Do you want to make the most of your college experience and find yourself a better person with a nice career? Don’t you want to know as much as possible when entering such an important time in your life? Of course you do, so consider the following helpful information when setting sail for college.

When you are in class, take as many notes as you possibly can. In college, professors will tend to leverage off of the lectures more than the books, as this can help you to get better grades on tests. Also, taking notes is a very important skill that you will need throughout college so it is important to practice.

Your reputation that you gained in high school will mean nothing in college. College is a new school with new people, so you’ll be building a new reputation, too. Try new things and push yourself to succeed.

If you can find someone who took the same class, offered by the same teacher, the semester before you, then ask them about the class. They can give you valuable insight on the teacher’s style of teaching, where the test questions come from, what type of tests there are and many other helpful hints to put you on the right track.

Textbooks can take a huge toll on your wallet. Fortunately, you now have many options to save money. For example, you can rent textbooks online. Another option is to purchase online-only access to required textbooks. While you won’t have a physical book to take notes or highlight in, you will save money in doing so.

Get a schedule. A schedule is something that can really help you, and that goes beyond just your class schedule. Think about having a regular routine about when you eat, shower, and do your homework. This routine will keep things in line for you and help you not to be so stressed out.

Think carefully about planning your classes so that you are sufficiently challenged without being overloaded. It is easy to burn yourself out and not do well at any of them. Try to balance your schedule so that you only have to deal with a couple of hard classes in a single semester; fill your schedule out with less demanding classes.

If you can’t decide between two or more majors, then plan on taking starting classes from each department. You will eventually figure out which major is best for you. After taking these classes, you will also have enough credits for a minor in these areas.

You have to make a reasonable sleep schedule for yourself. Between social activities, work, and classes, college students are bound to not get enough sleep. Unless you get enough sleep, your class focus and concentration will suffer.

When you first get to college, get a map. You will feel a little silly using the map, but you do need to know where to go, after all. Map out your classes and the cafeteria so that you can easily get around when you first begin. That can make your first days less hectic.

If you are strong and well-versed in particular areas of study, you can use your abilities to earn extra money. You can make a lot of money by tutoring your peers in your best subjects. Look for bulletin boards around campus that you can put a flyer on. You could also put an ad in the school newspaper or in the student cafeteria.

If you don’t get the grades you’re used to, don’t take it personally. Talk to the teacher to find out what you can do to improve. Many students who were straight A students in high school get a C or worse on their first assignments or tests when they get to college, so don’t feel ashamed or angry–just get proactive so you can do better.

Your college or university more than likely has a career center. You should visit this center if you need help with your professional projects or if you are about to graduate. The staff will be able to help you put together a good resume, prepare for job interviews and find the best jobs in the area.

College isn’t easy, but it’s supposed to be a time in which you figure yourself out and find your path. This takes much preparation, and you have to approach this experience with a prepared plan of action. Keep the helpful advice you’ve just read in mind as you get started.