The letter has finally arrived welcoming you as a member of the class. You’re about to become a college freshman.

Half of college education has to come from the student. But how? College counselors, faculty advisers and one very successful student offer the following tips on how to get the most out of your college education.

Involvement

The most successful students are those actively involved in their education, interacting with classmates and faculty and participating in activities. You become part of the college community, developing support groups that you can turn to for help. Get involved, but not over committed. In the first term, focus on adjusting to the academic demand.

Time management

“Man is first social animal, then a rational one.” Says a professor at purdue university. So you may find it hard to say”no” each time your roommate wants to see a movie when you need to read paradise lost.

College is known for its distractions. In those first months, you’ll meet people whose values and priorities are different from yours. The newness of the situation and the range of decisions you’ll face could leave you confused.

Think about what you want from college and from friends. Study after breakfast, between classes, whatever works best for you. Don’t cut off all social contacts. They’re as vital to surviving in college as reading. Study Hegel first, then catch a late movie.

Study methods

Would you take a trip by stopping for directions at every station instead of reading a map? Of course not. Studying in college demands more reading and thinking, less memorization than in high school. Survey the material first to get a sense of it: formulate some questions. Jot down key ideas, tell yourself the essence of what you’re read and review it. Does it make sense? Were your questions answered?

The major choice

It is quite appropriate to view college as a broadening experience, a preparation for life. Indeed, many college students do not select their ultimate career path until after they graduate. So take occupational course if you like, but don’t feel complled to mold your major to the market.