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College - What To Do Before You Get There
Everyone
probably has an opinion on how to handle things once you arrive
on campus for your freshman year. But almost as important
is what you do before you get there.
It takes a lot of planning to venture successfully into a
new lifestyle. But, in order to plan, you need to be informed.
One of the best ways to find out what you need to know is
to be there. Actually go on campus and get a perspective on
what it is all about.
What do you need to know? For starters, you need to know where
everything is. Where are the classrooms you will be attending?
Where is the library... the campus bookstore... where will
you eat? And where are the transportation key points such
as the parking lots, bus stops and rail stations. Find a map
of the campus (you will probably be able to do this on line)
and get oriented so you can avoid the state of panic that
being late for classes can cause.
If there is an official campus tour, take it. And don't just
walk through it, make notes and revisit some of the facilities
you walked through. Knowledge can do wonders for your confidence.
Here are some places you definitely need to know although
the names may be different depending on the institution:
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Job
Placement: Here is the key to on-campus and off campus
jobs. |
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Career Services: Can help you get information on
your major (such as what kinds of jobs are available)
or help you pick a major if you are unsure. |
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Academic
Advisement: Can ensure that you take the right courses
in the right order. |
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Tutoring
Center: This is the place to find a tutor for your
composition course or statistics or any other classes. |
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Health
Center: Dispenses flu shots, makes needed referrals
and more. |
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Public
Safety Office: They will be there 24/7 for your security. |
If
you are starting MDC this fall, here are links to the college
campus maps. Just click on the campus name:
Take your time; check out MDC's online
orientation.
If you are planning on attending MDC, visit our New
Student Welcome page.
Soak up all the information you can about your institution.
Visit the MDC website
and take an intensive trip through it. It offers an organized
way to train yourself in what it has to offer.
Here are some more things to consider when getting ready for
college:
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Do
an inventory of your wardrobe and fill in the gaps, especially
if you are heading for cold weather. |
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Make
a "to do" list for what you need to do and/or
acquire. |
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Clean
up the details of your personal finances. Be sure you
have something extra to take care of unexpected expenditures. |
Finally,
take care of the inside of your head. It is a good idea to
set up a mental attitude that will get you through the change
and stress of beginning this new phase of your life. Try to
anticipate the bumps that might be ahead of you and think
through ways to handle them. Also, keep focusing on the positive
aspects of this exciting new venture you are undertaking.
And one more tip: Don't forget to set your alarm for an
early wake up on the first day of school. Now you are
"Ready. Set. College"! Apply
to MDC online.
Have any questions? Contact an advisor at 305-273-8888
or at mdcinfo@mdc.edu |
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