Every fall around the world, thousands of young people head off to college. Some are arriving at a campus for the first time; others are returning from a summer off to start their studies once more. No matter what year you are, however, there are always new things to learn. So as a junior Mechanical Engineering student I thought I'd pass along some survival tips for students of all classes.
Make Friends with an Engineer
As an engineer of course I'm going to put this first. However, I can't stress this point enough. Engineers are an ace in the hole. Mechanical engineers can build or fix just about anything, and most of them will jump on the chance to show off their work. From building shelves to fixing damage to your bed, mechanical engineers can do it all.
Electrical and computer engineers are just as valuable to have on speed dial. Got computer troubles? Tech centers might be able to give you some advice, but computer engineers will jump on the chance to test their skills, and generally have some “insider information” on repairing or upgrading computers that tech centers might not be able to provide. Electrical engineers can help with blown fuses, computer difficulty, broken lamps, and many other electrical problems. Engineers tend to be willing to help out, and they can prove to be invaluable during college life. Keep a Large Stash of Duct Tape at All Times
Duct tape is the holy grail of college. It can be a wall mount, a patch on a ripped up textbook, even build a pinch shelf. Plus, it's inexpensive, so keeping it on hand is never hard. When used in conjunction with engineers, there's practically no limit to what duct tape can do. Rate the Difficulty of Your Classes
Difficulty of classes varies, and sometimes you'll run into a class that you find requires more or less effort than its name or number implies. This can be invaluable information, and getting the inside scoop from an upperclassman can give you a real advantage. Finding an easy class can give you a class that you can maybe put off work for while you do more difficult assignments, or even a chance to skip a class to do work or sleep. On the flip side, identifying hard classes early can give you a warning that you might not want to put assignments for that class off and can help keep grades up. Set Aside Tme for Sleep
Never, ever underestimate the value of a good night's sleep. Plus, a power nap between classes can be amazing for your mood or that headache that your eight-am class just happened to give you. Getting enough sleep will keep you focused in class and keep you ready for whatever comes. Plus, sleep can put you in a good mood, and good moods can change everything. Learn to Fix Your Own Computer
College tech centers can help with some problems and engineers can do just about anything, but learning to keep your own computer running can be invaluable at times. There are many basic things you can do to keep your computer running smooth, from defragging a hard drive to keeping antivirus software up to date. Getting the basics down will help you survive not only college but later in the workforce, keeping your own computer running well is a great resume booster. Make Effective Use of Dorm Room Space
Dorm room space is always at a premium, and making what little space you have work to its fullest is a skill. Don't be afraid to try something strange, like using duct tape to hang things from a ceiling or putting your bed on top of your dresser. Cutting down on the room you require can leave you more space to fill with personal belongings, have friends over, or just make the room look bigger. Mark the Belongings You Loan Out
In college, money can be tight. One of the biggest ways to lose money is to lose things you brought, like calculators or sporting equipment. The easiest way to lose these items is to loan them out. People can misplace your item and forget they even have it and you'll never see it again. Simply mark your items before you send them out and you'll avoid the problems of your stuff going missing. Take Time for Yourself
Taking time for yourself can be a huge part of college. With classes, homework, and many other things demanding time, taking time to go for a walk, a bike ride, or even just walking to the local fast-food joint to get dinner alone can be incredibly relaxing. It can help you fight stress, get away from people who want more of your time, and help you take stock of what's important in your life. Don't Let Yourself Get Stressed
Stress will kill you if you let it. Find a way to blow off steam, whether it's with a computer game, playing pickup basketball, or biking off campus for a while. Getting rid of stress is a must if you're going to make it in college. Exercise
Exercising can have many benefits on a college campus. First and most obvious is that it will keep you in shape and feeling good about yourself. Staying in shape will also help if you play any IM sports. Exercise can also help you relieve stress and blow off steam. Plus, exercise helps release endorphins in the body and can put you in a better mood. Exercising before an exam can also have benefits, such as getting blood flowing before you take it.
These are by no means the only important things to remember, but these ten tips helped me survive my first two years of college. To all you incoming freshmen: Take these ideas to heart and you'll make it through alive. Good luck!
