2 answers
Peter
Student
Dodge City, Kansas
1
Question
Updated
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What do I need to know before heading off to college?
Hello! What is some information you guys wish you knew before heading to college. I'm a soon to be college freshman from a low income household.
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2 answers
David Chou
Project Management
16
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Los Angeles, California
Updated
David’s Answer
To keep track of your money, it's a good idea to know your monthly costs and spending. You should also look into part-time jobs you can do, either on campus or off campus. Besides that, check out clubs and activities you might like to join. It's important to have a good balance between school and fun activities.
Thank you!
Peter
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
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Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Peter! First off man, congrats on heading to college that’s such an exciting step, and I know it can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you’re coming from a low-income background. But trust me, there are a lot of things I and my friends, wish we’d known before diving in.
ALRIGHT SO, One thing you’ll definitely want to get on your radar early is financial aid. Scholarships and grants are like gold, and there’s honestly no such thing as applying too early. You might not realize it, but schools have a ton of hidden opportunities, so check in with your financial aid office regularly and be sure to look for local scholarships too. It’s easier to get those as a freshman than scrambling later on.
I also would recommend you using your campus resources. A lot of students miss out on free tutoring, career counseling, and mental health services because they don’t realize how helpful these are until they’re in a tight spot. Everyone gets caught up in the hustle and forgets how much these resources can actually make a difference. I have seen couple senior students of mine who have used them were always way ahead of the curve. So definitely take advantage of that man.
And while we’re on the topic of schoolwork here, I can’t stress enough how important time management is. I know it sounds boring, but staying organized will save you from so much stress down the line. My sister literally uses simple calendar apps to stay on top of assignments, and that little habit makes everything feel a lot more manageable for her, but then everyone has their ways of managing time...uhum!
Budgeting is another thing one of my colleagues said, especially when you’re in college. At first, it feels like the freedom to do whatever you want with your money, but that can slip away real fast. My friends who got a handle on it early always said it made a huge difference, from meal prepping instead of eating out all the time to cutting back on impulse buys. That way, you’ll have a bit more for the fun stuff!
Now, don’t worry too much about having everything planned out. I know it might feel like you need to have your entire life figured out before you even step foot on campus, but that’s not the case. A lot of my friends switched up their majors and career paths halfway through. College is the perfect time to explore and figure out what really clicks with you. So, don’t stress if you’re not 100% sure right off the bat.
Lastly, taking care of yourself is the ultimate advice I would give man. College can be intense, and the pressure to juggle everything is real, but my friends all say the same thing – make time for yourself. Whether it’s taking a walk, chilling with friends, or just making sure you’re getting enough sleep, looking after your mental and physical health is so important.
So yeah, college is definitely a ride, and you’ll have your fair share of ups and downs, but it’s so worth it. You’ll learn a ton, meet amazing people, and discover things about yourself that you didn’t even know were possible. Just take it one step at a time, ask for help when you need it, and trust that you’ll figure it all out. You’ve got this because I believe in you and we are always here for you buddy.
ALRIGHT SO, One thing you’ll definitely want to get on your radar early is financial aid. Scholarships and grants are like gold, and there’s honestly no such thing as applying too early. You might not realize it, but schools have a ton of hidden opportunities, so check in with your financial aid office regularly and be sure to look for local scholarships too. It’s easier to get those as a freshman than scrambling later on.
I also would recommend you using your campus resources. A lot of students miss out on free tutoring, career counseling, and mental health services because they don’t realize how helpful these are until they’re in a tight spot. Everyone gets caught up in the hustle and forgets how much these resources can actually make a difference. I have seen couple senior students of mine who have used them were always way ahead of the curve. So definitely take advantage of that man.
And while we’re on the topic of schoolwork here, I can’t stress enough how important time management is. I know it sounds boring, but staying organized will save you from so much stress down the line. My sister literally uses simple calendar apps to stay on top of assignments, and that little habit makes everything feel a lot more manageable for her, but then everyone has their ways of managing time...uhum!
Budgeting is another thing one of my colleagues said, especially when you’re in college. At first, it feels like the freedom to do whatever you want with your money, but that can slip away real fast. My friends who got a handle on it early always said it made a huge difference, from meal prepping instead of eating out all the time to cutting back on impulse buys. That way, you’ll have a bit more for the fun stuff!
Now, don’t worry too much about having everything planned out. I know it might feel like you need to have your entire life figured out before you even step foot on campus, but that’s not the case. A lot of my friends switched up their majors and career paths halfway through. College is the perfect time to explore and figure out what really clicks with you. So, don’t stress if you’re not 100% sure right off the bat.
Lastly, taking care of yourself is the ultimate advice I would give man. College can be intense, and the pressure to juggle everything is real, but my friends all say the same thing – make time for yourself. Whether it’s taking a walk, chilling with friends, or just making sure you’re getting enough sleep, looking after your mental and physical health is so important.
So yeah, college is definitely a ride, and you’ll have your fair share of ups and downs, but it’s so worth it. You’ll learn a ton, meet amazing people, and discover things about yourself that you didn’t even know were possible. Just take it one step at a time, ask for help when you need it, and trust that you’ll figure it all out. You’ve got this because I believe in you and we are always here for you buddy.