So you're ready for a few rules finally! Here are seven:
et's face it, few of us who are starting college were the coolest chicks in high school. Thank heavens, too, because most of those girls are probably in rehab, or worse! But as you look ahead to at least four years among other young people who share a more balanced approach toward life, you can't help feeling the urge to step out a bit -- without falling off a cliff?
1. Moderate Your Party Time
You can find a party seven days the week. Or you can see yourself as a precious gem. If diamonds came a dime a dozen would you still want them? Keep that in mind as you budget your party time. Make a habit of popping into every social gathering and you will soon find your social status dropping into the bargain basement. You can party hearty or chill with suitemates a few days of the week, but partying six or seven days a week crosses the line between having a few laughs and becoming the campus joke. Make a habit of hiding yourself away in the bowels of a library three or four nights a week. It will add to your mystery quotient while elevating your future career prospects a notch or two... or three.
2. Don't Be a Flake
In high school you could get away with breaking promises to friends. In college you'll be judged by adult rules. If you make a date and show up late or worse, you'll become known as a flake. If you lie, you'll be known as a sleaze. If you borrow without repaying, you'll be known as a deadbeat. A rap like that can destroy your prospects of being accepted by your peers. College is the best place to build yourself a reputation as a solid, trustworthy person because the rep will boost you for the rest of your life.
3. Dress Without Excess
In high school you could get away with showing up in school in a micromini and a clingy, cleavage-bearing top. In college come to class looking like a disco queen and you will be branded with a scarlet C (for cheap). No longer will dressing inappropriately be written off to naivetŽ or bad taste. What you wear will be seen as signals of your character, IQ and sexual availability. Does that mean you have to dress like a nun? Hell no! Want to show off some leg? Go ahead, wear that skirt, but keep the top conservative. If you wear jeans then wear that cute halter you've been dying to show off. Of course there are ways to look great without having to show anything. Buy that flattering peacoat that cinches at the waist. You can also draw eyeballs just by putting yourself together. It's all a matter of balance. And keep in mind that in college you can impress more with your brain than your body.
4. Be Open Minded
College is that time of life when you're expected to try new things. You are there to learn from others and to grow through experiences. Afraid of heights? Let that cute guy take you rock climbing. Hate seafood? Let that gourmand friend take you out for sushi. Everyone at college has prejudices and fears. Cool. Just don't shut yourself off to anything without giving it a try or two. If you've always wanted to try acting but were up to your eyeballs in AP classes, here's your chance to take a a theater arts class or seminar. Before signing up for classes, listen to what other students have to say. You will always be surprised by the wild variety of perspectives. You'll be amazed how opening yourself up to other people and new experiences is just another way of multiplying the fun quotient of your life!
5. Be Cordial to Everyone
In high school you may have been treated like a queen bee for dressing and acting like something out of Mean Girls. In college, being a self-important bitch will turn you into an pariah. There is absolutely nothing wrong with treating everyone, even the biggest (*gasp*) geek, with courtesy and respect. When you are cordial, you show people that you are a confident, secure person. That's the kind of person everone is attracted to. Besides, it's smart: you may end up working with — or for — that geek! Remember that half the reason for being in college is to learn how to form healthy relationships with other people. Above all, avoid the tragic mistake of thinking that because you were the smartest, hottest kid in high school you are better than others in college. Those who do end up partying alone.
6. Speak Your Mind
Remember that unique individual you always kept safely hidden away because you didn't want everyone to know how weird you are? Well, it's time to let her out now that you're in college. Speak up, share your thoughts and feelings. Become known as the person with enough backbone to speak her mind instead of losing herself in other people's opinions. This doesn't mean attacking other opinions at every turn. Hear others out. If you disagree, politely share your own perspective on the matter. After all, in college you are expected to make a contribution to the bustling marketplace of ideas. Be mindful however, that your opinions are expected to be backed up by logical arguments. Even if others disagree, they will see you as an active participant in that markeplace. It is in the fire of disagreement that your thoughts will evolve into concrete views and ideas that can withstand public scrutiny.
7. Join Clubs and Organizations
We all know that college is where people are seek lasting friendships and even the sweeties they'll be spending their lives with. So how do you go about meeting these people? You could stay in your dorm room and hope someone will knock on your door. You could casually place your tray at a crowded table in the dining commons and hope you get lucky. But what if you want to enjoy a larger circle of acquaintances than the people on your floor? You'll just have to take a more proactive approach and seek out groups of people who share your interests. Yes, I mean join some of the many clubs and organizations that add so much energy to the social scenes of most campuses. It would be a first-order tragedy if you devoted welcome week solely to trying to get dibs on your first choice of classes! Even if you made that mistake earlier and are about to start your second or third year, clubs and organizations offer new chances at injecting yourself into the social, cultural, political and athletic life of the campus. Never danced before in your life? Sign yourself up for a club for ballroom dancing or hip-hop. Want to change the world right now? Join a political cause or organization with sympathetic views. If you can't find a club that caters to your interests, start one!