I have a cousin who is starting college this fall and on reflecting what I can get her for her grad party, I realized that there are lots of things I learned in college that I wish I had figured out my freshman year. While compiling a list, I decided that many more than just her could benefit from these. Below is a list of lessons I learned the longer way. Perhaps they will help you like they helped me. [quote][/quote] >Extension cords and power strips are worth their weight in gold. >The person everyone talks to the first day is the person who has a hammer, screwdrivers, and pliers to assemble all the new furniture with. >Get and maintain a hobby. "Where are you from," "What dorm do you live in," and (especially) "what's your major" wear out as good conversation items after the first week. >Don't cite wikipedia. Do cite wikipedia's citations. >Some vending machines take nickles and dimes and return quarters. This is great in a pinch on laundry day. >Get all A's your freshman year. Your senior year self will thank you. >Professors rarely tell you everything you need to know for an assignment. Ask questions. Email them. Go to their office hours. If you can't solve a problem, most times they will give you 99.9% of the answer if you show effort before the day it is due. >Get a study group. The only reason I survived junior year is because each member of my group knew a different part of the curriculum well enough. >Always have a backup place to study. The library gets packed during finals week. I made use of my campus' theater and unlocked classrooms. >Find events that offer free food. >Keep fragile items off of desks (or better yet, at home). Some kid [i]will[/i] come along and accidentally break it. >On the inside cover of each class' notebook, put your name, professor's name, and professor's office number, office hours, and email. This will help if you lose your notebook or inevitably lose your syllabus. Few things compare in scale to the panic of needing a question answered the night before an assignment, but being unable to find your profs email. >Super glue can be used to close a wound. >A cheap sewing kit will save you at least once. As will a flashlight. >Be sure to have at least one set of nice clothes (pants, shirt, and tie) >Get an extra phone charger. Hide it for when yours goes missing. >If you go out partying, only take what you absolutely need. Items will drop out of your pockets without you knowing. You won't get them back. >A sink, copper pipe, and a box fan will act as an air conditioner. >An electric water boiler can make some impressive meals >Ramen is only half the story of college living. Simple spices, like pepper and oregano, can drastically alter ramen in good ways. Drop a raw egg in while cooking or add some vegetables. Chicken or tuna (precooked, in a can) also increases the flexibility of the food. >Just about anything can be used as a sled. I've seen rubbermaid containers, lunch trays, laundry baskets, and even the errant mattress. You [i]will[/i] be awarded points for creativity. [b] For those 21 and over: [/b] > Hydration, hydration, hydration. At a PAX party, Schacker tried teasing me about ordering a glass of water at a bar. After explaining that I always grab a glass or two halfway through the night to combat ill effects in the morning, he promptly asked the bartender to make it two. This wards off most hang overs. > Always ask before grabbing any good beer at a house party. It's probably not free game. That's all I can think of. If I think of anymore, I'll add them. Best of luck to you all! Updated... Be careful if you want to dorm with a friend your freshman year. Some people just aren't ready to cope living in close proximity with others. On the same note, try to stay with people who are capable of discussing issues really. You will hear so many funny stories about the passive aggressives and drama queens, but they are only funny until you're the one stuck living with them. Stand up for yourself. No one should care if you politely decline in joining an activity. I've partied with non-drinkers who were a blast to hang out with. I've chilled with pot smokers even though I've never had the desire to join them. If someone is trying to force something on you, they're the ones being uncool. Just calmly ask them why they're being such a buzz kill.