Two Survival Tips: From Home to College Life
Christopher R. Riley, Georgia Southern University 2009
Student Council Member and NSHSS/Presidential Classroom Public Service Scholarship Recipient

My name is Christopher Riley.  I am from Cordele, Georgia, and a former home-schooled honor student.  I graduated May 2005 and now attend Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.  During the awesome transition of leaving home school to become a college student, I encountered one of the most interesting experiences of my life.  As a result, I will share with you two major tips that I learned during my early days at GSU.

First—register early for classes.  Unfortunately, during my first semester, I registered late because I was attending summer classes at tje Medical College of Georgia which conflicted with the schedule.  I struggled through the horrors of later registration with intense hope and high anxiety about getting enrolled in classes required for the first semester.  After many hours of long lines and uncertainty, I made it.  Today, I attend classes Monday through Friday with really good class hours.

Not taking any chances for the spring 2006 semester I have taken full advantage of certain programs on campus that allow me to register early.  May I never, through my entire college career, experience late registration again.

Secondly, learn where and what time you can eat on campus.  It may not seem important now while in high school but when you get to college there is only one person responsible for feeding you--YOU.  Time flies when you are studying and having fun in college, and sometimes the dining hall and local eateries close before you realize it.  Watch the clock to avoid a common experience shared by many freshmen—hunger.  When you reach the first or second night in college and go to bed slightly hungry, you will understand the importance of Tip Two. 

I hope that these two tips will help you have a smoother transition into college and campus life since part of my job as student council member is to give you a heads-up!  Carefully plan your schedules and enjoy a comfortable transition from home to the good life on a college campus.