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No really what's the duct tape for?
The College Life - Page 3
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FiBsTeR
United States415 Posts
+ Show Spoiler + No really what's the duct tape for? | ||
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javy_
United States1677 Posts
On December 13 2010 02:18 Prozen wrote: I applied to CAS. Also, to all of you, I was wondering, why is it that so many people pull all-nighters or sleep late in college? This has been a question I've always been thinking about. Is the work in college really that hard that it warrants students to stay up late working on it or is it the fact that most students procrastinate because of their new-found freedoms? I think it's the latter, but I haven't experienced college yet so I'd like to know the answer. Is it advisable to bring a microwave/mini fridge to school as well? At the freshman/sophomore level, it's usually due to procrastination. If you're taking challenging upper-division courses, there's a good chance you'll stay up late studying or doing hw. It also depends on how many courses you are taking per semester/quarter. Some people overestimate how much work they can handle because they took a lot of APs during high school and end up taking more classes than they can handle when they come to college. | ||
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Fontong
United States6454 Posts
Yeah maybe for the first two weeks? You will learn very fast which classes you need to attend and which ones are very optional. Some profs will just post very detailed slides online, yet read them verbatim in class. Some just don't say shit in class that isn't in the assigned texts and it is your job to simply do all of the reading. Then there are the profs who will expect you to know the lecture material very well. Definitely is not essential to attend every lecture though. If you know that you aren't going to get anything out of it then just don't go. This includes if you are just very tired. If you only slept for 2 hours the last night and have to attend a 1.5 hour lecture you are just going to doze in, why not sleep in the comfort of your own bed and be better rested so that you can work more effectively later? There is really no saying attend 100% of all lectures; as long as you are smart about what you do there won't be an impact on your grades. My other personal advice is to immediately try to find an activity/club/sport you will be interested in. College clubs and stuff are not like those in high school. They are very much social activities (really not unlike frats in many cases), so you will be able to build up a good network of friends. The people in college you really rely on are your friends, so if you don't have a strong network you will suffer for it even if you don't even know it. Your good friends are the people who will go out of their way to pick you up from the airport even if it's a 45min round trip, yet only ask for a little bit of gas money in return. They will help you out with classes (especially if they are upperclassmen), and you can talk to them about what in the world you should do at that particular college you are attending. It way you do it doesn't matter, but I find that it is useful to have something in common with your friends that goes beyond the friendship itself. If you don't then you will find yourself pulled away from them by the stresses of college life, simply because you will be so busy. If you do have something in common with them you will more easily have a reason to see them. | ||
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Prozen
United States338 Posts
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Servius_Fulvius
United States947 Posts
1). If you can live in special interest housing, do so. The hardest part about meeting new people at college is finding a way to build community. In a special interest floor or hall this is done for you. It's a lot easier to break the ice and make friends when you all have something in common. 2). Be the person you want to become. Some of our personality traits in high school come from our reputations, the effects of our mistakes, and years of awkwardly coming of age. You're not done growing up when you start college, but you can finally lift all the high school bull shit off your shoulders and be the person you want to become. For me, I always wanted to be the section leader in my high school band. I never got the chance thanks to politics and a negative reputation. At college I put in the same effort and earned several leadership positions and finally found one that fit perfectly (the aforementioned RA job!). 3). Keep in touch with people back home, but don't let them control your life. My first year a girl lived on my floor who missed her friends and boyfriend back home so much that she spent every waking moment on instant messenger talking to them. She missed out on new experiences just to keep up with friends across the state doing exactly that. Get out, immerse yourself in college life, and your real friends (the ones truly worth talking to) will emerge. 4). You actually need to study. I can't tell you how many freshman I saw over the years fail out or nearly fail out just because they never knew how to study. High school comes easy to a lot of people. Maybe you were one of those who would sleep through half your classes, do your huge homework assignments the morning of, never study, and still get a 3.5 or better. The problem here is that people like this never learned HOW to study. College classes are taught with the notion that you will spend 2-3 hours (or more) outside lecture studying the material and doing homework. If you don't do this you WILL get behind and if you keep it up you WILL fail or almost fail a good deal of classes. If you never had to study attend first year seminars on the subject (every college worth their dime offers one!) 5). Sleep. Try to get around 6 hours of sleep a night if you can. 6). Eat. Don't be so afraid of "the Freshman 15" that you avoid eating cafeteria food altogether. Don't go crazy, but don't starve yourself. I lived in a Residence Hall 5 years and only gained 15 pounds TOTAL from the cafeteria food. 7). Relieve your stress. We all need time to unwind. If you don't take this time you risk serious burnout. Been there, done that, NOT FUN! You need time to kick back and relax with everything else going on (just make sure it isn't ALL your time!). 8). Fact - most high school relationships don't work out. If you have a long distance significant other only stick with it if you're both giving it your all. If one of you isn't it's probably best to break up. 9). Join a club or two. The best way to meet people like yourself is to go where those people meet up. Most University's have an office dedicated to student organizations and can provide contact and meeting information. It's also been my experience that colleges usually host an even in the first month where each student organization mans a booth to garner interest. 10). Just because you're all in college and technically adults it doesn't mean people will act like it. Don't get caught up in the drama! 11). Yes, there will be parties with drinking. Yes, there will be sex, drugs, and maybe even some rock and roll. It's up to you to decide if you want to partake. Just keep in mind that doing any of these irresponsibly could end up with people getting hurt, legal fines, pregnancy, STI's, and maybe even jail. Yes, college is the time to experience a variety of new things, but you don't need to experience everything. 12). Be yourself and have fun! A NOTE ON WHY PEOPLE PULL ALL-NIGHTERS: 9 times out of 10 it's procrastination. Other times it's overloading yourself with coursework. Don't take more than 16 credits unless one or more of the classes are easy-A's with minimal effort (gen-eds mostly). For the times it is not procrastination it's mostly choice of lifestyle. A lot of people are night-owls and think better at night. Some people work a full-time job and the only time they have is at night (I HIGHLY suggest taking longer to graduate and take fewer classes if this is you). Other times it's like the stars and planets align and all your classes assigned something on the same day leaving you with an awkward juggling act. Keep in mind that most all-nighters probably wouldn't have happened with better time management. In my five years as an undergrad engineer I pulled a total of one all-nighter my second to last semester. This only happened because I couldn't fall asleep so I decided to make the time productive! I also avoided overloading myself by taking a a full fifth year to manage my last upper level classes better and along the way picked up a third minor, a wonderful year of great experiences, and a full ride to grad school! | ||
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HeavOnEarth
United States7087 Posts
Im glad you're lucky you can sleep pleasantly every night, but from me and everyone else that struggles to sleep after a long tiring day , don't give advice on something you know nothing about ( oh i have had one all nighter i know everything) | ||
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Cr4zyH0r5e
Peru1308 Posts
2) What do you expect to get from your education? How well do you expect to do? - Personally, I expect to graduate with as close to a 4.0 as possible and get Suma Cum Lauden attached to my double major bacherlors. If you want something along those lines, keep your priorities straight. 3) Socialize, this should be an addendum to #1. Say hi to the people next to you if you don't feel awkward about it; make connections. 4) You're not in highschool anymore. Yet again an addendum to a previously stated point. If you went to a public school in the U.S. chances are you were never really challenged. Make sure you stay on top of your classes. Even if you don't think you need it go to study sessions, group tutors organized by school (Do it at least once) You will definitely find people who don't need the help either; this is also a good way of socializing. 5) If you're in a rather small class: be opinionated. You want your profesors to remember you for being eager to learn and providing answers (particuarly special for classes related to your major) 6) Go party. Hell man, you're in college, you have all the right to have fun; however, make sure you always have time to spare when you decide to party out. 7) Eliminate all possible external distractions. I bought a new laptop and did not install any games in it; this limits a lot what you can do during the semester/quarter but it helps keep your head straight. 8) Take naps / relax! College is stressing only if you let it be. Take a look at your homework the day it's assigned, you don't have to do it immediately, but make sure you plan things ahead and start it at least a couple days before it's due. 9) Study for every class, even if it seems easy. If a class seems TOO easy, then there is probably something more to it, and guess what? You're missing it. Remember you're attending university now, every class is meant to be challenging in one way or another. 10) Take any opportunity to expand your horizons. There surely are studying abroad programs (your financial aid applies to them) Check out which of those interest you and consider spending a semester or a year studying in another country. 11) Keep yourself motivated and have fun! College is a great experience, it's different for each person but great for most of us. Be pasionate about what you do! | ||
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Animostas
United States568 Posts
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HeavOnEarth
United States7087 Posts
find some gym rats and hang out with them. if you are a hardcore gamer like myself, leaving your laptop at home your first semester is a very good option Find a dorm that is within walking distance to a subways(or whatever food you like) / restaurant/ apartment complex(friends with cars they actually use regularly ) if you can. Talk to your professors and get to know as many classmates from your major as you can. They can and will save your ass from time to time. If you are ever up late and decide whether or not to stay up or sleep, just go to sleep. Helps you get used to waking up with less than your normal amount of sleep. Aside from business and mass communication majors you don't need to be social and make tons and tons of friends to have fun, just find a few people you have things in common with. Feel free to take the minimum # of hours and take a few summer courses, just make sure you do something with that extra time in university( make plans, make friends accordingly) As you can tell, i use my friends as motivation. Some days i will be hyped up and do everything perfectly, other days i will be depressed and lazy. friends keep you from falling out of schedule , plans help you stay committed. I recommend going to all your courses although i dont take my own advice. Myself i regularly cut corners to see how much bullshit i can put up and still get an A. Thing is, you can fuck up if you're overconfident in your ability, so i wouldn't recommend doing it until you go to your classes at least a few weeks to get a feel for them, or you're used to it. For example i went to every Calculus I class, did extra work and talked to my professor and developed ways to solve everything on my own because i needed it. Accordingly i skipped every calc II and calc III class aside from tests because i didn't need to. Even if there is attendance you can just make a study group of friends or something and ask someone to sign in everyday for you. | ||
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QuanticHawk
United States32073 Posts
On December 12 2010 17:08 Butigroove wrote: Beer before liquor, never been sicker; Shots before beer, you're in the clear! When you're thinking of not wearing a condom, do wear one. Study/read all semester, not just before midterms/finals. Try everything at the cafe, and learn what you like, if you have a meal plan. Wooo college in the bag lol The beer before liquor thing only applies if you drink like a little girl. If you've got a set of balls and chest hair, don't even worry. Learn your own tolerances. besides that, this is accurate. | ||
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duckett
United States589 Posts
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jamesr12
United States1549 Posts
On December 13 2010 14:27 Prozen wrote: Yeah, I have no idea why I would need duct tape. XD shit breaks, duct tape fixes everything, plus a roll of duct tape will take up like no space, trust me and bring it even if you dont need it someone in your hall will and if you have it youll be the man | ||
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QuanticHawk
United States32073 Posts
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Bortlett
United States302 Posts
Edit: If you care about your grades, you'll figure out which classes you can and can't skip. If you miss a class, it's really not the end of the world (as long as it's not midterm/finals day  ). | ||
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Joementum
787 Posts
On December 12 2010 17:08 Butigroove wrote: Beer before liquor, never been sicker; Shots before beer, you're in the clear! When you're thinking of not wearing a condom, do wear one. Study/read all semester, not just before midterms/finals. Try everything at the cafe, and learn what you like, if you have a meal plan. Wooo college in the bag lol Forgot the most important thing about drinking. Know your limits. You don't want to be that one guy that everyone remembers because you puked all over your friend's dorm. | ||
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Prozen
United States338 Posts
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Servius_Fulvius
United States947 Posts
On December 13 2010 20:13 HeavOnEarth wrote: Some people just can't sleep. Im glad you're lucky you can sleep pleasantly every night, but from me and everyone else that struggles to sleep after a long tiring day , don't give advice on something you know nothing about ( oh i have had one all nighter i know everything) For your information, I know exactly what I'm talking about... I had some really bad stress management issues halfway through college. No, I couldn't sleep soundly every night. A few years ago I couldn't go a full night without waking up in a near panic halfway through the night. Anxiety issues were so bad that if I had a stimulant as mild as caffeine I'd have a panic attack, so I was stuck feeling exhausted ALL THE TIME. After almost a year of feeling like a prisoner in my own body I attended meditation sessions run through the counseling center. My nerves loaded me up with so much adrenaline that the second I started to relax I'd fall alseep soundly the rest of the session. I finally settled on a technique recommended by insomniacs. I stopped doing homework and work-related things in my room. My room was an escape from it all. I only ever relaxed, hung our with friends, and slept in it. Once I kept all my stressful activities outside my safe zone I had an easier time relaxing. The few times I've done homework in my apartment for grad school I haven't been able to sleep for hours. Give it a shot if you haven't already. And yes, I could have pulled MANY all-nighters due to procrastination. I chose not to and frequently turned in homework that was half done. The resulting grades were marvelous motivators to start homework earlier. If you're having a hard time relaxing after a long and tiring day I highly recommend having safe, relaxing places and practicing deep-breathing and online meditation exercises or pod-casts when you want to unwind. I also own a lamp with "glow lights" recommended by a campus therapist for wintertime blues (lamp + lights were about $20 total). Physical activity such as running, or even taking extended walks, helps run off the extra energy your nerves create. Someone not being able to sleep is usually a sign of something else going on. It's up to that person to do something about it... College Tip #13). If you have an issue, be it mental health or otherwise, utilize your campus resources instead of victimizing yourself to something under your control. | ||
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HollowLord
United States3862 Posts
![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/XllGa.jpg) This shit will save your life. | ||
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HeavOnEarth
United States7087 Posts
On December 14 2010 17:08 Servius_Fulvius wrote: For your information, I know exactly what I'm talking about... I had some really bad stress management issues halfway through college. No, I couldn't sleep soundly every night. A few years ago I couldn't go a full night without waking up in a near panic halfway through the night. Anxiety issues were so bad that if I had a stimulant as mild as caffeine I'd have a panic attack, so I was stuck feeling exhausted ALL THE TIME. After almost a year of feeling like a prisoner in my own body I attended meditation sessions run through the counseling center. My nerves loaded me up with so much adrenaline that the second I started to relax I'd fall alseep soundly the rest of the session. I finally settled on a technique recommended by insomniacs. I stopped doing homework and work-related things in my room. My room was an escape from it all. I only ever relaxed, hung our with friends, and slept in it. Once I kept all my stressful activities outside my safe zone I had an easier time relaxing. The few times I've done homework in my apartment for grad school I haven't been able to sleep for hours. Give it a shot if you haven't already. And yes, I could have pulled MANY all-nighters due to procrastination. I chose not to and frequently turned in homework that was half done. The resulting grades were marvelous motivators to start homework earlier. If you're having a hard time relaxing after a long and tiring day I highly recommend having safe, relaxing places and practicing deep-breathing and online meditation exercises or pod-casts when you want to unwind. I also own a lamp with "glow lights" recommended by a campus therapist for wintertime blues (lamp + lights were about $20 total). Physical activity such as running, or even taking extended walks, helps run off the extra energy your nerves create. Someone not being able to sleep is usually a sign of something else going on. It's up to that person to do something about it... College Tip #13). If you have an issue, be it mental health or otherwise, utilize your campus resources instead of victimizing yourself to something under your control. I don't study in my room, i regularly work out , i've spent over 1k $ + on sleep aid equipment. I've also been medically diagnosed with sleep apnea. (Hooked me up with 50 wires and did a test on me while i slept) I wake up paralyzed and hallucinate on a regular basis. Internet Tip #13) Don't assume your life experiences = someone else's, and definitely don't try to be a douche bag about it otherwise you might end up looking like an idiot. victimizing yourself to something under your control. Someone not being able to sleep is usually a sign of something else going on. It's up to that person to do something about it... A phrase i learned from house: Stop projecting yourself onto others  Sounds like you just stopped drinking coffee and started working out, stopped procrastinating HW and bought a tiny 20$ lamp thing. I've spent 4-5 years and thousands of dollars and hours of my personal time trying to fix my issues, going from perfectly happy kid to mentally unstable and severely depressed (im better these days) I'll agree with you on this point: i probably have something else going on. But i disagree that it's something that is easy to fix as it was for you. or something i even know exists. So far may be 1) My personal anger issues 2) unhappy with my major 3) stress from gf 4) Never have found a friend i can completely relate to/ share everything with. 5) stress from life/ death of people i know etc etc. | ||
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Servius_Fulvius
United States947 Posts
I'm sorry you've experienced a lot with a sleeping condition. However, you've further emphasized my original point - if you have something wrong, do something about it. For me, that included thousands in medical bills to diagnose and treat general anxiety disorder, an ulcer, and a number of lifestyle changes that greatly aggravated the condition before making it better. No, it was not an "easy fix", it was two very hard years, but the summary of what works is terse (the process leading to it would take about 5 pages). Things like this don't "go away"; I'm living with it the rest of my life. Because of this I know a ton about relaxation and gave a bunch of advice about it. Evidently you know more about sleep, so you could probably give some great pointers! The OP asked for college advice. You have given none. Stop trolling for a fight, act like an adult, and give some meaningful contribution  | ||
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