Campus Survival Guide

Whether you're a freshman just starting off or a senior looking to make the last year your best, this fall is your chance for a fresh start on campus. It's easy to blow off studying for an exam in favor of grabbing pizza with your buddies, but surviving college life is all about balancing your school work with your social life and vice versa. To really make this school year your best yet, here are a few tips and tricks to keep you on top of it all when it comes time to start class this fall.

Get to class:  Half of the battle is going to class, and the other half is getting there. Sometimes you sleep in. Sometimes you have to make it all the way across campus in five minutes and getting to class on time seems next to impossible. Make up time with a bike, skateboard or scooter you can count on when you're running late. Get the lowdown on getting around campus with our campus transportation post from Amanda.

Pick up gadgets to go: You'll at least want a computer for school. A laptop is easy to take to class with you to take notes; plus, you can write your papers from the comfort of your dorm room. Trust me, it beats sitting in the campus computer lab all night. Grab a PDA or smartphone to help you keep on top of your schedule, a flash drive to store your schoolwork and an MP3 player to listen to while walking between classes or to drown out noisy roommates when you're studying for finals.

See an advisor: It's easy to want to fill up your class schedule with bowling and guitar classes, but by the time you're a senior, you'll regret wasting time as a freshman. Whether you've declared a major or not, consider talking to an advisor. They're there to help you find the best route through college and to get enrolled in the right classes without overloading your schedule.

Get social on campus: We all know that a big part of the college experience is about having fun and meeting other students. A lot of college students join clubs and societies. You'll get the chance interact with other students and make some friends away from home. You can also get involved with life on campus by going to sports games and other campus events, like parties, concerts and dances.

Stay in shape: Between campus parties, staying up late and grabbing a cheeseburger on the way to class, it's easy to put off staying in shape. Fight the "freshman 15" by signing up for a fitness class through the college or buying a yoga mat and dumbbells you can use in your dorm room. Most colleges have a campus gym for students to use. Find out where it is and make time to go between classes or after study sessions.

Settle into dorm life: Living in a dorm is probably going to be a big change from living at home. Your roommate may be a total stranger, and the shower is likely down the hall. Buy shower shoes, even simple flip-flops, and a shower tote to take to and from the dorm showers. A large laundry bag is great for lugging your duds to the campus laundromat and back, and a mini-fridge in your room is a great way to keep study-time snacks on hand.

What are your plans for surviving campus life this fall? Are you a first-time freshman or a seasoned senior?  For those of you who have already gone through college, what advice can you give for surviving that first semester?

Posted by Andrea Sparks