Tips for college success

Two weeks from today, Saint Mary's University fall semester begins. Students will be enjoying their first day of classes, faculty will be eager to share their expertise with students and parents will be home wondering how his/her young adult student is doing in Winona.

I recently ran across the following article about tips for college success at http://college.maryaherdman.com/tips.html. I thought it would be a perfect post for this time of year. The author also has a college readiness questionnaire that looks interesting - check it out if you have time.

Five Prime Tips for a Successful Start to College

Prepare: Take advantage of freshmen orientation as a chance to meet new friends before classes start. Review the information your school sent to you and make sure you have done all that is necessary to begin that first semester.

Family Farewells: Have an understanding with your parents about when and how you will be in touch with one another. Recognize and acknowledge the support of your family and friends in your agenda to do well in college.

Read more...

Talk to your Roommate: Make plans with your roommate-to-be to share special items, e.g. a small refrigerator, lamps, fans, etc.

Set Some Goals: Proactively review and pursue your goals for your first semester. Give some serious thought to whatever barriers may arise for you in trying to achieve your goals and take some helpful action to overcome them.

Money Matters: Try to earn/save enough money over the summer so that you will have some spending money for occasional treats. Consider opening a bank account at a bank on campus or nearby the school. Before leaving home, discuss with your family how you will afford to travel back and forth between home and college during the school year.

Enjoy your last two weeks of summer break! See you soon.