College is not just the next place to go once high school is over. It is an entirely different world, where you are in the driver’s seat instead of your parents. Put a great deal of effort into planning and preparation in order to make the most of college life.

As you prepare for college, it helps to make a detailed list of everything you may need. It makes more sense to arrive well-equipped rather than having to ask Mom and Dad for items each week. If the classes you’re attending are far away from your home, then this is definitely true.

Invest in a good quality water bottle to keep with you. It is vital that you drink enough water. This is especially true if you have back-to-back classes. Drinking during the day frequently allows you to keep focused on what you’re doing. There are always a number of different water fountains on campus to refill a water bottle when you need to.

Try not to set yourself up to fail when scheduling your classes. If mornings aren’t your cup of tea, you may want to rethink registering for a tough course that meets first thing in the morning. Pay attention to when you feel the most energetic, and schedule your classes around that when you can.

If you have a test, be sure to eat breakfast that morning. Small meals comprised of fruit or yogurt can make a big difference. It can be distracting if you are hungry during class. Therefore, it is advisable to eat a breakfast with plenty of protein to help keep your mind alert.

Ride the bus to your classes. You are going to find that it is not much longer to sit on the bus on the way to school. You won’t have to look for parking either. By using the bus system you can save money on gas and parking permits. This is also your way of saving the environment.

You are now a grown up who must be self sufficient with no one to rely on to take care of you. You should always eat right and get enough rest. Establish a schedule that allows you to get enough sleep, go to all your classes, study and spend some quality time with your friends. Neglecting to fuel your body with nutritious foods can take an enormous toll on your sense of well-being, as can unchecked stress levels.

Create relationships that are positive with your professors. Professors are a great resource for students and can really give you valuable advice. Ask questions and offer to help them. Establishing a rapport with professors can result in higher grades and enhanced opportunities.

Register early for classes. If you wait to the moment, you may miss out on a class you need. Sign up for a class the moment you know it’s the one you want to take.

Consider an internship while at college. Internships offer a chance to learn hands-on skills and can also provide a glimpse of what you accomplish after you graduate. If things go well, you may even be offered a job. There should be a department on campus that can help you with placement, so take advantage of it.

Visit the career office at your college to find part time work. In addition to assisting with job placement after graduation, career centers often post smaller part time jobs both from the campus itself and the surrounding area that are designed to meet the schedules of college students.

While taking elective courses can help steer you to a major, try other avenues of exploration. Go around campus and get involved. Clubs and work-study opportunities are great options. There is always something going on everyday for students. Try something new every week if you want!

When choosing a class schedule, be realistic about how much work you can reasonably handle. Piling on too many classes can quickly lead to burnout. Find a balance of easy and difficult classes in order to maximize your success while working toward graduation.

Read your study notes right before you go to sleep the night before an exam. This will ensure that the subject is in the forefront of your mind which will continue to process this material while you sleep. Your brain makes connections as it sleeps making the information stay in your head.

If you haven’t decided on a major, take the core classes of several possible majors. You’ll learn about each field thoroughly this way. Not only that, but you may also qualify for a minor in one of the disciplines you don’t go with.

Consider going to a community college before going to a university. It is a less expensive way to get your core classes out of the way. Once you’ve got your basic courses out of the way, you can then transfer to the school of your choice. If 4-year schools are too pricey, this makes a lot of sense.

College social life often means creativity due to limited funds. Rather than going out to an expensive meal, cook in and set up a candlelit dinner. Your date will be more impressed, and you won’t be broke. Make an agreement with your roommates. If they will make themselves scarce during your date, you’ll return the favor.

While it may be tempting to join a student government group early on, wait until your second year. Freshmen don’t often have a lot of pull on campus, and your ideas might not get the respect they deserve. Join different associations during your first year on campus, and wait until you are ready before you consider joining the student government.

Do you excel in certain subjects? If so, there may be an opportunity to earn money by putting those strengths to task. You can make a lot of money by tutoring your peers in your best subjects. Advertise your tutoring services in the dorms as well as the student centers. The Internet is a good resource as well.

With these tips in mind, start figuring out the next steps to take to make your college experience everything you have ever wanted. Your time in college is a time where you want to make sure that you have all your ducks in a row.