What are the most important things that you should take with you when you go to college? This is the question that everyone wonders and below there are suggestions offered for ten items that should be at the top of your list. Consider each and you will have an excellent start for getting off on the right foot on the first day of classes.
1. Common Sense
Now, this is obviously not an item you can see or touch, but is something that you should definitely have with you when you go on campus. If you are living away from home for the first time, there is going to be a release of many of the boundaries and limitations that your parents set on you for your own protection and to teach you how to have a responsible, successful life. Now it is your turn to set your own boundaries, budget your time and money, and to be responsible to complete the work assigned to you. It is also a time to make sure that you take care of yourself, your health and your mind. Common sense is something you will definitely need to have.
2. Responsibility
It is 7:30, you have an 8:00 class, but you don't really want to go. This is the time when your responsibility mode kicks in, you get out of bed, and get yourself to class on time. Part of college is fun, but a large part is for you to learn and grow as a human being beyond what you were in high school. This takes responsibility, and the maturity to do what needs to be done. Don't allow yourself to become a slacker and sleep away this time. Take advantage of it, and make the best of your learning opportunities.
3. Determination
This is a big one, and will get you through those times when you don't think you can make it. There might be a killer class, a homework assignment you think will never get done, or a teacher that you feel isn't getting what you are asking. This is when determination kicks in, and you get through things even when you think you won't. It is essential during finals, and on those nights when you feel you will collapse. Keep a good amount of this in your back pocket, and you will do just fine.
4. A Good Attitude
If there is one thing in your life that you have absolute control over, it is your attitude. When other people are whining and complaining about class, talking, not listening, or are generally negative - you can be the one who keeps positive. This is incredibly contagious, and will help you keep your stress level and worrying down. Also, with a good attitude, you will be more apt to find the good in things, making them easier to navigate.
5. Self-Control
This one cannot be stressed enough. In college, there are multiple temptations that are both good and bad. Alcohol, drugs, and cheating can be dangerous diversions and easy outs when things get tough. Don't fall into those traps - keep on track and focused on what the long term holds. Finishing homework, attending class, and giving yourself a break every once in awhile are signs of good self-control. Also, the people that you hang out with are another sign of being in charge of yourself. If you hang out with people who spend a lot of their free time partying, you will see your college years pass by in a fuzzy haze, but if you find the right people to be around, college can an exciting, fun, and invigorating time.
6. Generosity
This is not something that many would think of off the bat, but it is a wonderful tool to have in your pocket. Share notes in class if appropriate, offer to help someone with a problem, share supplies, and other small acts of kindness are essential. If you do these things, you will be surprised at the amount of kindness that comes back to you. It also makes your life easier, as people will be more positive around you, have a better attitude and they will be more willing to help you when you need it.
7. Ability to see in the long term.
If you can see the picture ahead instead of just the problems that are plaguing you now, you will be able to keep on track in school. Living in the present moment and finding the good in things is great, but is also complemented by remembering why you are here - to get an education, grow, and find your path in life. It is not all about the teacher who is grouchy, or an impossible assignment. These are just little steps in a big plan. Keep our mind out of your problems, and see the general good in what you're doing.
8. An Open Mind
College is a scene of immense debate, differing ideas, and flaring passions about issues. While having a strong opinion is wonderful, remember to be open minded about others perspectives and allow them to have their own thoughts. When you are open to other's ideas, you learn, meet new people with differing points of view, and come to understand the world in many different ways. You avoid being hostile to others when they express an opinion different than yours, and handle a hostile response to your own view with patience and understanding, not allowing someone else to upset you. An open mind keeps your path wide and your options endless. You also to get to meet some interesting people than you would if you were more closed to the world.
9. Integrity
You are studyingand hear about a chance to cheat on a test that is coming up in a class. There is a group that has someone who has figured out a way to get the answers to an exam, or are going to share answers in class using cell phones by texting. What do you do? Say no, and walk away. This may seem likely to not happen to you, but it does occur at times. This is highly tempting to some, as they can avoid studying and have more time for other things, but in reality it is a huge gamble. If you are caught, you can be kicked out of school, which makes it harder for you to attend another college, and leaves a smear on your record. This is not something you want to have to explain at a future job interview. Also, you have a responsibility to yourself - do you really want to have that kind of choice on your conscience? You will be more self-satisfied if you earn the grade you got, not one that you got dishonestly. You will also miss out on the learning from studying, which one day, believe it or not, you just might need.
10. Yourself
Many people try to conform, fit in, and change themselves so that they will not stand out or be isolated at school. Be yourself no matter what, and you will be surprised what kind of response you get. When you are yourself, people trust you more, see your ability to be honest, and respect you for your individuality even when you are a part of the group. If you try to be someone you're not, your college experience will not be as satisfying. You are out of high school, away from any childish cliques, and out in the world beyond - take your original package with you, not a manufactured one.
Now, these are not things that can be picked up on the starting back to school sales, or at the department store. These are internal characteristics that you build for yourself, and can be bought for the simple price of learning, listening, and being open. These items also do not run out, get more expensive, or go on sale - they last a lifetime if allowed to grow. Put them in your pocket when you head off to college, and you will be well prepared for the world ahead of you.