Do: Keep your space clean
It took you a day (maybe more if you’re anything like me) to get all of your stuff from home organized. Don’t leave everything to be put away until Saturday, when you take something out, put it back. It will keep your roommate(s) happy and you won’t have a panic attack when the cute boy from Biology asks to come over after class and study.
Don’t: Burn bridges
It’s really easy when you’re in the middle of a fight to write the person off and vow never to speak to them again. It’s even easier if this person is going to BU and you’re at UMaine. But don’t; and here’s why. At some point you will regret it. It might not be for another month, or even a year, but there will be a time you look back and wish you had worked harder to bridge the gaps in lifestyle and location.
Do: Absorb every bit of college life you can
You pay tuition for classes but there’s so much more to college life! If you don’t get involved in something you’re really missing out on the culture of UMaine. There’s an organization or cause for anything you’re interested in, and if there isn’t, consider starting one up. If you’re interested in it there’s bound to be other people looking to make a difference too.
Don’t: Fall behind
I’m not condoning never reading for you classes but I will divulge there are few classes in which you don’t need to read every page assigned. That said, it is still important to stay on top of the material. If you don’t understand a concept discussed in class consult the textbook, internet and study buddies. You don’t want to wait until the night before to learn 3 chapters worth of new material.
Do: Schmooze with your teachers, advisor and RAs
These people are here to help you, but they won’t be able to if you go to them at the last minute. If you have a problem in a class or an issue with your roommate or dorm talk to the right person before you’ve hit your last straw. They’ll be able to give you advice on how to deal with it, and be much more willing to help you out later once they know you’ve already tried to problem solve.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Maine chapter.