Monday, August 25, 2008

Top Ten Things NOT To Do In College

It’s fall semester, and some of our readers are moving on from high school to college. What better time to toss out some advice collected over the years to help smooth the transitions?


Don’t:

--Get in the habit of skipping assignments or classes, thinking you’ll make up for it later. You’ll be just as busy “later,” and have to work harder to catch up.

--Party too hearty. Among other things, remember almost every cell phone these days has a camera, so there’s more than just word-of-mouth to spread word of your antics.

--Skip “stupid sounding” get-to-know-you events like game nights and broom hockey. Sometimes the “stupid” stuff is the most fun.

--Forget that the Freshman Fifteen (the slang for frequent freshman weight gain) can sometimes turn into the Freshman Forty. If you want to stay in the clothes you brought to school, try to think Big Picture when making meal selections. Cheeseburgers and milkshakes are great--just not every day.

--Overlook laundry. That shirt that you found under your bed with dust bunnies and the mocha latte stains? Really shouldn’t be worn again, even if it does match your favorite skirt.

--Neglect your parents. You really do make their day when you call!

--Date the boy in the dorm room next to you...after you break up, you'll have to see him constantly for the rest of the school year, and who likes a run-in with her ex?

--Let your “back home boyfriend” visit to the exclusion of making new friends. This is your life now--embrace it!

--Loan money to classmates, friends, roomates. Nothing spoils a friendship faster than money owed.

--Walk alone at night. Most campuses have escort services that will pick you up at the library and drive you to your dorm. Be smart and alert, even on the safest of campuses.


Please, weigh in. There are way more than 10 “don’ts” and I’d love to hear yours!

Tina

Tina Ferraro
How to Hook a Hottie - Book Sense Top Teen Pick
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress - Finalist, National Reader’s Choice Award
www.tinaferraro.com

8 comments:

The (Mis)Adventures of a Single City Chick said...

Love #2! Although there weren't cell phones with photo capabilities when I was in college (am I dating myself too much?!), there were obviously still regular cameras. To this day, I have five huge photo albums filled with pics of my friends -- mostly at events and parties -- that could potentially do some serious damage if anyone ever became famous. LOL! Not that I'd ever resort to blackmail or anything. ;-)

The Golfing Librarian said...

The father in me says:
Girls-
1. When going out for the evening, put an asprin between your knees, and don't let it drop!!
2. Please don't dress like a hooker! Whether you like it or not, people will judge you by the why you dress. Fair or not, it's true!
3. Don't drink with guys - No matter how nice they seem or how well you know them. Guys are like cheetahs; they will cull the herd by finding the easy, the weak and the vulnerable, i.e., the drunkest. Better yet, DON"T DRINK! It's easier to deal with the teasing your friends may give for not drinking than to deal with the possible consequences of your actions, i.e. the aforementioned asprin may hit the ground.

Guys-
Man up! Take responsibility for your action, treat girls with the same respect that you'd show your mothers and sisters. Nothing says "loser" like a guy trying prove his manhood and trying to "outscore" his buddies.

That concludes today's "Soapbox Sermon"

TinaFerraro said...

Love hearing about your photo albums, Single City Chick, and let it stand as the perfect cautionary tale!

And G.L., you can Soapbox Sermon around me anytime! Thanks for these tips, as well as the male perspective.

stephhale said...

These are great DONT'S, Tina.

Wow, Chuck. I bet your girls are super-excited to bring guys home to meet you. :)

Anonymous said...

Don't be judgemental. The nerdy person sitting next to you could be your next bestfriend.

Janie

TinaFerraro said...

Yes, Janie, or your next boyfriend! And what was it that Bill Gates said in his famous commencement speech? Be kind to the geeks for one day, they may your boss!

The Golfing Librarian said...

Steph,
When it comes to boys, I got no problem going BACK to prison!

;)

Keri Mikulski said...

Great stuff..

Don't believe the guy who tells you there is a 'private' party being held at his dorm, house, etc.. Even if he is adorable and the captain of the football team. :)