Going to college is an exiting time for students and their parents. However, it may also seem a bit overwhelming. There is a lot of work that goes into applying and going to college. Use the tips in this article to help ease the stress of going to college.

When you are trying to choose a school that you would like to attend you should weigh all of the pros and cons of the school compared to what your major will be. You can find many lists that tell you what the department at the school you are interested in ranks.

When you first apply for college, learn about the professors. It is important to develop a good relationship with the instructors if you want to do well. Talk to them all, and get to know their expectations. It will help you throughout your entire college or university experience to have them on your side.

When choosing your major, think about the kind of job you want, but think about the person you are. If you are someone who doesn’t want to get up before noon, for example, you might not want to choose a major where the job possibilities require you to work early in the morning.

Make sure that you purchase a pair of flip flops for showers in your dorm. These are essential as you do not know the forms of bacteria that are on the shower floor. Also, they can serve as a form of comfort for you during your shower. Flip flops are inexpensive and can be stylish, as they make a great addition to your shower arsenal.

Saying no to things that make you uncomfortable is just as important in college as it was when you lived with your parents. Many students experiment with alcohol or sex during their college years, but if you don’t want to do these things, don’t let anyone pressure you into them. Your college experience should be about having fun, exploring who you are and preparing for your future via your classes–not about doing things you don’t truly want to do.

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.

You are away from home, and no one is going to clean and cook for you. Be sure to keep your clothes and your room clean and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Create a schedule to prioritize classes, study, relaxation and taking good care of yourself. Using these tips will ensure you stay healthy.

Try to do everything in moderation when you enter college for the first time. This means that you should not party too hard or work too hard during your experience. Have a lot of fun, but make sure that you understand you are going to college to learn and expand your possibilities for employment.

Once you start college, you should schedule an appointment with your adviser to set up a study plan. Your academic adviser will help you choose your classes, your activities and make plans for your future. Meet with your adviser on a regular basis to talk about your progress and make sure you stay on the right track.

Keep your loans to a minimum. Look into scholarships, grants and special programs to help pay for college so that you won’t have a lot of debt hanging over your head when you graduate. For many students, loan checks seem like free money while they are in school–but once you get out they become an obligation you may regret.

Be courteous and friendly with your teachers. Professors are the best resources in college. Ask questions and offer to help them. When you have a positive relationship with professors, you will have endless opportunities.

Save money while you’re in college. This can be tough, especially when you think of how much time you don’t have to earn money, and how many things there are to spend money on. Try to save just a few bucks a week that can go for major outings or money crunches.

Take classes that will help you grow, not “easy A” classes. Stretching yourself has its rewards. You’ll learn a lot and have a better college experience.

Take extra writing utensils with you to your tests. There is always a strong possibility that your pencil could break or that your pen could run out of ink while you’re doing your test. Having a backup writing utensil can help you continue your test without being distracted by having to sharpen a pencil or refill a pen.

If you are looking to go back to college, but it has been a while since you were in school, consider attending evening classes. The instructors usually actively work in their fields during the daytime, and teach at night. This helps to bring a different element of real-life experience to the classroom.

Spend lots of time in the college library. There are many things available in the library that can help you with classes. Become acquainted with the librarian who can help you find the materials you need to do your classwork. Libraries often feature postings of textbooks for sale or for trade.

There are many different types of colleges so be sure to choose one that is right for you. If you need more attention in the classroom, than a large school with 300 students to a class might not be your best bet. How you learn can greatly impact how you do at particular schools.

As stated above, going to college is both an exiting and overwhelming time for the student and their family. For the best chance at success in applying for and attending college, it is important to take it seriously, yet enjoy the experience at the same time. Use the tips in the article above to do both.