Matt Johnson's Guide to Surviving College Life

College is going to be a big change for you in many ways ranging from social life to school work. One of the most important bits of advice I can give to you as an incoming freshman is that procrastination is not your friend. In my experience, procrastination has never been too big of an issue for me and I typically get assignments done in a timely manner. However, I do have friends who constantly put off work and the night before an assignment is due they are filled with stress and complaining. I urge you not to be one of those people because, believe me, come finals time life becomes a lot easier. So, in general have fun and hang out with friends but make sure you are still having time to get work done. Another big thing I think it is important to know is not to freak out about the first grade you get. College is an adjustment in so many aspects and whether it is worrying about other things or just not expecting it to be so hard, it might take time. So, when you get that first grade back just R-E-L-A-X, relax take a breath and go talk with the teacher. Believe me, it will get better and if you keep working, the grades you want will start to come. Now when it comes to specifically College Writing some important things to remember include taking the drafting/revising process seriously along with showing up to class. I know in high school rough drafts and revising might have seemed like a stupid thing that you did because the teacher told you too. However, this year has shown me how valuable revising can be. By taking this process seriously I have really seen my writing improve as I have noticed little mistakes I might have made or things I need to add. Take these processes seriously because when you hand in your paper at the end it becomes a lot easier to feel good about it because you know you corrected at least most of your mistakes. I also want you to know that as enticing it might be to skip class, don’t do it. By going to class, you get the ability to get quality revisions and you also get to take part in activities that will help you figure where you want the paper to go. Go to class, because in the end, it will really help you in writing and improving your papers. With all that said your first semester in college will fly by and as long as you take it seriously, stay calm, and go to class you will be fine.