After all the stress of getting into a college, most students are surprised to learn that the stress isn’t over. The adjustment to college life can be overwhelming and confusing at times, but if you know the right information it can be easier. Here are some tips to help you make a seamless transition into life at college.

Try to take advantage of your colleges resources at all times, as you should visit the counselling center if you are feeling overwhelmed. The people in this center can help you to get back on the right path and make sure that you do not dig a hole that is too deep during your stay.

Once you know what your major is, get to know the professionals in that department. They will be able to advise you and give you valuable information in how to meet your desires. Their experience will prove invaluable as you continue. Furthermore, if you have any problems, they will be able to help you.

If you are looking to get the most out of class then you should sit in the front row. This allows you to keep from getting distracted, and keeps you focused on the lecture. You are more apt to answer questions because you can not see all of the eyes in the class on you.

Carefully consider each purchase, big and small. If you are paying for tuition with student loans, paying them off should be your top priority. Don’t waste your money on pizza, clothing and entertainment–at least not all of it. Sock away as much as possible to repay those loans. Otherwise, you will be swimming in even more debt by the time you graduate.

Make sure to make time for both socializing and academics. Some students spend all their times in their dorm rooms studying, which can be depressing and lonely, while others are so social that their coursework suffers. You should get out of your room and do something fun at least once a week and devote at least an hour a night to studying for each of your classes to help you stay balanced.

Do not put off your college work until the last minute. Your studies are going to be challenging enough without adding the extra stress of rushing through it to get it done in time. Stick to a regular study schedule and do your assignments as soon as you get them in order to reduce your stress.

Attend every class unless you are sick. Unlike when you were in high school, most of the time you are not required to attend all of your classes. However, if you stay home you may miss valuable information or the opportunity to meet other students and get to know your teachers.

As soon after class as possible recopy your notes. Any review you do should be done very quickly after class and then again a few days later. Typing your notes is highly recommended because it will help you learn and organize the material. It will also be easier to review them before tests if they are neatly typed and organized. Additionally, it’s easier to participate in study groups and share your information if it’s in a format others can decipher!

Your college or university more than likely has a career center. You should visit this center if you need help with your professional projects or if you are about to graduate. The staff will be able to help you put together a good resume, prepare for job interviews and find the best jobs in the area.

Make the effort to get to know each of your instructors. Use office hours to visit each instructor at least once during the term. If the instructor is teaching a class in your major or intended major, spend more time in office hours. When you need a letter of recommendation, it will be easier if your instructors know you.

If you have never been to college, you don’t know what kind of an adjustment it can be. Take the tips laid out here and use them to make you have an easier time with the transition. If you apply these tips to your life, you will find that your college life is a blast!