2008 Woodie Awards
How to survive college in just four years
April McDonald
Issue date: 7/11/07 Section: Opinion
Classes begin Aug. 27 at Austin Peay State University for the Fall Semester, and there are several things you can do to make the year go smoothly, depending on your classification.
Getting through your freshman year
Do not think that you won't get homesick; while it is possible that you won't, be prepared for the possibility. Bring your favorite blanket, the stuffed animal you have slept with since you were a kid, call home when you need to, and remember that your family misses you as much as you miss them.
Roommates do not always become best friends. According to J.A. Clark of The College of Charleston, if your roommate has problems with you, or you with your roommate, listen to what he or she has to say, and work on compromising. If you have still problems with your roommate, see if it is possible to change rooms. If changing rooms is not an option, sit down with your roommate and talk about the problems, then set some ground rules if necessary.
Your professor is not going to wait on you. Showing up to class is very important to your grade. You, your parents, or financial aid has paid for you to have those classes; get your money's worth from them. Learn all you can from your professor and classmates, ask questions, do the work; that's what you came to do.
Do not be afraid to visit the Academic Support Center in the University Center if you feel you need a tutor or any other academic assistance.
Become involved and make friends. Don't sit in your room feeling homesick; get out and experience life, meet new people, and enjoy yourself - after your class work is done, of course.
Getting through your sophomore year
You made it through the first year, and now the second year is starting. Don't give up now.
Continue to develop good study habits. If you didn't consider your grade point average your freshman year, there's no time like the present to start.
The better your GPA is when you graduate, the better your job prospects might be.
Getting through your freshman year
Do not think that you won't get homesick; while it is possible that you won't, be prepared for the possibility. Bring your favorite blanket, the stuffed animal you have slept with since you were a kid, call home when you need to, and remember that your family misses you as much as you miss them.
Roommates do not always become best friends. According to J.A. Clark of The College of Charleston, if your roommate has problems with you, or you with your roommate, listen to what he or she has to say, and work on compromising. If you have still problems with your roommate, see if it is possible to change rooms. If changing rooms is not an option, sit down with your roommate and talk about the problems, then set some ground rules if necessary.
Your professor is not going to wait on you. Showing up to class is very important to your grade. You, your parents, or financial aid has paid for you to have those classes; get your money's worth from them. Learn all you can from your professor and classmates, ask questions, do the work; that's what you came to do.
Do not be afraid to visit the Academic Support Center in the University Center if you feel you need a tutor or any other academic assistance.
Become involved and make friends. Don't sit in your room feeling homesick; get out and experience life, meet new people, and enjoy yourself - after your class work is done, of course.
Getting through your sophomore year
You made it through the first year, and now the second year is starting. Don't give up now.
Continue to develop good study habits. If you didn't consider your grade point average your freshman year, there's no time like the present to start.
The better your GPA is when you graduate, the better your job prospects might be.
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