Monday, January 7, 2013

Grad Advice

By Grace Renninger, INSPIRE Grad
Hello, I’m Grace Renninger. I’m currently attending Florida State University with an undecided major. I’m really enjoying college so far, and I had a lot of questions before I started. Here are some things I’m glad I did, and some things I would do differently.

What I’d do Differently:

1. Taken My Academic Adviser’s Word as Stone:

My Academic adviser recommended I take a class I’d already taken in high school. I didn’t think I needed to, but took her advice, and ended up being very bored in a class I’d already taken. You know what you’re capable of. Talk to your academic advisor if you have a question about a class, but also talk to the students in the class, and if you can, the professor. Then make your decision.

2. Bought My Books Before Classes Started:

I ended up not needing two of the books I bought. None of my classes started using the book until the second week, which is plenty of time to order or buy a book. If you buy your books before classes start, I would recommend asking what the return policy is.

3. Applied For Housing Late

My college tour guides told me to apply for housing early, without mentioning the hefty application fees. I waited until I’d decided on which college I wanted to go to, and ended up in a less-desirable dorm. My dorm is far from terrible, but I wish I’d researched colleges and applied for housing earlier.
                                                                                                                      
What I’d do Again:

1. Was Outgoing

Everyone is trying to make friends the first week. Visiting clubs and going to campus events is a great way to meet new people. If you can’t find a club that interests you, start one! My friend and I started a writing group with some students in her creative writing class, and now we’re all good friends. Be persistent, and you’ll make new friends.

2. Tried New Things

Have you ever heard a Lakota Native American Courting Flute? I sure hadn’t, until someone asked me if I’d like to hear a Lakota Native American Flute concert. Colleges offer a variety of free, interesting events. Keep up on what’s happening on campus, and try new things. You never know what you might learn!

3.  Was Honest During the Roommate Agreement

My roommate and I didn’t know each other before we came to college. We get along great, and I think this is partly because we were very honest with each other. We told each other about ourselves, and what we expected for cleanliness, visitors, and study hours. It might seem awkward, but it’s better in the long run.
                                                           
4. Sat in the Front of the Room

I had three classes with over two hundred students, and I swear I would never have known it if I hadn’t looked behind me. Sitting in the front of the room minimized the distraction and put me right up close to my professor, which made it easier to pay attention.

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