dadofsam

To sum up the more serious posters
If you want to graduate in four years

manage your time
manage your money
manage your ingestion of alcoholic beverages and pharmaceuticals of all kinds
learn things that will be useful in later life, i.e. work

But equally importantly, learn to make sure that with all the abpve going on, you can still have time for fun

Pick up a copy of "Being a college student for Dummies" and read it cover to cover.

tahncol86

Try to find what you really like. You have 4 years of college to understand college... Just have fun and relax!

kyledavid80

Learn how to do laundry. (Unfortunately, it seems many 18-year-olds don't know how to do it.)

othermusicdad

read this -

Freshman year in college is almost over - what I wish I had known before.

jbhgy

Check out this link as well:

How Is College Different From High School?

student14x

ticklemepink

Yes, please learn how to laundry.

I absolutely agree about procrasination and time management... those are the ones you will probably always, always struggle with for the next four years. It's easire to beat procrasination and when you're really enjoying your classes however. So pick classes you'll actually like and want to do the work.

That said, learn the skill of LETTING THINGS GO! You need to move forward in college. Got a C on a paper? Talk to the prof and leave it at that. Learn to enjoy books and other things for the sake of learning, not grades. That's one skill that's become pretty difficult for this particular generation that demands step-by-step process rather than emphasizes on flexiblity and creativity.

ticklemepink

And say NO. And we're not talking about drugs. We're talking about to alochol, peer pressure, friends, etc to ensure moderation and sanity in your life. You don't need to hang around your friends 24/7 when you have work to do.

momreads

Many high school students already know how to do this, but you can make some money if your hall mates do not.

Laundry.

Yes, I have a teacher friend whose son made lots and lots of money while in college washing the gym socks of others.

Some colleges (i.e. Davidson) include laundry services. Most don't.

So have someone teach you how to sort your clothes (or you might end up with pink underwear that you might not want) and teach you how to turn on the washer and dryer.

MidwestMom2Kids_

Know how to arrive on time - that is, how long it takes you to get out the door, how long the drive or walk is...

Professor X

When you get to college:

Pay attention to ALL of the information on the syllabi you receive.
Corollary: Do not lose these syllabi.

Learn your college's policy on academic dishonesty.
Corollary: Do not plagiarize.

Take notes in class.
Corollary: Do not use your laptop to play around on Facebook in class.

Go to your professors' office hours.
Corollary: At said office hours, do not ask how to get an A. Instead, ask relevant questions about the material under study.

Do not treat a grade as if it is a starting point for negotiation.
Corollary: Remember that grades are earned, not given.

Attend classes, even if told by friends that attendance is optional.
Corollary: Remember that since you are being treated like an adult, you should act responsibly, even when given apparent leeway to do otherwise.

When facing difficulties in class, COMMUNICATE with your professors.
Corollary: Communication (in person, by phone, or by email) should be done professionally. Do not begin emails to professors with "Yo Dude."

Do not expect your professors to make exceptions for you.
Corollary: If the syllabus says an assignment is due on a certain day, do not attempt to negotiate because that's the day of your sister's wedding / family ski trip / fraternity party. Turn the assignment in EARLY.

Remember that college opens up a world of opportunity for you that many others do not have.
Corollary: Appreciate it, enjoy it, and remember to thank your parents.

Mika08

Someone said from an earlier post that you can get ready for the fall semester by purchasing the books early and reading ahead.

So is it wise to take your own notes from the books a week or two before classes starts?

House of London

1) If you do not get along with your roommate from the beginning, FIND another roommate quick!

2) Don't think just because you've found your niche or your "clique" of friends you shouldn't be open to new friends because you'd be surprised to find people in all walks of life that are amazing and have had interesting upbringings.

burgler09

Mika, absolutely not, enjoy your summer.. reading the book and taking a few notes is not going to put you at any more of an advantage than if you just worked your butt off and saved up some money and had some fun with your friends.

Panglossian

Learn how to clean effectively; you won't believe how healthier you'll be if you keep your room ship-shape.