, bops) try not to get completely plastered before you go, being passed out in bed at 8.30 and not even making it to the party is not cool.

Be friendly to the cleaners! For it is they who shall be cleaning up messes you make at dorm parties.

Find out where all the happy hours are (bars AND restaurants), which clubs have drinks offers and which night is the cheapest to get in/when they are the busiest. Theres nothing worse than going on a night out and getting ripped off and the club/bar being dead.

[Oberlin]

Most of this has been said already, but here's what I know from personal experience-

1. NEVER skip class. Go if you're sick. Unless you have someone who is VERY reliable and takes good notes that you can borrow. Many times professors will steer class discussion toward the most pertinent material, so you know what you're gonna be tested on.

2. Try to schedule your classes about the same time every day. Get into a routine. Don't get up at 7:30 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but sleep in till 10 on Tuesday and Thursday. On a similar note, take morning and early afternoon classes. It really sucks trying to plan any extracurricular activities around 4 classes a week.

3. Be active in discussions. You'll remember stuff better.

4. Don't procrastinate. If a teacher wanted you to write that essay in 2 nights, she'd give you 2 nights, not 2 weeks.

5. Study in the library. Much easier to concentrate. Don't get on messengers or sites like Explosm while studying.

6. Become mildly adept at video games such as Halo, Guitar Hero, Madden, or other such party games. Chances are, 70% of the people in your dorm will have some system, and it's always good to be able to just chill out and have some friendly competition.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ever. With anything.

[El Mojado]

So my AVID teachers are asking us to pick a college, dorm/apartment, and some other shit. So I've dicided to go to Texas A&M, College Station, but I'm starting to doubt it. I just need help with either deciding either to get a apartment (with a roommate), narrowing my carreer choices, and what extra curicular activities I am gonna choose.

I'm diciding to either choose between Aerospace Enginniring, or to design video games. If I choose Aerospace, then I will try to work for Lockheed Martin and specialising in Fighter/Attack/Interceptor Aircraft (Such as the F-15, F-16, MiG 29, Su-27 ETC) or I could choose to design video games (I don't know the technical term). But I need help from choosing between the two.

There are trying to get us to choose either by living at your house, a low cost apartment, or a dorm. I've been thinking about a dorm, or a apartment. But I really don't know the downsides of both. I can't really choose living where I am right now becuase its just to far away.

The extra curicular activites I'm choosing is Mariachi. I really don't know alot of other things besides band.

All I need is some personal expericiance, or some info (with sources).

[John Travolta]

What exactly do you need advice on?

[Chef.]

Well I've had some friends go to college last year.. And my brother is starting this year.

From what they've said, Dorms are the way to go. They're closer to everything, cheaper, and overall better. If you live in the dorms I think you can get a meal-plan too.


On another note, Theres a Lockheed about a mile away from me, and personally it's a cool place to work if you get the job you want. I've done some interviews with people who design the aircraft / machinery and it's pretty awesome what they do.

Extra curricular- Do what you love.

[Lag]

I go college, I learn good.

But anyways, I start college Thursday (don't why so arbitrarily), and turns out a couple of my friends are going there, including one I used to know from elementary school. So hopefully that'll make things easier.

I gotta say, when I went for this New Student Orientation thing, it including the inevitable "Rape, Discrimination, and Drugs are BAD" performance.
Afterwards, they took us into groups and private rooms and started asking us the most awkward and silence inducing questions ever;
"Why do you think people laughed at the rape scene? Does anybody here find rape funny?
"Were you raised to think that homosexuals are wrong? Do you still find it to be wrong? Do you think violence against homosexuals is right?"
"Would anybody like to share their personal experiences dealing with discrimination?"

Mind you, these were questions asked by college students. You'd think they have more sense.

[El Mojado]

Well I've had some friends go to college last year.. And my brother is starting this year.

From what they've said, Dorms are the way to go. They're closer to everything, cheaper, and overall better. If you live in the dorms I think you can get a meal-plan too.


On another note, Theres a Lockheed about a mile away from me, and personally it's a cool place to work if you get the job you want. I've done some interviews with people who design the aircraft / machinery and it's pretty awesome what they do.

Extra curricular- Do what you love.

Thanks Chef, you have really openned my mind with the Lockheed. But where is lockheed?

[Miss Freeze]

What exactly do you need advice on?

I'm a freshman, I know nothing about college life. How do you deal with the stress and annoying roommates, and money issuses or anything about college really.

[I_Smell]

I wish British Colleges were as bigass huge as American ones.

[paper dreams]

I'm a freshman, I know nothing about college life. How do you deal with the stress and annoying roommates, and money issuses or anything about college really.

On the money issue, say you have a bugdet of so much money per week to spend, withdraw all that money at the beggining of the week and then you can kinda safe guard yourself against going mad at the ATM or paying for things by your card. Also, DO NOT use a credit card unless it is absolutely necessary! There's also the danger of getting a large overdraft and running it to the limit with debit cards. Friends of mine think that its money to spend, but you have to remember its not your money, its money that you have to give back!

[fabz]

I'm a freshman, I know nothing about college life. How do you deal with the stress and annoying roommates, and money issuses or anything about college really.

If your roommate hasn't shown up yet, maybe they have decided not to come. Then you should party because you have a room all by yourself.

Money issues come and go. If you're on financial aid from the government, like many of the college students, you'll recieve plenty of notice from your financial aid office. If you're living on campus and you get a meal plan, you almost never have to worry about food, unless your fat. If you still don't have enough money to pay for school, look for grant opportunities at your school. Plenty of people give kids money for school. You could also take out a loan. Those are painful, but a lot of people, and i mean like 45% of college kids, take out a gigantic loan.

And SURPRISE! Tutition goes up every year, no matter how many students they have incoming each year. Tutition and the cost of going to college will go up.

There's just a lot of shit that happens at college and no matter how much advice any one gives about going there, doing this or that, you're going to experience a lot of things really fast. Some of it and most of it, is going to be beneficial to you and your future, but a lot of it won't be. Just take things slow, do your best and have a blast.

[jcap]

Are you really mormon? Do you go to BYU? I know some mormons. They go to BYU. You should be friends.:heya:

[Miss Freeze]

Are you really mormon? Do you go to BYU? I know some mormons. They go to BYU. You should be friends.:heya:

Yes I'm really mormon, but I didn't go to BYU. I'm at sourthern Virginia University.

[Souldrinker]

My advice is this - find one or two people who have experience and get info from them. Absolutely nothing against people here (choose them if you want) but it's hard to sift through two dozen people giving tidbits of advice all on top of each other.

Apart from that - just relax. It'll be a whirlwind for a month or so then you'll settle in and find your way. Don't do anything stupid during this period, save that for later once you're settled.

[raft]

I'm a freshman, I know nothing about college life. How do you deal with the stress and annoying roommates, and money issuses or anything about college really.

About roommates (annoying and not): talk to them. Seriously. I've been living in a dorm for ages now (I went to boarding school for high school, now I'm in college) and the one universal truth I've discovered is that ignoring your roommate tends to lead to a shitty year. A lot of people will just keep quiet about some irritating thing their roommate does (or bitch to other people about it) because they want to avoid conflict, but you just end up more pissed off than ever and the problem is still there. If they're doing something that pisses you off, bring it up (and be nice about it). Similarly stay open to hearing about that kind of thing from them. Remember that you probably annoy them in the same ways that they annoy you- being aware of that will make you a more considerate person and easier to live with in general.

Oh, and have fun and stuff.

[Jose]

college roommates are the worse. They can be cool as hell but too many different opinions can always ruin a good time.

[jcap]

Yes I'm really mormon, but I didn't go to BYU. I'm at sourthern Virginia University.

I see. Well that's cool. Hmm advice... Just try not to be shy. Go meet your neighbors and stuff. Last year was my Freshman year, and I was way shy... I didn't start really meeting people until about a week in. And by then everyone already had their little clicks so it kinda sucked. It's so tempting not to go to class... Just find some kind of motivation to go to class or else you're screwed. Manage your time well. Plan out your days, etc. This is all crap you've heard before so I'm just gonna stop. And watch out for the crazy college kids. They are bad influences.

[Venom]

Your teachers can be your friends, seriously. Get to know them well and they will sit down and help you with assigments or give you tips, extend due dates, cancel assignments, tell you if you really need to go to class one day. All that kind of stuff. It's a lot different than high school where the teachers were your elders and you have to report to them as Mr. or Mrs. and you can't swear in front of them and all that stuff. You're on the same level as them now.

[GCBC]

The big thing with roommates is respect. Don't use their stuff without asking, don't eat their food, and keep shared living areas clean, don't be loud while they are trying to study. Those all tend to be major issues with roomates, in my opinion. It's pretty easy to get along with anyone, if you have the respect thing going. Also, It's way more fun and less stressful if you and your roommate are friends, but if you just end up being civil people who happen to live in the same room, that is okay too and not something to stress about.

[Chardon07]

I shouldnt of read this thread, now im nervous

[Venom]

It seemed like a lot at first but I think it turned out to be really easy and more laid back than high school.

[Sednars]

You most never ask anything to Elders college Students,Cuz most of the time i get some newbie into the college and send them to wrong places, just to laught.

[Lag]

I shouldnt of read this thread, now im nervous

On your first day the freshman are rounded up and paddled.

Unless you like that, than they break out the whips.

[Miss Freeze]

I kind of miss my family. I thought that when I finally got a chance to call them it would be a little better. Now it's kind of worse., I miss them more.

[innerearth]

OK first off.
Party, hang out, and play games often. I know many people who missed out on so much in school from just staying inside and studying all the time.

Get a calendar and mark in BIG RED letters the last day you are able to drop classes.
Know what the min credits you have to have to stay full time (normally 12). Don’t drop so many classes that fall below that number. You can lose allot from falling to a part time student. Get gen Eds out of the way ASAP (reason: they are the easiest credits to transfer if you decide to) Get voice recorder, they are awesome as a second form of note taking.

Oh ya, for food roman noodles are cheep and easy. Don’t over do it though they aren’t the healthiest food.

[OoooF4LiFe]

Honestly? Buy alot of condoms, or start collecting G.I. Joe action figures.

I would suggest the latter, mostly cause you post on this forum.

[Captainbob]

I'm first year, halfway through 2nd semester. A few things:


1. Go to lectures

Do not skip them at all, these are the most valuable thing to your education and missing a few could result in bad grades just for a few small points you didn't know in an exam.

Though it does depend on your Uni's system, if you can view them over the web, or get notes from others.


2. Meet people

Find out the "right" people to hang out with and try to avoid the "wrong" people.
This all depends on how you view different peer groups though I guess.

Like others have said, get a few groups of friends. study friends, drink friends etc.


3. Living in a hall/big building lots of students thing?

Don't make enemies, you have to be around these people for a year so try to stay on everyones good side.

If meals come out of the accom budget, go to them and avoid buying your own food.

Keep your goddam door locked if you have valuables.


4. Drink alcohol

Screw water, that stuff's gross.

[CnGy]

Haha@you guys I don't start until January.

[Boomtown]

I live in Australia and while I was procrastinating on youtube I saw some girl talking about Sororities.

What exactly are they?

I know this is a stupid question

[Lynley]

I'm starting my junior year at U of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Dorm living: Leave your door open when you're there. It's friendly, and random people will stop in to meet you, to talk about that movie/show you're watching, etc. Decorate your door with things that interest you (I put some of my drawings up on mine), people will stop in to comment on them, and poof! you have friends. I can't give much advice on roommates, I didn't like mine. She ended up moving out for second semester and I had the room to myself, though. That was pretty sweet. Often times, your RA will be able to give suggestions on groups on campus to join or events to attend.

Classes: Don't skip them. Really. I've skipped a few, but not until it was further into the semester, and I knew I wasn't going to get anything out of going. Sometimes professors will take surprise attendance, often in the form of a pop quiz.

Studying: In the first few days of your classes, find other people around you to do study groups with. Study groups will save your grades. Also, if you get together with people to work on homework and stuff, it sets aside a preset time for you to work on school work so you don't put it off til the last minute.

Extra-curriculars: Most universities have registered student organizations. Check around your college for a list of these or something. Easy to get involved in things that interest you, and you'll meet a lot of new people.

Partying: I'm not a huge partier, but I find that casual drinking and watching movies or playing games with a group of friends (5 to 15 people) is usually more satisfying than going out and getting trashed around a bunch of strangers. It's also much safer.

Apartments: Depending on the area, apartment living can be cheaper than being in the dorms. From living in the dorms, I didn't have any spare cash. After living in an apartment for a year, I had enough money to buy a car over the summer. Even with paying for utilities and food, my apartment (I share with two guys) is cheaper than the dorms.

If you have specific questions, go ahead and message me. I have to go get ready for classes now.

[Raxo]

My friend goes to U of Illinois and he's turned into a party animal who can't go 2 days without drinking but he still manages to get some work done.

He tries to do as much work as possible in between parties and drink-fests.

[Lynley]

Boomtown: "A chiefly social organization of women students at a college or university, usually designated by Greek letters." (courtesy of dictionary.com) You usually have to pay dues to be a member.

Basically it's a bunch of women who do things together. Some do volunteer work, throw parties, do events on campus, etc. Usually they live in one big house together. Most sororities (like fraternities, the male version of sororities) are nationwide, so that if you're in one and you travel to another part of the country, you can usually eat and sleep at the house over there. Once you're accepted into a sorority or frat, you're usually a recognized member for life. Oftentimes, this may help in job opportunities because you have connections.

Most sororities and frats have reputations of being party houses, and most girls get stereotyped as whores or bimbos and they're usually very cliquish.

Frats and sororities can also help with studying and stuff, depending on the house. On the campus I go to, there's an engineering frat, and they keep old tests and homeworks and stuff on file.

So in summary... Friends you pay to have.

[CnGy]

That's not what boomtown really means. :heya:

[Boomtown]

Thanks for that!

We really don't have anything like that over here. It seems like in america you travel far to go to colleges but for us very few people would actually move especially to another state.

[thadood]

I've been in college for five years. You get tired of it fast.. especially when the school starts reaching into your rectum for their ever-increasing tuition.

Avoid frats/sororities. They're scum and everything wrong with America.
Avoid over-socializing.
Pay attention in class. You can skip occasionally, assuming you know what to look for. Most entry level courses rigorously take student attendence.
If you skip, be sure you know what's going to be covered in class and have someone to share notes and take down the important shit.

Most importantly, college IS NOT what media advertises it to be. It's probably not going to be the best time of your life since the odds are that most of us are going to be paying for those 4-5 years for the next 20.

[Lush]

I start on Monday. I own my own house though, which is 6 blocks from where I'm going to school. I am pretty lucky, since my tuition is paid for, and all I have to worry about, financially, is living expenses, which I have made arrangements for.
But I am really freaked out about going to school. I decided to enter into a course that typically only has 1-3 girls. I used to get along much better with guys than girls when I was in high school, but I've been out of high school for 6 years now. It should be interesting.
As for advice, when I was in high school I skipped half my classes and went and got drunk or whatever. It was fun for a while but eventually real life sets in. Especially when you're in college and you're PAYING for it. This is your future, don't fuck it up. (Advice I'm telling myself too, since I have a bad habit of not doing my homework til the last minute)

[Venom]

...I decided to enter into a course that typically only has 1-3 girls...

Which course? My first day of classes one of my teachers said, "If you joined this course to hook up with girls you chose the wrong course!"

[TheLameSauce]

I started taking college classes part time in my junior year of high school last year, but I don't think I can relate to a full time student... I guess the best advice I can give would be make friends, and don't stress yourself out. That'll just make your grades worse.

[Gryphon]

My new life doesn't start until January (College wise, otherwise my new life started July 1st when i moved to Toronto). I'm going into a one year intensive for Commercial Dance Studies (if i make the cut from the audition). If I don't get accepted into that, hopefully I'll be accepted into Hotel Management. I need to go to school no matter what, basically.

The only advice I could give you is what everyone else keeps saying; MEET PEOPLE AND GO TO CLASS.

Partying is great fun, so is goofing off and skipping class. But studying, meeting people, and going to class is what should be on your mind more than anything.

Also, I wouldn't get too concerned with finding a boyfriend/girlfriend (boyfriend in your case) until you're completely settled. You don't want to get too much stress on your plate all at once.

[Lush]

Which course? My first day of classes one of my teachers said, "If you joined this course to hook up with girls you chose the wrong course!"

Mechanical Engineering Technology.
It was a toss up between that and CAD/CAM but you have to learn CNC which is a programming language, and I fucking HATE programming. And there's also having to learn how to set up LAN networks and a bunch of IT stuff, and I hate all that shit too, so yeah. I picked the Mech-Tech.

[Lynley]

Mechanical Engineering Technology.
It was a toss up between that and CAD/CAM but you have to learn CNC which is a programming language, and I fucking HATE programming. And there's also having to learn how to set up LAN networks and a bunch of IT stuff, and I hate all that shit too, so yeah. I picked the Mech-Tech.

...Let's make lesbian love-babies.

I'm in bunches of classes where I'm one of a handful of girls. That's what engineering does.

Another tip: If you get lost or need directions, ask someone. Most people on campuses will go out of their way to help you, especially if they have time between classes.

And if you have an hour between classes, it's a good idea to bring along homework. Those hours add up quickly and free up evenings.

[Venom]

Mechanical Engineering Technology.
It was a toss up between that and CAD/CAM but you have to learn CNC which is a programming language, and I fucking HATE programming. And there's also having to learn how to set up LAN networks and a bunch of IT stuff, and I hate all that shit too, so yeah. I picked the Mech-Tech.

Hey I did programming :( I'm good at it, only like 8 of us graduated from the gaming section. If I could go back I would do somethign with music and drums or be a mechanic though. Ah well, looks like I'm gonna be working 40 hours some weeks or 80-100 others :\

[Lush]

Venom: I don't think there's anything wrong with programming, I'm pretty good at picking up languages myself, I just HATE doing it. It's just way too boring. Yeah, it's cool to see the results at the end, it's just GETTING there that is so tedious.

Hey Lynley we could be study buddies! My boyfriend would LOVE that.

[Lynley]

Hey Lynley we could be study buddies! My boyfriend would LOVE that.

Hmm... Interesting proposition. What all are you studying?

[Lackie]

I just moved into my dorm on thursday and i had orientation on friday, if you have orientation trust me skip it. Its boring and filled with useless information you probably already know. i have two days of orientation and plan on skipping todays.

[gtrst7711]

I just moved into my dorm on thursday and i had orientation on friday, if you have orientation trust me skip it. Its boring and filled with useless information you probably already know. i have two days of orientation and plan on skipping todays.

Actually, I found orientation kind of interesting at times. And it was hard to skip it since there was one person herding 8 of around. I guess it depends on where you're going.

Anyways, I have been living in the dorms for three days now and I love it so far. Although, I am dreading classes starting on Monday. I hate work.

[sarathy]

Hey there, college life is not meant for getting scared. Take it easy and live your life to the fullest. This is the best time to make a dozen friends and chill out. All the best.

[thatdirtykid]

University is incredibly easier than high school.

My advice is only supported by this. You only get as much out of college as you put into it.

Oh and I agree w/ the networking thing, but being morman and all isnt going to help that. (Assuming you will be treated the same way people are here)

[Mr. Crow]

Hey there, college life is not meant for getting scared. Take it easy and live your life to the fullest. This is the best time to make a dozen friends and chill out. All the best.

Likewise, however, college life is not meant for just chilling out and taking it easy. You're spending thousands of dollars for a reason: to learn. Don't forget that.

[BKS]

This is a bump of epic proportions.


I am applying to colleges, it is that time of the year. My top pick is Quinnipiac, with Western New England being a back up choice, as is another school in Connecticut. Anyone else applying to college this year? Troubles, tribulations? Success?

[Mr Anorexia]

I'm applying as well. I'm doing community college first to get the basics out of the way (math, science shit) so I save myself a few thousand dollars, and the community college but I'm also applying to University of Maine in Orono and University of Southern Maine.

My troubles so far are basically the whole college is really fucking expensive thing, and my guidance counselor is fucking retarded.

[OmfLobster?]

I'm applying as well. I'm doing community college first to get the basics out of the way (math, science shit) so I save myself a few thousand dollars, and the community college but I'm also applying to University of Maine in Orono and University of Southern Maine.

My troubles so far are basically the whole college is really fucking expensive thing, and my guidance counselor is fucking retarded.

I'm pretty much doing the same thing, going to UMA right now to knock out a few credits and get better grades than I did back in highschool.

The thing with university is its going to bend you over backwards in terms of money. Not much you can really do.

[TheHighwaySong]

I'm also doing the whole basics deal at a community college, but then i'll transfer to The University of Texas in Arlington. They have a new program at UTA where you could start there your first year and not pay any tuition if you live in a household that makes less than 65K a year, but at the community college, I get more hands on stuff.

[SODA]

I have an associates degree in computer programming and analysis, and I just got back from a open house at Daniel Webster College in Nashua New Hampshire where I plan to get my Bachelor's in Computer Science.

Depending on what you plan to major in I might advise against doing 2year community college before the real deal, because I went that route and now I think I might be retaking most of my professional courses because the quality of the education is far higher at my new school.

[BKS]

We have pretty solid guidance counselors. I already have 2 teachers that will write recommendations and guidance pretty much lays it all out for what you need. I havent applied anywhere yet, but I figure, write a decent enough essay and you can go anywhere.

[gannz]

No one likes an alcoholic... except other alcoholics.


That is so true, but the most important thing you can do is just have a good time. Don't forget the reason you're really there is to get an education but at the same time make sure you have weekends or nights for yourself.

No kidding, a day is made of 24 hours, use your time wisely, attend classes or at very least attend tutes. If you're relatively bright your uni work really will not eat into your time. Make friends with people in your classes and you can go over what you did while out for coffee.

The uni pub is your friend, if you have a bar on campus use it or the price of beer is going to have to rise as they can't afford to have very few clientele and cheap beer.

Also, don't leave shit outside your room its gonna be stolen.

Don't be a douche, no one likes a douche. Don't tell people you're rich and you have so much money you don't know what to do with it ... because honestly I unfortunately got introduced to that guy and wow ... that guy really is 'THAT GUY'.

Have fun, you're only gonna be young, wet behind the ears and able to say but ... i'm a freshman at uni once, have fun, get wasted, make mistakes, don't throw up on a girl you find attractive.

AND REMEMBER

Weed and beer you're in the clear
Beer and grass you're on your ass.

[Raxo]

I haven't gotten around to applying to college yet but the ones I'm applying to are sure to accept since I'm above all of their requirements. One of them is University of Illinois in Chicago and I'm applying there because I save money by not moving into a dorm and staying home.

The counselors at school are very helpful and so are the teachers so I really have nothing to complain about. I just have to get off my lazy ass and apply and do the essays and shit.

[timbot]

I've been out of college a few years now, but I had a great time. One thing I did that I guess wasn't the smartest thing was applying for one school and applying pretty late. I got in, but there's really no guarantee that it will happen. If you're thinking about applying right now, then you're doing a hell of a lot better than I am.
Oh, and don't forget to look for scholarships. There are tons out there if you know where to look. Your school will tell you about some, but there are more. If you have a job, ask your boss if they know anything. A lot of bigger places have funds set up for that stuff. Or, try to find out about things in you community. Sometimes there are rich people in the community who have set aside money for things like this, and they're not always super difficult to get because they're relatively unknown. They're usually not real big scholarships, but a few hundred dollars here and there adds up. I, being the terrible planner I am, didn't do anything like that. However, I know a few people who really saved a lot of money just by taking the time in HS to have a few interviews and writing some essays.

[Idioteque]

I haven't gotten around to applying to college yet but the ones I'm applying to are sure to accept since I'm above all of their requirements. One of them is University of Illinois in Chicago and I'm applying there because I save money by not moving into a dorm and staying home.

The counselors at school are very helpful and so are the teachers so I really have nothing to complain about. I just have to get off my lazy ass and apply and do the essays and shit.

I've considered applying there, but since I go to a fucking massive high school its probably impossible. How hard is it to get in for you?

I'm also considering applying to Lawrence University in Appleton, anyone who applied there/went there?

[timbot]

Why would it be any harder for you to get in than for anyone else? I thought admissions requirements were basically the same for everyone. Maybe I'm missing something here.

[Get_out_of_mycar]

Maybe they have a Top 10% Automatic Admissions rule like they do in Texas. That's the only reason I could see him having a problem.

[gannz]

I save money by not moving into a dorm and staying home.

I can assure you not moving out is not as great as you might think it is. It stagnates you and you don't become self sufficient or independent.

Even though you struggle to make ends meet once you move out, it is a massive help.
Try to save a fair bit of cash before you get into uni and you'll be doing yourself massive favours too.

There is nothing worse then picking up a girl and her being like lets go your place cause i live with my folks and you having to make a quick decision while being very liquored up.

[Antisaint]

Why would it be any harder for you to get in than for anyone else? I thought admissions requirements were basically the same for everyone. Maybe I'm missing something here.

Class rank can fuck you over. My high school had 29 valedictorians (top 8%). Everyone else got fucked over.

Don't be afraid to go to a school far from where you are, just make sure the town it's in doesn't suck. Go somewhere where you know people, but they don't have to be your best friends.

[Idioteque]

Why would it be any harder for you to get in than for anyone else? I thought admissions requirements were basically the same for everyone. Maybe I'm missing something here.
Mostly because my school has 4000 students and is one of the top 100 in the nation. That means over 50% of my class has above a 3.5 gpa.

Plus, U of I is one of the most applied to schools for my high school. I think something like 600 kids from each class of 1000 students apply. They are also more likely to take lower income kids first often times to diversify.

[notafan]

I'm just a sophomore in HS but I've been contacted from colleges to join their cross country/track teams so I assume I'll go to one of them just to save some money. I'm thinking Eau Claire (Wisconsin), University of Minnesota, Oklahome State University, Oregon, St. John's in Minnesota, or Bethel University in Minnesota. Yes, I give myself a lot of options.

[The_Solipsist]

Luckily for me, I got pretty decent SAT scores, in the top 5% of my class, and am Hispanic, so I have a pretty hopeful road ahead of me, as I'm doing application shit myself.

Definitely one of the most stressful things I've ever encountered, especially since we just had hurricane Ike kick our ass(I live on Galveston Island).

[BurgerKueen]

I'm wasting all my parents' money at Duke so I can go to grad school and become a professor who is paid to travel in the name of anthropological research. The only problem being that the grad schools I want to go to accept like 5 people each year. And I used to think college applications were competitive. :lol:

Going to a university far from home is fun if you can afford it. Heck, I travelled from Turkey to North Carolina. Except that I can't afford a car and go out of campus twice a year because of that. I console myself with the fact that the most interesting thing in Durham is the university campus anyway.

[Raxo]

Mostly because my school has 4000 students and is one of the top 100 in the nation. That means over 50% of my class has above a 3.5 gpa.

Plus, U of I is one of the most applied to schools for my high school. I think something like 600 kids from each class of 1000 students apply. They are also more likely to take lower income kids first often times to diversify.

My high school is also Top 100 in the nation and it has 2000 kids. ALso UIC is one of the most applied to schools here as well.

It's not hard for me to get in because I'm a hispanic male who is low income which is something they reallly need apparently. Also helps I had an above average ACT score.

Also even if I wasn't Hispanic or low income the admission requirements aren't all that high, according to my counselor at least.

Also everyone tells me I should go to a dorm because of the experience but I think I'll move out when I have a decent job that can make ends meet. But it does sound like something that wll help me a lot in the long run. Also bringing a girl home would suck ass.

[Antisaint]

I'm just a sophomore in HS but I've been contacted from colleges to join their cross country/track teams so I assume I'll go to one of them just to save some money. I'm thinking Eau Claire (Wisconsin), University of Minnesota, Oklahome State University, Oregon, St. John's in Minnesota, or Bethel University in Minnesota. Yes, I give myself a lot of options.

Stillwater sucks hairy balls.

[Audioslave]

I'm hoping to get accepted at the University of Kings (Halifax) or Carleton (Ottawa). My application will look sweet as shit (assuming my IB predicted grades pan out) so I'm not worried.

[TheHighwaySong]

It's not hard for me to get in because I'm a hispanic male who is low income which is something they reallly need apparently. Also helps I had an above average ACT score.

Luckily for me, I got pretty decent SAT scores, in the top 5% of my class, and am Hispanic, so I have a pretty hopeful road ahead of me, as I'm doing application shit myself.


Alright Latinos! :hf: Check out hsf.net if you need to start somewhere.

What were your scores? I'm waiting for my SAT ones, and I'm taking ACT in December.

[Tweek]

I am destined to be lazy and homeless so I didn't apply for university.

[The_Solipsist]

Alright Latinos! :hf: Check out hsf.net if you need to start somewhere.

What were your scores? I'm waiting for my SAT ones, and I'm taking ACT in December.

I got a 1980 on the SAT, I'm also taking the ACT in December, as well as the US hist and Math 1 SAT subject tests.

Thanks for the link.

[Antisaint]

Test scores mean jack shit. I had a 2010 on the SAT, a 32 on the ACT, 3.3 (out of 4.0) GPA. I was also third quarter, and got fucked over.

[Ercoledi]

Is it because you're not Hispanic?

[CnGy]

University is incredibly easier than high school.

This. More expensive too.

YAY LETS GO WASTE MONEY ON SHIT WE COULD LEARN ON OUR OWN SHALL WE?

:(

[Antisaint]

Is it because you're not Hispanic?

It'd be better if I was black.

[BurgerKueen]

Test scores mean jack shit. I had a 2010 on the SAT, a 32 on the ACT, 3.3 (out of 4.0) GPA. I was also third quarter, and got fucked over.

Where did you apply, where did you get in?

[Phrozt]

I miss college. Parties, sex, and no kids to take care of.

Oh if I could only go back to those days.

[lafuriaroja]

What did I learn about college:

1) It's overrated. Yes, there are parties, alot of them and they where fun. I went to Georgia Tech for two years before I realize college is not for me.It was in my second year I realized that wasting your money like this is not the way to go. If you wanna spend all that time and money for that whole "college experience" go for it. You will most likely get dissapointed.

2)If your truly deticated about your future and how you wanna be a success in life. Don't party and study, study and study. College is the biggest distraction to your goals. Nobody I met that went that went to college exept for one person stick to their major. They find it too hard or don't deticate themselves enough because of everything else that goes on. They drop out or end up just loudging around mostly because of their rich parents.

Best advice I can give. Go to a cheap two year community college, live with your parents and get your basic courses knocked out as quickly as possible. Do a bunch of CLEP's and just get it out of the way. Those credit hours are worth the same as at any other college. Then, transfer to a four year university and get your major. As for the parties, they are always there, just meet good people and they can help you show you a good time. You don't need to spend $20,000 or more to go party and shit.

Good thing I got the GI bill, because once I get out of the military, I'll get to get my bachlors for free.

[BurgerKueen]

I don't think the point of a liberal arts/college education is to start making money the fastest way possible. But if you think about it all that time and money does pay off for most people in terms of starting salaries as well as for people who want to go to graduate school. I think it really depends on your career/academic goals in life. My school has the whole party thing going on, but I go to one maybe once a month or so. I pay for college so I can go to the graduate school I want for free (oh the irony), I have to "waste" all this time and money now (same for all my friends).

So yeah, I think I'll keep spending $50,000 or more to go to graduate school and shit. Plus college is amazing. GeorgiaTech must suck. :lol:

[Antisaint]

Where did you apply, where did you get in?

University of Texas, Baylor, SMU, TCU. Got in to none, applied to Texas Tech after the deadline and got in automatically.

@furiaroja: College is definitely not for you if you think that way. College is as much social as it is academic, you meet people (professors and fellow students) who help you get farther in your career choice.

[Tyler_Legrand]

Yes, there are parties, alot of them and they where fun.
I went to Georgia Tech for two years before I realize college is not for me.
You will most likely get dissapointed.
2)If your truly deticated about your future and how you wanna be a success in life.
Nobody I met that went that went to college exept for one person stick to their major.
They find it too hard or don't deticate themselves enough because of everything else that goes on.
They drop out or end up just loudging around mostly because of their rich parents.


I hope English's not your first language.

[BKS]

It sucks for me, it really does. Because I'm in a class of 77 kids, the top 10 percent are roughly 6-8 people.

[kussese]

77? Ha! I'm in a class of 38, and 4 of us have a GPA over 4.0. I have a 3.7, and I'm still screwed for class rank. On a lighter note, I just finished my last application last night.

[xkittenxsocksx]

I'm shipping off to York or Edinburgh I think. If I get the positions I want.

That is so true


Nuh. It's much easier to converse with people you have a sheer disdain towards if you're plastered.

[lafuriaroja]

I hope English's not your first language.

It's not. I was born in Spain.