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What should I do in college that many don't?

I am planning going to college but I need more knowledge

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Subject: Career question for you

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T.J.’s Answer

Hello Douglas!

I'm sure there are some college students that do these things 😅 but here's some suggestions for you to do in college:

#1. Learn Financial Literacy.

Yup. That's it. That's all the advice I got for you ―

Just kidding.

Yes, learning financial literacy is a good thing to do! Some people struggle with managing money. Personal finance is sadly not taught enough (or in some places not at all) in schools.

Whether you're rich, middle class, or poor, lacking knowledge in money management can cause problems later in life.
To start, check out this Personal Finance Wiki:
https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/index/?rdt=61215

While looking at concepts, do research and see if you can apply some of the tips to your life. Also, another good tip is, "Live below your means."

#2. Use Campus Resources

College provides a lot of things: electives, food, extracurriculars, study abroad, career fairs. And yes, you should explore these things.
But a lot of students miss out on smaller resources, such as:

- Office Hours | Free help from your instructors. Go here if you're confused about classwork/homework. It's better to ask for help. Prevent yourself from struggling with grades.

- Food Pantries | A place where you can get free food. Even if you come from a family that's not "poor", you don't have much money as an individual. Some schools simply ask for your ID and a short form. Again, prevent yourself from struggling.

- Career Advising | A center where you can figure out jobs/internships you want to do. If you feel unsure about what you want to do, visit your career center!

- Nutrition Services | A service where you can get help from dieticians/dietetic students on eating habits or physical health. Great place to go if you need help eating regularly or advice on healthy eating.

#3. Be Yourself

Some students don't allow themselves to be authentic. There are multiple reasons why someone may not be true to themselves, but...

If you don't find something funny, don't laugh.
If you don't want to go out, don't go out.
If your friend laughs at your hobbies, ignore them.
If someone critiques you and doesn't offer any tips for self-improvement in return, ignore them.
If anyone pressures you to enter a major that you don't want to do, Do. Not. Do. It.

You should stay true to who you are.

#4. Network & Seek out Opportunities

Many students don't believe in the importance of networking until their senior year of college or after graduation, which is considered "too late" when you want to find jobs.

Networking can help you not only with your career, but with exposing yourself to new possibilities.

Start off with networking with alumni online on LinkedIn! Then, when you feel ready, go to career fairs and talk to people!

### TL:DR?

1. You should learn financial literacy.
2. You should take advantage of resources on campus.
3. You should stay true to yourself.
4. You should network & find internship or research opportunities early
(ideally when you start Sophomore year...or even your Freshman year if you're ambitious).

Hopefully these tips help :D
Sending you good luck as you enter college :)
Thank you comment icon Beautifully done. Well said. david kirk
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david’s Answer

Hello. T.J. answers will carry you a long way. Read her advice twice and then memorize the list. I have just one suggestion to add, a task that many students never do: talk to your instructors, seek them out, schedule meetings with them occasionally to talk of your participation and opportunities. Most instructors could earn more elsewhere, but enjoy teaching. And being sought out by students for advice is priceless, and helps you as well. All the best to you. And remember to memorize T.J.'s list. :)
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