Living the College Life

1. Before Arriving on Campus.

What should I take with me—and what should I leave home?

Laptop, desktop, or neither?

Should I have a car on campus?

How will I “fit in” on campus?

2. The First Few Days.

Should I attend all these first-week gatherings?

How should I set up my room?

Should I be concerned about fire safety?

How should I deal with my R.A.?

3. Roommates.

How can I get along with a roommate I have nothing in common with?

How can I tell my roommate about something that’s annoying me?

How can we share some common expenses?

How will I get used to the relative lack of privacy?

How can I deal with the roommate from hell?

4. Food.

What are usually the best choices in the dining hall?

What food options will I have besides the dining hall?

How can I avoid the “freshman 15”?

5. Academics.

What classes should I take?

How many credits should I take in my first semester?

How should I plan my schedule?

Study tonight—or find something else to do?

What happens if I blow off an assignment?

Does it matter if I attend lecture classes?

How and when should I start planning for graduate education?

6. Early Discontent.

How can I be more than a number to my school?

How can I thrive in a class with hundreds of other students?

How can I make the most of the add/drop process?

Should I transfer if I don’t like my college?

7. Thoughts of Home.

How often should I return home?

How often should I e-mail/call my family?

How much should I tell my parents about what really goes on?

What should I do next summer—and by when should I decide?

How will I adjust to life at home next summer?

8. Sleep.

What time should I go to sleep?

How will I make sure I get enough sleep?

Are naps a good idea?

Should I pull an all-nighter?

9. Campus Life.

How do I handle all this free time?

Why should I get involved with campus organizations?

How will I manage my time if I’m involved in activities on campus?

How do I find a club or group that’s right for me?

Should I join a fraternity or sorority?

How can I continue my religion’s observances?

10. Alcohol.

How can I have fun if everyone around me is drinking?

How should I handle alcohol?

Should I get a fake ID?

What if I get busted for alcohol in my dorm?

11. Other Drugs.

Should I try pot or other drugs?

What consequences can I expect if I take drugs?

How can I handle the pressure I might feel to try drugs?

12. Rape.

What do I need to know about rape on campus?

How do I get help if I am the victim of a sexual assault?

What should I consider when deciding whether to file charges?

13. Special Situations.

How do I get help if I have some sort of problem?

When do I get involved in my friend’s problems?

What should I do if I’m pulled over by the police?

What should I do if I’m arrested or otherwise confronted by the police?

14. Grades.

How concerned should I be about grades?

How can I adjust to the midterm/final grading scheme?

What adjustments should I consider after receiving my grades?

15. Choosing a Major.

When should I pick my major?

How do I go about picking a major?

How do I know if a major is right for me?

What do I do if I want to switch my major?

Should I double-major?

Does a minor/concentration really matter?

16. Relationships.

Should I date someone exclusively?

Should I try to maintain a long-distance romance?

What should I consider before hooking up with someone?

How can I tell if I’m wasting my time in a relationship?

Is there room on campus for students with “old-fashioned” values?

Should I move in with my boyfriend/girlfriend?

17. Money.

How much should I work at a part-time job?

Should I accept that great-sounding credit-card offer?

I owe much more money than I can pay back—what should I do?

How can I get by with a very limited cash flow?

Should I apply to be an R.A.?

How can I find a job that will complement my studies?

18. Special Concerns for Student Athletes.

How can I strike a balance between athletics and academics?

What special concerns should I be aware of as a student athlete?

19. Students Discuss Their Biggest Decisions.

Making the most of every minute.

Should I stay or should I go?

Make a run for it?

Time to make a switch?

Being true to yourself

Index.