I understand just how you feel!! I am a Freshman in my second semester at Spelman College, and I was really nervous in the beginning. My mother is all the way in Texas, while I am in the state of Georgia.

There is a lot of new responsibility involved in going to college, responsibilities that you may have never experienced before. Handling these responsibilities comes with self-knowledge, which is why I believe that so many people say that you find yourself in college.

I would suggest taking a tour of your college, and possibly attending a summer program at your school before you matriculate into the school. I did this, and I believe it helped me so much. Also, practice good study skills now so that it will not be a problem once you start college.

You will definitely make friends because colleges are made up of all different types of interesting people.

I talk to my mom on the phone everyday, which dispels some of the homesickness.

I hope that helped.

I agree with everyone about time management. That is an excellent skill for a Freshman Biology major, French/ Spanish double minor like myself. I have to think about what I need to study for and prioritize things.

Alos, I will be volunteering at an elementary school beginning next Tuesday. I will be volunteering at least twice a week for sure, but it is a possibility that I will look to volunteering as the release that parties bring to most college students.

I have a calendar that I use to log my study time. I also have a notebook for each class, where I write down the homework that will be due and when I completed it. It is essential to me that I stay connected with all of my goals because this is not just an education; I am on the road to fulfilling my purpose.

veggie-thought: "Priorities and goals make college life seem as if it is a part of the whole, big picture."

I am not going to college to please or satisfy society because 1)I do not plan to reside in United States society beyond my years in undergraduate school and 2)I live my own life for me.

I definitely know where you are coming from because college is so expensive!! Learning, researching, and becoming independent, however are priceless, abstract facts of life and skills that I feel that everyone needs to practice. College is not the only place to find this, of course, but why not better yourslf if you can?

There are alternatives to college and everyone is different. I fail to entertain the saying that everyone is not college material because I believe we all deserve to find something that will challenge and nurture us at the same time, which my high school failed miserably at.

I just started school at Spelman on Wednesday, but I took classes at a community college while in high school last year and it provided me with an insatiable thirst for learning. I hope to help other people to find that within themselves as well.

veggie-thought: "Set your goals, your standards far beyond any that have previously been set for you."

That is so true, Rachel.

So much money in the United States is directed towards entertainment. I feel that the priorities are all wrong and should be directed into more intelligent means. Also, money is spent on sending people into outerspace when there are people who do not have enough to eat.

I did not realize that college coaches were being paid so much, but I did realize that teachers are paid very little. Education is just not important, or at least it does not seem to be the top priority, though college education is rather expensive.

veggie-thought: "Priorities are necessary, yet common sense seems to be a virtue."

I would definitely say that attendance is always somehow apart of your grade. Teachers discuss important things in class, things that may be on the test. If you are not present, you will not be able to put the information into your notes and be adequately prepared for the test.

Actually, today is my first real day of college!! I make sure to keep looking at my schedule to remember when each class is because being absent is not an option for me. I just returned from the bookstore to get tablets to make sure that I am organized and ready for class at all times.

Participation is also a great way to learn and if you do not attend class on a regular basis, then participation will be rather difficult.

The point of college is going to class to learn, in my opinion, so attendance should be mandatory. If the teacher does not make it mandatory, expect it of yourself.

veggie-thought: "Always set higher standards for yourself than what have already been set for you."

Well, jmorgan0827, I must say that your story is unique and I cannot say that I know what you are feeling, but I can assure you that you can get through this. My mother always told me that experiences and what happened to you are not you as a person, they are experiences. You have to go through life and never stop learning. Life is one big lesson.

You have to get your education. You may go through times that seem like the hardest thing in the world, but when you think about it later on, it will definitely not appear as difficult. Go through life with an open-mind.

I read your profile and it said you were a senior in high school, which means you have to work very hard this year. I feel that every senior should work hard when it comes to school. College is fun and exciting, but it is not a joke. I don't know if you have started looking at prices yet, but it is growing ever expensive to become knowledgeable. My suggestion to you would be to take college courses now at a local community college or online. You could also take AP tests to exempt you from college courses. Look at your prospective college's website and find out what they require.

Require of yourself to be educated and aware, jmorgan0827!! You are the only one who can do this.

veggie-thought: "Live life like you only have one."

I know what you mean. I go to a private college in Atlanta, G.A., and I did not realize how expensive college was until I began to apply.

I would suggest looking into scholarships and grants. These are great, though they are competitive, because you do not have to pay them back as you would with student loans. I would suggest talking to the financial aid offices at various schools that you have an interst in attending.

Best of luck to you in all of your pursuits.

veggie-thought: "There are solutions to every problem one just must be willing to search for them."

Wow, I am really loving these responses. I have my tentative schedule and it looks as if I will be able to work in the evenings because my last class ends at about three o'clock. The great thing about the job I will be working is that 1) I will be working with children and 2) I will only have to work twice a week. I will be able to save money and have leisure time as well.

I really believe that college is all about balancing one's time and making schedules that work. Nothing is impossible, right guys?

veggie-thought: "When something has to be done, go for it!! Let nothing hold you back."

SarahMarie, that is definitely horrible about what happened to your friend's baby. I trust that all will get much better for her in the near future.

I am at Spelman College for Freshman Week right now. I have registered for my classes and am very excited about what the college experience will bring to me. I have so much to learn and I have to admit that it is strange to be away from my parents. I am fairly independent, but when you are in a new situation such as going away to a residential college, reality really hits you.

College is not easy, but I look forward to the challenge of learning new things and meeting and helping other people. It is so interesting to think that just a few months ago I was complaining on this very website about my high school and now I have graduated and I am in college.

veggie-thought: "Life is fair!!"

I am now a college woman!! My classes start next Wednesday and I am very excited. Hopefully, I will start a part-time job in Septmber at a tutoring center.

What would your advice be to a first year student who plans to work part-time? Would you suggest it? Do you do it? If you have done it, what was your class load at the time?

Share your knowledge!!

veggie-thought: "Share your knowledge. You never know who you may help."