ClassesSigning up for the right classes can be an overwhelming task without the right knowledge or help. You should always make sure you have a good understanding of the program in which your university provides to enroll in classes each semester. Waiting until the last minute to try to figure it out can cause unnecessary stress and damage your chances of signing up for the right classes.

Every campus has advisors available to teach you how to enroll in classes as well as provide advice as to which ones will be best for your major and interests. Go to your school website and search for classes or advisors to find out how to make the best out of each semester.

It can also be helpful to find mentors, such as upper classmen in your same area of study to get advice on which classes and teachers are best to take!

Explore all the majors your school offers!

Take advantage of free academic advising services!

Classroom TipsCollege 101 by: Mackenzie Jordan

Before you sign up for ANY class, be sure to check out the reviews of the instructor on www.ratemyprofessors.com!

NotesDon’t be “that kid.” That kid is the one that sits in class with nothing on their desk (except maybe their phone) and thinks to themselves “I don’t need to take notes; I’ll totally remember this stuff.” Chances are, you won’t. Even when the current topic is making sense to you while you’re in class, it probably won’t be as clear in your mind when you’re trying to juggle three different exam study guides a few weeks from now.

If your professor uses power point slides to lecture, it is extremely helpful to print them out prior to each class, and use them to follow along and highlight/take notes along with them in class.

The way that I have seen work best for many people is printing the slides with three on each page, and lines for writing your own notes next to each slide.

Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to taking notes, is often times the notes you take in one class can help you (or a friend) in another class, so you should always try to keep them, even when you finish the class. You’ll be surprised how many times a topic can be covered when you’re taking required classes for your major!

Oh, and ALWAYS keep track of your assignments, due dates,

events, and responsibilities in a planner of some sort!

THIS WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE

The PregameThe pregame is what happens when you start drinking before you actually ‘go out’ to the party or the bars. Many times, for girls especially, it will take place while you are still getting ready. The pregame is what you make of it. Sometimes it can even end up being the most fun event of the night if you do it right!

What you will need:

Music Speakers Games/ Cards Drinks (if you’re 21) Friends

The goal of the pregame is to start off the night right by putting yourself in a great mood, and probably getting a good ‘buzz’ before heading out to the house parties or the bars! For some awesome game ideas to play at your next pregame, check out www.partygames.com!

Create a party playlist!

You can never go wrong with a deck of

Partying (21+)College 101 By: Mackenzie Jordan

This is also a great time to text everyone in your contacts to find out where all the hotspots are going to be for the night!

cards!

Going OutNow that you’re done getting ready and are fully ‘pre-gamed,’ you’re ready to hit the town! The only way you should be planning on getting from one place to another, is by walking or calling the local taxi service. Once in awhile you might get super lucky, and have a designated driver (DD), but you should always have a back up plan in place.

When traveling from place to place, always have at least one other person with you. No matter where you are, it is always safer to travel with others.

Getting ReadyThe number one you will need to be aware of before you start getting ready is what the weather will be like that day/night. There’s nothing worse than waiting till you’re out and about to realize that you’re going to be freezing or sweating on your walk home later!

You will also want to consider what type of party, event, or bar you are going to. If it has a theme (such as costumes or formal wear) you want to be aware of that before walking in the door and being the only one not following the dress code.

It is completely normal to look through your entire closet and find out you have ‘nothing to wear.’ This simply means that it’s time to checkout your roommates or friend’s wardrobe! Don’t feel bad, they will probably be happy to do a