Any tips for someone going away to university for the first time?
It'll be my first time living on my own and all.
Some good advice has already been given, but I'll add a couple of additional points that I feel somewhat strongly about. Keep in mind that I have spoken to others who feel completely the opposite of what I am about to say, but I will try to back up my statement with an argument that I believe to be convincing.
Get a job (if possible). If it isn't possible explore the possibility. If it isn't possible. Volunteer, a lot!
I didn't work for money. I mean, I got paid and that was nice. But I already had a scholarship and living expenses were covered as well. So money wasn't an issue. I know it is for some people and part-time jobs are necessary for getting an education, hopefully you aren't in that boat.
The experience I received was extremely beneficial. More so to the point that it stopped me from pursuing careers that I would have ended up absolutely hating. I had four jobs during my college years.
One working for the university paper when I thought I wanted to be a journalist. One working as a TA when I thought I wanted to be a teacher/professor. One working a secretary in a law office when I thought I wanted to go into law. One as a lab assistant when I thought I wanted to be a laboratory scientist and the career I ultimately stuck with and continue to really enjoy.
While I didn't hate the first three jobs I quickly saw and realized that I would not enjoy a long, lasting career in those professions and was quickly able to course correct my education/major/job to something different.
My wife (who I ended up marrying toward the end of college did the same, but that is a separate situation and one that others have already talked about) and it was just as beneficial to her. We both refused to work full time. I for one saw way too many students as a TA who did work full time either fail classes or drop out completely. But we were able to graduate with $10,000 saved between us. That allowed enormous flexibility when it came to actually choosing a job to get into as neither of us felt compelled to say yes to the first crappy job that came along offering really low pay and was part of the chunk that we used to make a large(r) down payment on our first house. But the money was just a fridge benefit.
As others have said, the purpose of college is to learn. So if a college job starts to become more important than learning, it isn't being done right. But if you can use a job to learn about a prospective career and make some money on the side while enhancing your education, I say absolutely go for it.
