Best products from r/college

If you know what you are interested in, look for schools that offer that major. Talk with a teacher or coach who you're close to, or your guidance counselor. They can give you some specific options because they know you and your academic record better.

There are plenty of guidebooks out there. My school is in this one. All the schools in there are great and you might find something that clicks. Your guidance counselor or library will probably have a bunch of books like these for you to browse.

Think about what kind of school you want: big/small, urban/rural, east/west/midwest, strong on-campus community/most people live off-campus. Is cost a concern? Try going to a community college first.

What kind of clubs are available to join? Sports? Greek life? Does overall student support seem nice?

Have the dorms been recently renovated or do most people live off-campus? Is it in a safe area?

How easy is it to declare/change a major and minor?

Do students have good relationships with professors? Is there a career center, a tutoring and learning disability center? Are there people that can help you find internships and funding, set up job-shadowing?

Are you ok with Teaching Assistants running most of your classes? Does being in a room with 200 students terrify you? How about a room with 4 students?

Make a list of your likes and dislikes of the colleges you've already visited. Did school A have too much of a "party" atmosphere for you? Was B too big or too small? Was school C too far away or too close? Find what you like, and look for colleges that have a few or more of those qualities. Not everyone has an "a-ha!" moment when they find the perfect college for them. You might have to transfer to find a good place for you. Good luck!

I bought this book on a whim at my local Barnes & Noble

http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Financial-College-Board-Guide/dp/1457303183/

The first third of it has very good information on the Financial Aid process.

I'd wager heavily that the same info is available on a few free websites, and I'd bet the book is available in school and/or public libraries.


I can't help you choose a career path. Your parents are pushing you towards careers where you are handsomely rewarded for the knowledge of the mind more than the strength of your back. Can't blame them for wanting their kid to live a better life. You'll no doubt want your kids to do the same.


Here are two thought-provoking websites:


http://www.payscale.com/college-roi/full-list/by-type/public-in-state/financial-aid/yes/by-major/Business


http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm

Nothing wrong with a Business degree.



Now, how to make the most of the college experience?

• Go to class - every class - every day. Even if you think you can ace the test, you are paying for it so soak it all in.
  
• Go to office hours and interact with your professors. The professor can help you better understand the material.
  
• Find your school's career center and talk to the people that work there. They have the inside scoop on local job fairs and internship opportunities. You should be actively searching for a summer internship every single summer. Spring break is for fun. Summer break is for work.
  
• Take advantage of free opportunities provided by the school. Take swimming lessons.
  
• Find the campus tutor/academic support center and learn what they can do for you BEFORE you realize you are flunking Physics. You are borrowing money to give to the school to help pay people to help you with your homework. Don't be the sucker that never made use of that free service and instead sat in their dorm sweating bullets over what the report card might say.
  
• Find the campus computer support center BEFORE your laptop dies and you have a paper due in two days. Learn what they can and cannot fix for you. Learn where the best school-provided computers are as an emergency backup.
  
• Ask the computer support guys (or gals!) if the University gives away old equipment. Once you work with two or more monitors on your PC its hard to use just the laptop display. A three-year old 20" monitor with a scratch & dent for free isn't so bad.
  
• If you don't know what one of the following is, make friends with a CompSci student and have them explain one of them to you AND USE IT: Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive / OneDrive, DropBox, Box.net. Your term papers should not exist only on your laptop - they should be backed up to one of those services all the time.
  
• Spend two or more nights (evenings) per week OUT of the dorm room. Get out there and experience stuff.
  
• Every school has a stupid tradition. Streak something, Facepaint school colors and sing a song - whatever. DO IT. Thats how great stories are made.
  
• Pay attention to campus news & events. If a guest speaker is coming to deliver a speech about how awesome his company is, because the college told him how to do it, go and listen. It won't be as much fun as hitting the local bar/club, but its better than playing video games. Who knows, maybe the story will provide inspiration.
  

Is your apartment unfurnished? If so you will need some basic furnishings:

• a table
  
• some chairs to go with that table
  
• comfortable seating of some sort- possibly a couch (a futon is nice if you are going to possibly have guests sleep over) or love seat or upholstered chair of some sort
  
• a TV if you feel like you want one (optional)
  
• a bed and a mattress and some bedding and sheets (obviously)
  
• a bedside table (optional)
  
• somewhere to store your clothing if your room does not come with a closet already
  
  As far as basic living supplies go:
  
  
• 4 spoons, knives, forks
  
• mugs
  
• 2 dinner plates, bowls
  
• some knives for cooking
  
• cutting board
  
• mixing bowl
  
• spatula (HEAT RESISTANT) and turner and spoons for mixing. Also possibly a whisk but really you could usually get the job done with a fork
  
• cheap set of pots & pans
  
• a cookie sheet
  
• a fan is usually useful for some airflow
  
• microwave if this is already not included
  
• books just for fun
  
• cleaning supplies: shower cleaner, clorox wipes, swiffer, toilet cleaner, dish soap, windex
  
• plunger & toilet brush
  
  School supplies in college are pretty basic- you don't need much, but depending on your major this could go waaay up or down. But as far as I'm concerned your basic supplies are as follows:
  
  
• laptop (optional- there are always computers everywhere anyway, laptops are just convenient)
  
  
• notebooks and folders OR binder with looseleaf paper, depending on your organizational preference
  
  
• stapler
  
  
• pens and pencils (I like to have two different colors for pens)
  
  
• calculator (if you will be taking math courses- go for scientific because a lot of the time graphing is not allowed)
  
  Things to consider:
  
  
• Will you be paying for wifi and/or basic cable (if you want a TV)?
  
  
• Is your lease for a year or X months? If it is a year, will you have to sublease while you're away for the summer (if you are going away)?
  
  
• How far from campus do you live? What does the general area look like? Are you going to have to take public transportation different places? Know the area.
  
  I know its scary, but living alone is great, and studying in a university is really not a huge deal once you get into the rhythm of things. You'll do great, kid.

Swiffer's are pretty great for cleaning floors and they aren't expensive. Also get a small vacuum for any carpeting. If you like coffee, definitely get a Keurig. If you're in an area that has cold winters, a comforter for your bed will be important (there are some really cute ones at Target). For when it's warmer out, having a small fan will help the air in your room circulate better. As for LED light strips, this one from Amazon worked really well for me.

one of my family friends recommended this book to me after I shared that I did poorly second semester. I read it start to finish the week after the semester ended and implemented some of the time management and study techniques in the book, and did much much better the following year. I'm in my third year as well, and I sort of relapsed after becoming too comfortable with my classes this semester, so I'm gonna give it another read to motivate myself to finish strong. good luck to you and happy Thanksgiving!

I would recommend this book: see if your library has it. It's a "how to college" book that talks about time management, study skills, that sort of thing. It's not quite what it advertises itself to be in the title, but I think it would be useful for you.

I would second /u/SmellsLikeDogBuns (interesting name), and encourage you to attend community college. It's cheap, you can easily fund it with Pell Grants and working a part time job, and getting into a four year school as a transfer student is much easier.

> What's the process of applying to a school like? SATs and things like that?

The school's website will list the requirements. There's an application you fill out (either school specific or the common app), and then they sometimes want test scores (SAT, ACT). US News' rankings are the most commonly used for finding the "best" schools, but your local community college would not be a bad place to start.

For my class I have to buy a specific piano book, but yes, I agree on a separate binder for music. I’m going to get this for my other classes (music fundamentals, rock styles, English & math. I’ll also keep the syllabi in here as well and extra stuff I may need). I actually play three instruments, piano, guitar, and bass clarinet. However, I only need to focus on piano now, since I’m taking that class this semester. Next semester I’m taking guitar (I’d rather get real teacher instruction instead of teaching myself at this point), and outside of school, I’m getting clarinet lessons. My ex boyfriend was helping me learn the clarinet but things are kinda weird with us now, and I don’t know where to go from here. There’s things he couldn’t help with since he played the bassoon but he has clarinet experience. Im required to join concert band next year. I would’ve this year but I stopped playing band in high school, and the instructor advised me to take at least a year of lessons before joining the band, which I’m fine with. Thank you for the suggestions though. I’m also going to buy some staff paper, just in case.

There is no magic bullet here, I'm afraid, and the sooner you realize this for yourself, the easier it will be.
What you're experiencing is a very common problem and you're not the only one struggling with it. What you should focus on is learning /how/ to learn. This will require trial and error and it will take some time.

I want to point you to some resources which have helped me to start overcoming this mindset.

(Unfortunately because I'm on mobile the links won't look very nice but I'll try to clean them up later if I have time)

A Reddit comment - https://www.reddit.com/r/confession/comments/nxdzz/im_not_as_smart_as_i_thought_i_was/c3d91jl

A blog all about effective study habits and developing them - http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/03/30/4-weeks-to-a-40-adopt-an-autopilot-schedule-and-a-sunday-ritual/

A book which talks about the mindset we're in and how we can change it - http://www.amazon.com/Mindset-The-New-Psychology-Success/dp/0345472322

I wish I were more eloquent and could write wonderful, inspiring comment myself. Just know that you're not alone and that this is not a dead end road. You can definitely push yourself and you'll end up with that high GPA again.

Er, there are computers that fit that category as windows, and I was assuming you were already a Mac user. For college I'd always recommend Windows just because most applications you might have to run will often be Windows-only. My sister got a Macbook through her school, and they actually made them to dual-boot Windows since many professors required the use of applications that weren't available on Mac.

I'd personally recommend a Dell XPS 15, it's basically the Windows analogue to the Macbook when it comes to form factor, power, and and battery life, but go to /r/suggestalaptop if you need help deciding which one.

You can always get a small 13" Windows machine and subsequent desktop as well, such as this one. As a bonus you get a touchscreen, which I've come to love on laptops.

How good are your study skills?

Doing things like...

• Planning your time effectively
  
• Taking good notes on lectures and readings
  
• Not procrastinating
  
• Practicing problems for more technical courses "math, chemistry, physics, technology"
  
• Using memory and recall/retrieval for more liberal arts courses "social studies, english, biology"
  
  etc etc.
  
  I think this book really helps to learn better studying skills, where I learned most of what I know.
  
  For actually getting help, check your schools library (if they have one at CC) or just use the internet. Especially with programming classes, there are many tutorials on Youtube and subreddits like /r/learnprogramming

I have them but candle warmers work better and cost way less money. (I have this candle warmer.) I have a candle that I use on my candle warmer and I've used it almost every day for over a year and the candle is still pretty full. This is way better than when I used to actually light the candle wick and the candle would be gone in days. Not to mention, the B&BW wallflower plugs and plugins cost $ and the smell seems to go away after the first few days, so after that, it's pointless.

For the essay, I would have a draft done by the end of the summer. FInd a (ideally smart and well written) friend and peer edit each others essays. In terms of subject...for me, I immediately knew what I would write about (being embarrassed about my addiction to YA books) but for my closest friends it took a few tries. The most important thing is that it's personal though. This is a surprisingly funny and informative read

I, too, was in remedial math when I first started college. Two recommendations: (1) Find the best math professor there is at your school - you need a great teacher. (2) Check out this book from your local library: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322. Cultivate your mindset - you CAN pass remedial math and you WILL pass remedial math, but it's a step-by-step process and it's going to be hard work. You're not inherently "bad" at math. Don't let this one thing stand in your way of achieving your dreams. (3) When you do get back into a math class, check out https://www.khanacademy.org/ for free video tutorials on the topics you are studying for some extra help.

Study smarter, not harder.

May I direct you to: "How to become a Straight-A Student" by Cal Newport. In this book are a lot of strategies to help you learn more while not burning out at the same time.

Also there are smarter ways to study for math and science courses than just chugging at the material again and again until hopefully some of it sticks in your head. "A Mind for Numbers" by Barbara Oakley is a good read for math/science courses.

I'd recommend taking a look at Cal Newport's book How to Become a Straight A Student. It offers some really good advice on how to become a better student, particularly in terms of how to schedule and use your time effectively. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767922719?ie=UTF8&tag=stuhac-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0767922719

I started making friendship bracelets and I would watch documentaries/listening to music. I have to do relaxing activities that require some attention and focus - its hard to just go from 100 to 0 for me. Plus side, you have things that you can give to your friends and you can feel accomplished when you complete it.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Rainbow-Color-Embroidery-Floss/dp/B016HUI756/ref=sr_1_4?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1538110547&sr=1-4&keywords=embroidery+thread

I’m starting college this fall too, and what I plan on having is:

• All in one 5 subject notebook/binder

• Separate one inch binder for my music class (if you have a class that’s not a core class I recommend getting a separate binder or folder for it)

• Folder for important resource papers, syllabi, etc

• Spiral college ruled notebook (you can add paper into that all in one binder I mentioned above, but I prefer having one paper notebook for all my notes)

• Cold insulated water bottle

• Anti-theft laptop/schoolwork backpack (I recommend this )

• Pouch for pencils, sticky notes, paper clips, pens, chapstick, lotion/hand sanitizer, stapler

• Lanyard-wallet for your ID and other important cards (I also recommend this )

• Notebook Planner

• Desk Calendar to put on your desk or hang on your wall

• Flash drives

• Printer and ink

• Laptop

• Pepper spray/other women safety items (it can’t hurt to be prepared)

Hopefully this helps. :)

Have you tried a fabric bedside storage caddy? I've known plenty of people who use them to hold all of the things you'd need it to hold. As long as you're not putting a heavy metal water bottle, it should be fine. They're only around $10-$15.

(As a bonus, I'm going to highly recommend that you consider purchasing a 10 foot + phone charger so that you can use your phone as an alarm in your lofted bed without worrying about battery :)

Example: https://www.amazon.com/Aiduy-Bedside-Hanging-Organizer-Hospital/dp/B0757G9HKD/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3KSXPRWQLB97K&keywords=bedside+storage+caddy&qid=1565311077&s=gateway&sprefix=bedside+sto%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-4

Please read this book first before you make a decision!

​

One and Done: Learn Higher Education's Best Kept Secrets, Skip the Student Loans, and Graduate College Debt Free - in under one year (really)!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MAHBYQ/

Quick read, I start in September so haven't yet tried putting it into practice, but check it out and try out some of the methods inside. Only $5 too

Also curious where you're from? Never heard someone say "making [grade]" before but that may just be that I don't talk much with those across the pond about grades lol

Get off reddit. Read books. My suggestion: How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport. Grab a copy from your library (or buy it--it's only $10) and read it, in addition to helping with your attention span it'll give you good guidance on maintaining a top GPA when you start school. Start things off on a good note, you don't want to have any regrets later.

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn or you can read the book the class is based on.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G3L19ZU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yes, it says math and science but really it's about how the brain learns and it could help you.

Cal Newport researched what the best students did to get A's in this book. There's a lot of stuff in it that was totally counter-intuitive and goes against common opinion.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Straight--Student-Unconventional-ebook/dp/B000MAHBYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396307579&sr=8-1&keywords=straight+a+college

I use this binder/notebook. It's small and light, like a notebook, but I can move pages around and reuse it, like a binder.

My first two quarters after transferring to my new school went AWFUL. I took 18 units each quarter and ended up with a 2.01 GPA. I realized I needed a change and was pretty desperate to try anything. I looked up how to do well in school and found this book and it had pretty good reviews: How to Become a Straight-A Student: The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less https://www.amazon.com/dp/0767922719/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uBLnxbERDTZPP

I thought it would be a gimmick and waste my money. But a lot of the tips helped a lot. This quarter I'm not struggling as much and my grades are above a 3.0.

It's really all about practice and persistence really...I had to learn how to study in middle school, which is why I didn't need my mom asking me "did you do your homework/did you study" everyday. Unless you were directed under those terms, it's kind of difficult to ask you of that kind of diligence and self-dependence when you've never been raised under that environment or put it into practice.

This is a good book that I read over the summer last year, and it really helped a TON before returning to college; even for someone like me that has been putting these practices into play for awhile.

http://amzn.com/0767922719

http://amzn.com/0767917871

Here's a quick synopsis of the first book, although I recommend reading the whole thing: http://www.scribd.com/doc/18512444/How-to-Become-a-StraightA-Student

http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-GA-7305-14F00-SwissGear-Computer-Backpack/dp/B000NONHYY
This is the one I have it has been really good. Plus all swiss gear stuff is under lifetime warranty so if it ever breaks from anything other then you actively choosing to destroy it you can get a new one from them.

I personally like this one (https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-MultiView-Scientific-Calculator/dp/B001A4G1TY). The only annoying thing is exponents, instead of a "E" button there's a "X10^." I used it for a Calculus based Physics class and it worked just fine.

Here is the mobile version of your link