The college is in Chicago, which will be a big change from sunny California. I know I'm going to need a very warm coat, and water-proof shoes, and I'm bringing those.
I'm also bringing my desktop computer and as many games as I can fit in the cracks between clothes and the other essentials in my luggage.
Any advice from the Snarkpitters who have done it already? Something besides telling me to actually go to class?
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Stadric on Wed Aug 1st at 7:13am 2007
Posted by Stadric on Wed Aug 1st at 7:13am 2007
Also change the texture of the dock. Docks are rarely tile. -Facepunch
As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Crono on Wed Aug 1st at 7:31am 2007
Posted by Crono on Wed Aug 1st at 7:31am 2007
Study. Seriously.
It helps if you're actually interested in the material (which wont always be a guarantee), but High School is nothing compared to the work load and effort you will need to put into college (eventually). At first, College is pretty easy, but it gets hard FAST.
This may or may not be good advice, feel it out for yourself. I'm not sure how the universities in Chicago work, so it may not be this way there. But, as I've experienced, most instructors really act as if the students are peers rather than beneath them, so treat them the same way. Don't go "crying" to instructors with minor problems, they have no qualms about you passing or failing, so most of the time they wont care either way. But, it might be good to get to know the faculty (especially in your own department), this will help you tremendously, especially if you want to go further than the curriculum (which you should if you do indeed enjoy your field).
Professors are pretty easy to talk to, and you should do just that. Even casual conversation works pretty well.
Another thing is, try to keep the entire duration of your degree in mind during terms. At any given point you will feel overwhelmed like "this will never end", but it does ... if you finish things. Keeping a clear goal is really important it will keep you on track to graduate when you want to. In relation to that, use advisers. You should also research the school's petitions and scholarships too, that never hurts. Look for extra-curricular programs that you're interested in (since you pay for them indirectly). etc.
Work with other people. Doing a degree on your own is not easy or fun (talking from experience).
Also, don't bone chicks that have STDs, but that's a pretty well known one.
It helps if you're actually interested in the material (which wont always be a guarantee), but High School is nothing compared to the work load and effort you will need to put into college (eventually). At first, College is pretty easy, but it gets hard FAST.
This may or may not be good advice, feel it out for yourself. I'm not sure how the universities in Chicago work, so it may not be this way there. But, as I've experienced, most instructors really act as if the students are peers rather than beneath them, so treat them the same way. Don't go "crying" to instructors with minor problems, they have no qualms about you passing or failing, so most of the time they wont care either way. But, it might be good to get to know the faculty (especially in your own department), this will help you tremendously, especially if you want to go further than the curriculum (which you should if you do indeed enjoy your field).
Professors are pretty easy to talk to, and you should do just that. Even casual conversation works pretty well.
Another thing is, try to keep the entire duration of your degree in mind during terms. At any given point you will feel overwhelmed like "this will never end", but it does ... if you finish things. Keeping a clear goal is really important it will keep you on track to graduate when you want to. In relation to that, use advisers. You should also research the school's petitions and scholarships too, that never hurts. Look for extra-curricular programs that you're interested in (since you pay for them indirectly). etc.
Work with other people. Doing a degree on your own is not easy or fun (talking from experience).
Also, don't bone chicks that have STDs, but that's a pretty well known one.
Blame it on Microsoft, God does.
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by OtZman on Wed Aug 1st at 10:48am 2007
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Posted by OtZman on Wed Aug 1st at 10:48am 2007
I haven't got any real advice, just study hard. Good luck with your move, and remember to clean your apartment once in a while (and here I'm talking from experience 
)
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by rs6 on Wed Aug 1st at 4:43pm 2007
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Posted by rs6 on Wed Aug 1st at 4:43pm 2007
What are you studying Stadric?
I'll be off in a couple weeks to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute near Albany to study Electrical engineering.
I'll be off in a couple weeks to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute near Albany to study Electrical engineering.
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Cash Car Star on Wed Aug 1st at 7:21pm 2007
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Posted by Cash Car Star on Wed Aug 1st at 7:21pm 2007
Heh, I went to RPI. It's a good school in aspects, and a bad
school in other aspects. RPI really is a tech school, and if
you're interested in non-tech stuff (writing, athletics, stage, dating)
it's there, but you have to really look for it. I helped found
the student magazine S&W for my release, and I think it's still
being published, which is cool.
Also, the most important advice which I did not take: get to know your professors. Really. Get involved in their research projects and visit them just to talk about the course. You're going to need their recommendations and if you don't make an effort to know them, they're not going to make an effort to know you. It's the nature of the beast. These are research professors, often hired for their intelligence and scientific background. Not to belittle them, but they are rarely hired for their teaching skills or their ability to be the best friend of everyone in their class. Some profs that can't teach at all still have really important/interesting research going on that you need to take the effort to make yourself a part of.
Also, don't pay any mind to any of the jibberish that comes out of the mouth of The Shirley Ann Jackson.
Also, the most important advice which I did not take: get to know your professors. Really. Get involved in their research projects and visit them just to talk about the course. You're going to need their recommendations and if you don't make an effort to know them, they're not going to make an effort to know you. It's the nature of the beast. These are research professors, often hired for their intelligence and scientific background. Not to belittle them, but they are rarely hired for their teaching skills or their ability to be the best friend of everyone in their class. Some profs that can't teach at all still have really important/interesting research going on that you need to take the effort to make yourself a part of.
Also, don't pay any mind to any of the jibberish that comes out of the mouth of The Shirley Ann Jackson.
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Stadric on Wed Aug 1st at 11:09pm 2007
Posted by Stadric on Wed Aug 1st at 11:09pm 2007
I will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Computer Science.
I've got "go to class", "study", and "suck up" (read: whatever you want). Is it true I'll be taught History and English by Feminist Nazis?
I've got "go to class", "study", and "suck up" (read: whatever you want). Is it true I'll be taught History and English by Feminist Nazis?
Also change the texture of the dock. Docks are rarely tile. -Facepunch
As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Cash Car Star on Wed Aug 1st at 11:16pm 2007
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Posted by Cash Car Star on Wed Aug 1st at 11:16pm 2007
I'd be surprised if you have to take those courses at all, given your major.
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Stadric on Wed Aug 1st at 11:37pm 2007
Posted by Stadric on Wed Aug 1st at 11:37pm 2007
I still have to take general ed. I got out of three Gen. Ed. classes because of my AP grades, but I'll still have to take some Freshman year.
Also change the texture of the dock. Docks are rarely tile. -Facepunch
As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Crono on Thu Aug 2nd at 12:13am 2007
Posted by Crono on Thu Aug 2nd at 12:13am 2007
I don't know, my university has a generalized general education system called University Studies ... which are fairly cool courses. They range from studying philosophy to movies. It really depends on your university.
Overall, as CCS said, I doubt you will have to take many, if ANY history or "English" courses. However, you will have to take writing courses. (Computer Science degree requires them, but I'm not sure if you have to take them for a minor)
Overall, as CCS said, I doubt you will have to take many, if ANY history or "English" courses. However, you will have to take writing courses. (Computer Science degree requires them, but I'm not sure if you have to take them for a minor)
Blame it on Microsoft, God does.
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by DrGlass on Thu Aug 2nd at 1:02am 2007
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Posted by DrGlass on Thu Aug 2nd at 1:02am 2007
I feel that my experience may be at the other end of the spectrum than where your heading but here we go:
First off, what ever you get out of your experience is what ever you take from it.
You should also be sure that you are doing what you enjoy and what makes you happy. Money, Parents, Peers all of those things come second to YOU. I'm not saying give up if it gets hard, but don't be afraid to change course you only get one time in your life so don't waste it. Not wasting it goes both ways too, you should be challenged but you should also have a good time.
Strike a balance between work and play that takes into account the present (videogames, girls, parties, etc.) and the future (grades, gradschool, jobs, etc.).
Set goals! Get organized and stay organized I have to say that was my secret weapon. I had a program on my computer that kept track of classes and assignments, I kept a small memo pad on me at all times to write down anything I felt I needed to remember.
Also, I don't know much about your social situation but for me (again I went to an art school with 80 people so it may be different) I went from home life into this absolutely free-for-all environment with drugs, beer, and no bed time. Some people had a really hard time adjusting to that switch. Don't try and prohibit yourself, do what you want to do but educate yourself. I experimented like crazy but I was smart about it, and have a solid GPA plus had a lot of fun. An ex-girlfriend of mine on the other hand was always against drugs and drinking then she got to college and failed her first semester because she couldn't control herself. Like I said above You are in control and are accountable to only yourself.
Lastly, I went from Atlanta, GA to Utica, NY which has an annual snow fall of 11 feet. So my advice on the weather... Buy a good, WATER PROOF, pair of boots and a jacket in Cali. Then get all the rest up in Chicago as you need it. Salvation Army and second hand is your friend. Long John Underwear is your friend. Layers of clothing is your friend.
Well hope that helps.
Good luck and don't stress, its only college.
First off, what ever you get out of your experience is what ever you take from it.
You should also be sure that you are doing what you enjoy and what makes you happy. Money, Parents, Peers all of those things come second to YOU. I'm not saying give up if it gets hard, but don't be afraid to change course you only get one time in your life so don't waste it. Not wasting it goes both ways too, you should be challenged but you should also have a good time.
Strike a balance between work and play that takes into account the present (videogames, girls, parties, etc.) and the future (grades, gradschool, jobs, etc.).
Set goals! Get organized and stay organized I have to say that was my secret weapon. I had a program on my computer that kept track of classes and assignments, I kept a small memo pad on me at all times to write down anything I felt I needed to remember.
Also, I don't know much about your social situation but for me (again I went to an art school with 80 people so it may be different) I went from home life into this absolutely free-for-all environment with drugs, beer, and no bed time. Some people had a really hard time adjusting to that switch. Don't try and prohibit yourself, do what you want to do but educate yourself. I experimented like crazy but I was smart about it, and have a solid GPA plus had a lot of fun. An ex-girlfriend of mine on the other hand was always against drugs and drinking then she got to college and failed her first semester because she couldn't control herself. Like I said above You are in control and are accountable to only yourself.
Lastly, I went from Atlanta, GA to Utica, NY which has an annual snow fall of 11 feet. So my advice on the weather... Buy a good, WATER PROOF, pair of boots and a jacket in Cali. Then get all the rest up in Chicago as you need it. Salvation Army and second hand is your friend. Long John Underwear is your friend. Layers of clothing is your friend.
Well hope that helps.
Good luck and don't stress, its only college.
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Stadric on Thu Aug 2nd at 1:28am 2007
Man, you have no idea.
I've been getting some partying out of the way (or it could be pre-partying) in my last months at home.
I'm not the stereotypical nerd, I only play one on the internet. I can hold my booze/other stuff
well, and I know when to stop and when not to start (and when to just watch everyone else get trashed 
).
Posted by Stadric on Thu Aug 2nd at 1:28am 2007
? quote:
I don't know much about your social situation but for me (again I went to an art school with 80 people so it may be different) I went from home life into this absolutely free-for-all environment with drugs, beer, and no bed time. Some people had a really hard time adjusting to that switch. Don't try and prohibit yourself, do what you want to do but educate yourself. I experimented like crazy but I was smart about it, and have a solid GPA plus had a lot of fun. An ex-girlfriend of mine on the other hand was always against drugs and drinking then she got to college and failed her first semester because she couldn't control herself. Like I said above You are in control and are accountable to only yourself.
Man, you have no idea.
I've been getting some partying out of the way (or it could be pre-partying) in my last months at home.
I'm not the stereotypical nerd, I only play one on the internet. I can hold my booze/other stuff
well, and I know when to stop and when not to start (and when to just watch everyone else get trashed ).Also change the texture of the dock. Docks are rarely tile. -Facepunch
As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Cash Car Star on Thu Aug 2nd at 1:50am 2007
And I'd put money down they have tech-themed writing-intensive courses like "Writing for the Web" that nearly everyone in the program will be taking. Those will be taught by retired businessman who like to stay active.
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Posted by Cash Car Star on Thu Aug 2nd at 1:50am 2007
? quote:
However, you will have to take writing courses. (Computer
Science degree requires them, but I'm not sure if you have to take them
for a minor)
And I'd put money down they have tech-themed writing-intensive courses like "Writing for the Web" that nearly everyone in the program will be taking. Those will be taught by retired businessman who like to stay active.
Cash Car Star
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Crono on Thu Aug 2nd at 7:08am 2007
Posted by Crono on Thu Aug 2nd at 7:08am 2007
I had to take a REAL writing course ... then technical writing, which discusses how to write documents for business and research and crap.
Blame it on Microsoft, God does.
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by Gwil on Thu Aug 2nd at 10:22am 2007
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Posted by Gwil on Thu Aug 2nd at 10:22am 2007
The American college system seems to offer a much better balance of topics encompassed within a degree, going by the comments above. If only we had it over here... o_O
Seriously though - my advice? Put yourself back to the bottom rung - you seem like an intelligent guy and no doubt school has been easier than the average joe for you. The degree course could be too, but never assume so - it pays a lot more to ask questions and more probing questions of your lecturers. Also be prepared to stand and argue against their case, they have a lot of respect for fresh ideas - no matter how wrong they are Also always try and think of classes as holding your peers too - responding to other people after a discussion has started rather than the professor directly helps build your people skills and impresses the top bods.
I'm not sure how much of that can be applied to your course, but as a History student it is good advice!
Oh, and don't study History. They inevitably throw in something really dull about France, which is a big nono! If I have to talk about Napoleon or the Dreyfuss affair any more i'm going to guillotine somebody.
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by CrazyIvanovich on Thu Aug 2nd at 1:36pm 2007
Posted by CrazyIvanovich on Thu Aug 2nd at 1:36pm 2007
Some profs you can work with, some you just have to endure. Being able to tell the difference will come pretty quickly.
Beware the rare but lethal hard-line professor who also has tenure - this person will expect a lot quality work, regardless of your immediate situation, and believe that a C is adequate compensation for it. This because the true bell curve is all knowing.
There's also a lot profs in engineering who have never been in the real world, but attempt to tell you how it works. These are the ones who tell you that you'll never be able to find a job where you're allowed to write in pencil on something other than engineering paper. Just nod politely and let it go. They know their subject, that's all that matters.
Beware the rare but lethal hard-line professor who also has tenure - this person will expect a lot quality work, regardless of your immediate situation, and believe that a C is adequate compensation for it. This because the true bell curve is all knowing.
There's also a lot profs in engineering who have never been in the real world, but attempt to tell you how it works. These are the ones who tell you that you'll never be able to find a job where you're allowed to write in pencil on something other than engineering paper. Just nod politely and let it go. They know their subject, that's all that matters.
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by omegaslayer on Thu Aug 2nd at 3:55pm 2007
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Posted by omegaslayer on Thu Aug 2nd at 3:55pm 2007
Your first semester and basically first year, your gonna ask yourself "Why am I taking all these generalized courses?!" You'll contemplate dropping out because of its stupidity, but don't. It gets better. As the years go on you'll get into more of the focused classes that have realivence to your own goal. Its like a siphon. Its big at the top, and gets narrower at the bottom. Then at which point you realize that you wished you took more generalized classes, because you get sick of nothing BUT what your doing. My advice: enjoy your first year, because later your gonna be wishing you could take those easy courses again.
Your also gonna encounter the super studier. These people are like robots. I don't know if your one of them. But generally they're the ones at the teachers office everyday goign over the last exam they got an "A-" on so they can squeeze out some more points. Don't make the mistake I did by comparing yourself to them, its an unrealistic expectation you'll have on yourself. My advice: get to know your class in the harder courses. Your gonna start seeing familiar faces in your math, engineering, physics, computer science classes. Get to know them so you can gauge yourself to them. Or even better create a study group with them. I can't stress enough of how more productive you are in a group of 3-6 people than you are in a group of 2 or 1.
Your also gonna encounter the super studier. These people are like robots. I don't know if your one of them. But generally they're the ones at the teachers office everyday goign over the last exam they got an "A-" on so they can squeeze out some more points. Don't make the mistake I did by comparing yourself to them, its an unrealistic expectation you'll have on yourself. My advice: get to know your class in the harder courses. Your gonna start seeing familiar faces in your math, engineering, physics, computer science classes. Get to know them so you can gauge yourself to them. Or even better create a study group with them. I can't stress enough of how more productive you are in a group of 3-6 people than you are in a group of 2 or 1.
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by mazemaster on Thu Aug 2nd at 8:09pm 2007
Posted by mazemaster on Thu Aug 2nd at 8:09pm 2007
1 - Be careful with the study groups. I'm not saying you shouldn't use them, just that it's easy to go on autopilot when you are working in groups and not actually learn the material well. Give the homework and studying a first chance on your own before you work in groups.
2 - When you are shopping for courses, ask upperclassmen to see which profs are good and which aren't. http://www.ratemyprofessors.com is a good check if you can't get firsthand info from people you know. Then try to take many classes from good profs, and few from bad ones.
2 - When you are shopping for courses, ask upperclassmen to see which profs are good and which aren't. http://www.ratemyprofessors.com is a good check if you can't get firsthand info from people you know. Then try to take many classes from good profs, and few from bad ones.
Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by OtZman on Thu Aug 2nd at 8:50pm 2007
2 - When you are shopping for courses, ask upperclassmen to see which profs are good and which aren't. http://www.ratemyprofessors.com is a good check if you can't get firsthand info from people you know. Then try to take many classes from good profs, and few from bad ones.
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Posted by OtZman on Thu Aug 2nd at 8:50pm 2007
? quoting mazemaster
2 - When you are shopping for courses, ask upperclassmen to see which profs are good and which aren't. http://www.ratemyprofessors.com is a good check if you can't get firsthand info from people you know. Then try to take many classes from good profs, and few from bad ones.
Seriously, this is what differs the US from Sweden. In Sweden it's freaking forbidden to put a rating on anything or have any thoughts about anything. EVERYTHING is supposed to be equal, all professors are equally good, all courses are equally good, all schools are equally good, all educations, all professions, everything. Man, I wish there had been a site like this one here in Sweden when I chose my school and education, then chanses are I wouldn't have ended up in the sorry excuse for a school filled with sorry excuses for teachers where I'm now.
I had to let it out.
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by rs6 on Fri Aug 3rd at 2:09am 2007
Seriously, this is what differs the US from Sweden. In Sweden it's freaking forbidden to put a rating on anything or have any thoughts about anything. EVERYTHING is supposed to be equal, all professors are equally good, all courses are equally good, all schools are equally good, all educations, all professions, everything. Man, I wish there had been a site like this one here in Sweden when I chose my school and education, then chanses are I wouldn't have ended up in the sorry excuse for a school filled with sorry excuses for teachers where I'm now.
I had to let it out.
Sweden is communist??
rs6
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Posted by rs6 on Fri Aug 3rd at 2:09am 2007
? quote:
Seriously, this is what differs the US from Sweden. In Sweden it's freaking forbidden to put a rating on anything or have any thoughts about anything. EVERYTHING is supposed to be equal, all professors are equally good, all courses are equally good, all schools are equally good, all educations, all professions, everything. Man, I wish there had been a site like this one here in Sweden when I chose my school and education, then chanses are I wouldn't have ended up in the sorry excuse for a school filled with sorry excuses for teachers where I'm now.
I had to let it out.
Sweden is communist??
rs6
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Re: College is Coming Up
Posted by satchmo on Fri Aug 3rd at 4:02am 2007
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Posted by satchmo on Fri Aug 3rd at 4:02am 2007
Ahh...college.
1991 . . . It's so long ago.
Anyway, here are my advice:
1. Don't procrastinate.
2. Get a calendar, put it on the wall. Plan out your studying schedule in advance and stick with it. You can't afford to fall behind.
3. Study hard, but play harder. You're only in college once.
1991 . . . It's so long ago.
Anyway, here are my advice:
1. Don't procrastinate.
2. Get a calendar, put it on the wall. Plan out your studying schedule in advance and stick with it. You can't afford to fall behind.
3. Study hard, but play harder. You're only in college once.
satchmo
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Location: Los Angeles, U.S.
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"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." -- Toulouse-Lautre, Moulin Rouge
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