First Week of College

Many of you will begin or had began your college journey and experience. I have some tips for college freshmen on how to survive the first week of college. 

1) Don't Over Pack for the First Day of Class

Most college professors will give lots of handouts on the first day of class. So don't over pack for the first day of class. Bring a light bag with few folders and pencils and that will do it. You should introduce yourself to others around you. I met one of my best friends like that. It will take some courage for some people though. 

2) Buy Optional Textbooks After the First Week

Most professors like a list of required and optional textbooks for you. What I recommend is that you buy the required textbooks before and optional textbooks after the first week of school. You don't want to waste another few hundred dollars on textbooks/materials you don't need. If you think the optional materials will enhance your studies, then go buy them.

3) Familiarize Yourself With the Campus

I had to struggle to find my classes during my first week of school. It was definitely no fun. You definitely don't want to be the last guy that walk in the class while every students and professors is starring at you. You don't want to give your professor or your classmates a bad first impression. Try to download a college map from your school's website and circle any important buildings (where your classes are located). 

4) Get Involved in Campus Events

There will be tons of campus events on the first few weeks of school so join these events. I guarantee you that you will meet more friends this way than anything. It is always great to meet new people because you never know who will help you in the future. Join a few clubs here and there.

Get Involved In College

GET INVOLVED!

There are so many opportunities in college to join a group, try something new, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Take Advantage of This!

Get Involved by:

• Joining a sports team
• Joining a club sport
• Joining an academic club
• Joining a service group
• Joining a choir or band
• Participating in Intramural sports

The benefits of getting involved are endless. Here are just a few:

• Meeting new people
• Meeting people with similar interests
• Finding study buddies
• Finding workout buddies
• Preventing boredom
• Making closer friendships than just those in class time
• Boosting the resume
• Keeping in shape
• Learning something new
• FUN!

My College Advice

Dear Class of 2015, 

As you begin your college experiences, I thought I'd leave you with the things that I think will enhance your "best four years" of your life. 

1. Take nap in the middle of the day or during your free time. This is particularly important when you need to finish your homework or paper that night. I know most of you will not value this right now, but, trust me, I have been through the pain of not sleeping enough (we all have, haven't we?)

2. Adjust your schedule to your greatest benefits and advantage. If you are a party person, try to find the earlier classes so that you have time to finish some homework before you go to the parties. 

3. During your four years or five years of college, do something irresponsible and out of your mind. I guarantee you that this will be one of times of your life to do so. 

4. Don't date someone your roommate(s) had relationships with. It is going to be extremely awkward as that is what I had experienced. 

5. Work out every issues or complaints with your friends face-to-face, not over the phone or email as it is going to lead to even more serious arguments or no where. 

6. Do something of great value to you in college. Whether it be expanding your horizon of knowledge, expand your experience and passion for a certain hobby, or start a business (like what I did)

Divide It Up With Your Roommates

You all are probably very excited to meet your new roommates. However, you or your roommates cannot buy everything in the dorm by himself/herself. Here is a list of things you should divide it up with your roommates. 

Divide It Up: 

- TV

- Fridge

- Microwave

- Lights 

- Small Table

- Rug

- Kitchen Rack (keeps all your kitchen belongings in one place)

The things listed above are mostly what you AND your roommates need. You don't need three microwave or TV in one dorm. So before you attend college, check and discuss with your roommates about the things listed above. But above all, you have to check the size of the dorm before buying everything. Most dorm size is listed on the school website. 

Get It Yourself:

- Decorations

- Eating Utensils

- Towels

- Bathroom Items

- Bed Sheet

Free Software For Every College Student

Microsoft Office Mac Home and Student 2011 GZA-
Microsoft Office 2010 PC Home And Student Edition - MSCD04771WI
Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 Product Key Card - Business &
Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010 Traditional Disc 79G-02144


College students should be saving here and there in order to pay for college. If it's not for your own benefit, it is for your parent's. So take a look at the list below! The links to each program is located on the right side of the title below. 

1) GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/downloads/)

Gimp is probably the best free program out there that can compete (sort of) with Adobe Premiere & Photoshop Elements. Save your $300+ and use this instead of buying photoshop!

2) Open Office (http://download.openoffice.org/)

You may already know about this one. It’s essentially a free alternative to Microsft Office. If you’ve been used to Microsoft, this will take some getting used to, but not spending $150 is worth that!

3) VLC Media Player (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/)                                                                                                                                                                             

This program will play nearly any kind of video file you throw at it. If you’re like me, you probably aren’t a huge fan of Quicktime or Real Player. This easily takes the place of them!

4) Free Mind (http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download)                                                                                                                                                                                          

This program allows you to do what is called “mind-mapping” – which basically means brainstorming. It allows you to take ideas in your head and put them down on paper in a natural, readable layout. I used this a lot when preparing to write papers or when starting projects. You’ll be amazed at how much it helps your thoughts stay organized!

5) Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/)

This is by far, the most convenient online storage. You don't have to buy USB or external hard-drive anymore. This saved me once when my computer crashed. 

* These make your life easier in college so try them out!

Preparation for Freshman Year

Now that you have finished high school, it's time to move onto your first year of college. But first, there are some preparations and tips you need to know before you step into the realm of Freshman year. 

1) Choose Your First Semester Courses

I know it may sound easy for you but it's, in fact, not so easy. You have to choose your first semester courses wisely. Other than choosing the fundamental courses required by your college, you have to choose the elective. Now is the tricky part. If you are decided on your major, then choose the elective that interests you. It does not have to be related to your major. But if you are undecided, which I believe most of you guys are, you should choose the electives that gears towards your "intended" major. 

2) Change Your Old Habits

Allow time to change your old, bad habits you had over the course of your high school career. Although it will be challenging for you to change but you have to force yourself to do it because it will be better for you in the near future. You should also learn how to manage your time wisely. 

3) Gaining Your Parents' Trust

I know this is probably one of the preparations you hate to do but you have to do it. You parents will most likely help you get through college so gaining your parent's trust over the summer can save you in the future. For example, if you prove to your parents you can handle and manage the money wisely, they will likely provide you with reasonable money in the future if you need it. 

4) Improve Your Study Habits

I know this is probably one of the hardest tasks out there for soon-to-be freshman to do but you got to learn to do it. Most of you guys will probably have a relaxing summer (the last summer before "the real world") so you won't even think of studying. However, I advise you to improve your study habits by reading newspapers, magazines, or books. It will be easier for you to connect learning experience from high school to college level. 

5) Plan Your Budget

While you guys experience freedom in college, you will also be face with the challenge of planning your budget. In high school, most of you guys are be extremely dependent on your parents so budgeting on every purchase isn't necessary. However, in college, every penny you save for this purchase can buy you other things you value more such as partying (not applicable to everyone). So plan your budget ahead. You should include phone bills, partying expenses (this can be expensive if you don't control yourself) , money for what-ever-you-like, and most importantly, emergency fund. 

Ultimate College Pranks

While college is full of fun it is also full of pranks. Watch the pranks listed below so you can prevent it from happening to you. 

# 1 Door Prank

# 2 Chair Interception

#3 The Ultimate Explosion