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Things you should know before starting college
Been to college? Ever wish someone had told you beforehand of all the little things about it that would annoy you? Well, why not help prospective students by adding to our list.
The List
- Teachers aren’t going to do everything for you now, it’s time to take responsibility.
- No-one is going to push you to work harder, if you fail, you’re out, that’s it.
- Don’t get in the teacher’s bad books at the start, this isn’t school and you don’t have 5 years to re-write their opinion of you.
- Administration and start times are likely to be lax, but this doesn’t mean you can slack off.
- Teaching won’t end rigidly when the timetabled time is up, so don’t expect to leave straight away.
- The absence of bells/buzzers will mean you have to be more organised than ever before.
- Make sure you get a planner and PLAN YOUR TIME – organisation goes a long way.
- You should think about writing up your notes as soon as you get them, a couple of months down the line and those notes won’t make much sense...
- Assessment deadlines can be changed at very short notice and things will be reorganised via emails – you’re not at and tutors aren't going to run around to make things easy for you.
- You’ll find your free periods lose their charm pretty quickly...
- You’re going to have to introduce yourself to your new classmates over and over again.
- If you don’t remember people’s names then it looks like you don’t care, and if people think you don’t care then what incentive is there for them to get to know you? Be friendly, and say hi.
- You might have adults in your class and they won’t appreciate being asked for help – they’re students too.
- No-one will care how you’re dressed, your GCSE grades or if you’ve done your homework, so don’t make a big deal out of it.
- Food queues will be large OR you’re going to be spending a lot of money offsite at lunch times.
- Working hard in the AS year will have huge rewards in the A2 year.
- AS Levels do matter, as they influence your predicted grades.
- Choose the right college for you, its very hard to start again somewhere else.
Also See
