Final Words

1. Final Words Dorm room, roommate, eating, sleeping, studying, social life, cash-flow—you land on campus and suddenly all of these things can seriously impact your survival.

2. Money • Make a budget- it’s essential to your success. • cover the essentials • Pay tuition bills and buy books on time! For Jobs assess how much of your income can and should be allotted for each major area of your life. • If you are receiving funds pretend you are being paid. • Budgeting leads to a less stressful experience, period. • Avoid splurges, consider big buys seriously before you commit. • iPod are tempting but it is part of your daily budget • Entertainment is tempting –but it is part of your budget • If you exceeed your budget, rethink the indulgence. • Everyone splurges a little every once in awhile, but making a habit of spending irresponsibly will leave you broke with zero social life. • Pay bills on time • Open them as soon as they arrive in the mail, note due dates on a calendar and make sure they are paid on time. • Your bills could be directly connected to your credit history and score. • Don’t graduate fighting an uphill financial battle because of poor credit history.

3. Study Tips • A successful college career is maintaining good grades. • Working out a regular study schedule and set good habits: • Review class notes each day after every class to keep the content fresh in your mind. • Form study groups with trusted classmates to review particularly tough material. • Stay committed to your study schedule. • Avoid studying with distractions around you. • Use campus resources available like writing tutors, math tutors, office hours, IC workshops

4. Use Classroom Time Wisely • When you miss class, zone out, fall asleep -you waste money and risk failing. • Stay at your peak in class • Get plenty of sleep at night • Concentrate on the lecture -- participate if possible • Come prepared • Record particularly detailed and complex lectures and transcribe them later • Use your PLANNERS!

5. Writing Tips • Knowing how to write is essential to a successful college career. • Regardless of what you may think, essay writing is a skill you will find useful in life. • If you are unsure of your writing skills, it may be best to seek out assistance on campus. • Use tutoring resources to your advantage. • Use library/web resources for MLA, APA, Chicago style etc… citing formats –know which one your class will use.

6. Dealing With Dorm Life • Living in a dorm is a whole new experience • Just because you plan on studying hard doesn’t mean your roommate has the same plans. • It takes cooperation on both of your parts to make dorm living work well. • Develop clear lines of communication with your dorm mate right away. • Create a schedule that is amenable to you and your roommate for study, socializing and sleeping. • Use a joint calendar to note each other’s exam dates, important athletic competitions, crunch time for term papers, weekends you’ll be away, nights you have a date, etc. • Be mindful of each other’s personal space and possessions. • Communicate like adults. Screaming will get you nowhere. • Stay safe

7. Emergencies • Campus Police are on campus and can respond immediately to theft, locked out of car etc… You can appeal tickets (see online form) • Do not walk at night alone and do not show your expensive things—use escort services if walking late at night • You can subscribe to UW alert that will alert you of dangerous situations immediately as they occur • You have a number of free counseling sessions available for any issue as a student. • You can take the Strong Inventory Free –ask June Hairston in OMAD • There are Emergency loans, Hardship Withdrawals for emergency situations –immediately seek help from a counselor to get advice on the best option.

8. Finally…It’s Okay to Have Fun • Within Limits if working or have other responsibilities, or an especially challenging class • If you’re very academically motivated why not schedule some play-time for yourself? • Or join a student group or activity on campus (IMA)

9. Dream Project • Started by one of our UB students • If interested in working with high school students –can get experience that can be crucial for applying to Social Work, Education or Teaching in any field. • Remember the 2 credit option for TA internship. We can do this any time during the academic year and summer. Being a tutor for UB students is also and option.

10. Dating • College students all have different mores and values around dating. • Not all people share your values and things can happen quicker than you are used to • What constitutes a relationship may not be the same as your idea • Parties on campus are not the best use of time and can sabotage college • Students activities that enhance your college career are the best use of time. • Healthy relationships are egalitarian with both people contributing and receiving equally • Healthy relationships should add to your college career, not take away from it or those goals you cherish—seek advise or counseling if you are not sure. • Healthy Relationships are fun, not draining.

11. Lastly • Procrastination is your enemy! • Stay: • on time • on task • Move quickly when changes are needed • Talk to your professor if needed • Know your options when emergencies come up • We are in the UB office everyday! Drop in anytime. • Planner Check! OPEN your Planners to last week of Summer! • VIDEO