Jackson Free Press

The transition from high school and living at home to a college environment and living on campus can be difficult. Here are 15 tips from students who have been there and done that.

1. "Don't befriend everyone!" —Alvin L. Ward II, Delta State University graduate student
2. "Don't fall into debt. Manage your loans, refund check, money from parents, etc., wisely so you won't regret it later." —Portsha Franklin, Bethune Cookman University alumna
3. "Strangers make the best roommates, and be friends before you date!" —Rebecca McCracking, Delta State University alumna
4. "Take classes that really count toward your major; study at least two hours a day and do assignments ahead of time." —Corderro Roberts, University of Mississippi senior
5. "Try lots of new things, because you'll never know what you're capable of." —Sara Sacks, Millsaps College junior
6. "I learned not to skip classes unless necessary and to go to the on-campus clinic where you can get free health care and a doctor's excuse for class." —Megan Elizabeth Moore, Mississippi Delta Community College sophomore
7. "Don't overwhelm yourself by taking too many hard classes. Give yourself a semester to adjust." —Qwynton Evans, University of Southern Mississippi senior
8. "Network with upperclassmen to see if they have the books you need." —Christopher Lockhart, Mississippi State University graduate student
9. "Don't be afraid to be yourself. Get involved!" —Samuel Martineau, Southern Utah University alumnus
10. "Remain focused, and try not to let social activities distract you from your studies." —Otisha Paige, Louisiana State University graduate student
12. "If you're unsure of what you want to study, ask yourself, 'what do I really want to do?' Don't just choose something." —Sam Suttle, Belhaven University senior
13. "Use the gym. It's probably included in your tuition anyway, and exercise is a great stress reliever." —Marissa Humphrey, Mississippi State University alumna
14. "Responsibility before recreation. Learn how to manage your business and time before the fun starts." —Gary Burks, Jackson State University senior
15. "No 8 a.m. classes!" —Chas Walker, William Carey University senior
16. "Intern early in college to find out what you really want to do." —Victoria Sherwood, Millsaps College junior

See the definitive guide for college students and newcomers to Jackson at Jackpedia.com