1. Stay Organized and Never Forget an Event
The moment your stomach drops because you forgot to attend a mandatory event or meeting isn’t the college experience you want. Get a calendar or agenda to mark all of those important dates. Even better, download the calendar application to have your agenda right in your pocket all the time. Cal – Calendar Google/Exchange is an android app that divides events at a glance by the time, day, week, and month. As a nice feature, it sends reminders as notifications to your phone. It takes time management to a new techy level.
2. Get to Know the Bus & the “L” System
Public transportation is the greatest maze of all, well, at least for newbies. Having to be at the right time and location is what it’s all about. It also doesn’t hurt to spend a day exploring the city with a group of friends to familiarize yourself with the system.
3. Invest in a Pair of Snow Boots
It’s one thing to be walking in awful weather, but it’s another to do so without proper shoes. Look into getting boots specialized for Chicago weather. Check for three things when shopping: comfort, special features, and versatility to your current wardrobe. All we do is walk. Comfort is a must! Always read the description of the brand and shoe type. Water-resistant should be a key feature…because who likes wet socks? Finally, the interchangeable style and color of a pair of shoes is essential. Have in mind what outfits you have and what would be a great fit to enhance your look, not degrade it.
4. Always Vibrate Your Phone & Media Sound
Having the class interrupted and have them all stare at you will make you uncomfortable. With Snapchat on the rise, viewing stories during class without the realization that a video with audio is about to pop up might happen during a lecture. Don’t be that kid.
5. Remember the Difference Between Need and Want
This goes back to elementary days, when every item that we wanted at the toy store we felt the need to buy that same day. Many of us still had a diluted version of this mindset, even up to move-in day. Before, the reaction to say yes was easier since we had less responsibility and/or you were planning on your parents buying it for you. Prioritize your shopping list. Think about if you’ll regret not using that money on other purchases. Remember… you’re a college student.
6. Zipper Bags are Life
Invest in clutch and cross body bags. They’re way easier to transport and takes up less room. Plus the chances of getting pickpocketed are less…so I’ve heard.
7. Get the Most Value Out of Your Buck
Going to a store and leaving knowing you got a great deal is how we always want to leave; shopping without regrets. As college students we receive small perks. From going to the movies, clothes shopping, and stocking up the fridge, certain companies give students discounts. Couponing is also another saving strategy. It has gained great recognition in our society recently. Purchase the Sunday paper, separate the coupons that’ll be valuable to your future buys, and watch the final cost go down.
8. RSVP ASAP
UIC always has events to offer. From Blackhawk tickets to free food, spots are limited and first come first serve is the way it goes.
9. Check your Email
The big form of communication in college is email. Back to tip #8, missed opportunities can be avoid by simply reading your student email. To extend it even more, it refers to tip #1 about keeping up with dates. Most events aren’t transferred by word of mouth; the quickest and most common way to get information to others around here is via email.
10. One Wardrobe Essentials: Dress Clothes
Of course college is the time for those sweatpants days, but opportunities occur all the time unlike high school. Since we live in one of the biggest network cities, internships, career fairs, and speaker days are the norm at UIC. Those are all great situations to give off a professional first impression. Have a few dress options to give off that appearance. This tip is especially crucial for business majors.