Many college students feel both excitement and trepidation about beginning a new stage in their life. It’s a time when you learn about your major and about life. It isn’t always easy to strike a balance when you live away from home, but figuring that out is part of the college experience.

As you prepare to attend college, write all the things you have to take down on a list. You should try going to school prepared rather than calling your parents each week for items that you forgot. This is especially true when attending a college that is far away.

Consider getting a loan to pay for college if you need additional funding. Although you must repay the student loans, they usually have much more flexible pay back options than standard bank loans.

Get used to your schedule and know where to find your classrooms before the first class. This will help you to establish the most time efficient route possible. Make note of any places that you find helpful.

Have everything you need ready when you take a test. Neglecting to bring calculators, notes or other key items can cause unneeded stress and hinder your performance. The professor may not have extra items to lend you, so make sure you have what you need before you leave for class.

Take public transportation to school. Normally it is faster to ride the bus than driving. Finding a parking spot on campus can often be time consuming. You don’t have to pay for gas and parking passes. It’s also a great way to “go green.”

Wait to buy your books until after your classes begin. You may not even need some of the books. This is often the case with online courses. In most cases, the Internet study and professor lectures are all you need to pass.

If you love coffee, don’t buy a cup every day. It just costs more than is necessary. Make coffee at home. This can help reduce the expense without hurting the quality that much. You can buy a decent quality coffeemaker affordably if you just look.

Don’t take too many hard classes at one time. This can be extremely stressful and can cause your grades to suffer. Try scheduling three easier classes along with a couple of hard ones.

If you cannot decide between multiple majors, take the introductory classes in each one. You will find out more about each as you do the homework. By the time you’ve chosen your major, you may have enough credits for graduating with a couple minor concentrations to have a better degree.

If you are currently employed and are thinking about getting back into school, you may want to try an online university. These are for non-traditional students with inflexible schedules or those who cannot go to classes nearby. In many cases, online schools will allow you the flexibility to do the work on your own schedule.

With any luck, you now have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of college and how you can balance your priorities. Use the information given here, and you can get the most from your college life!