This is a list I shared with a senior class I taught on the last day of school. Afterwards, I asked them to create their own "Things I Learned in High School" lists for upcoming freshmen, which included such useful tips as "start your college applications as soon as possible" and "take easy classes with no homework."
- SAFETY FIRST
- Balance new and old relationships, work and play, freedom and discipline
- Expect no leniency on policies and deadlines
- There are absolutely no substitutes for sleep, nutrition, and exercise
- Pick your major(s) for the right reasons
- Avoid credit card debt like the plague
- No one is easy to live with, not even you – be nice to your roommates
- Study abroad
- Take advantage of office hours
- Save early, save often
- Keep up with hobbies that have been important to you
- Successful studying: keep up with reading, vary location and activities, treat yourself to new materials or music, turn off the TV, avoid junk food and sugary drinks, set an alarm, start early to prevent all-nighters
