Alright, friends, here is part two of my guide for new students. Although you will all learn these things eventually, you just as well should learn them now. This will cover dorm life to study skills.
There is nothing more integral to your well-being (unless you're medicated) than how you live and sleep. And when it comes down to it, most of your living is done in your dorm. Hence the Latin root dormire, which means to sleep.
This is my room:
Dorm Room: Your dorm room is your small cubicle of life. You have everything you need (and more) that would be spread across your home packed into a tiny space, most likely shared by another person. Like Clark:
This means making the most of every square inch. The best thing you can do is loft your bed. This pretty much adds all the room taken by your bed. Also hanging things from the corners of your bed (i.e. a laundry bag, a heavy coat, a pet snake) makes extra room. There are loads of space-saving devices that can be purchased online or at a store; USE THEM. Something that isn't necessarily space-saving but certainly is convenient is flipping a desk (this can only be done if a person doesn't use theirs).
This provides a nice side table for a couch or chair. In addition if you take the drawers out of the side, you can store food/drinks in that area.
Another vital dorm room accessory is the alarm clock. What sounds like a no-brainer to most people, isn't necessarily the most obvious to others. Make sure your alarm clock is loud enough to WAKE YOU UP, and always make sure you set it (so you don't sleep through the SATs like I did). If you don't sleep well on your mattress, try getting a foam pad to put under your sheets. This is huge: If you don't study well in your room, don't be afraid to go to the library, it can make all the difference.
Also, as much as it would be nice to be able to live in a completely trust-based society, we don't, so LOCK YOUR DOORS. While you might never have a problem, there is definitely a chance you will. I wouldn't go as far to say lock your door when you go to the common room or to shower, but definitely do when you go out.
Roommates:
Roommates can be awesome and roommates can suck; when you are new it is a definite toss-up. The best thing to do at the very beginning of your rooming relationship is to set down some guidelines (i.e. no music during study hall, lights off after 12, etc.). Although it may sound awkward, it's better than keeping something that is driving you insane to yourself. Don't talk crap about your roommate because it is bound to get back to them; instead, bring any problems you have up with them. Never take anything from your roommate without asking; that is simply a recipe for disaster. Always share your food. Also, make sure you have your roommate's cell number (assuming they have one), because at some time or another you are bound to get locked out. Finally, if your roommate simply isn't working out for you and you have tried everything, request to change rooms (it works: I lived in literally half the rooms in Summerfield my sophomore year). Also, it is not advisable to choose your best friend as your roommate. First of all, you will probably have a hard time getting work done. Secondly, you might not be best friends at the end of your time together. Instead, choose someone you get along with well, but you know won't distract or annoy you.
Although teachers may look upon this advice with dismay, it is absolutely essential to know: Don't overwork yourself freshman and sophomore year. Even though you should always work hard and keep a solid GPA, you should save your Mario Mushroom for when it really counts. As someone who has spent their summer fretting over colleges, I can tell you that the thing colleges like most about grades (besides straight A's) is a sense of academic growth and maturity in a student. That means if you can be a solid B+ student (or whatever it is that you can get while not overworking) as a freshman and sophomore and turn into an A student your junior and senior year, colleges will be more than delighted.
Also, make sure to challenge yourself! That means if a teacher recommends you for an honors or AP class, take it! Even if they don't and you feel you can do well in one, work to get in it. There is nothing a college likes more than a student who pushes themself. But don't just take APs or honors simply because of their name, make sure you take classes you have a passion for. So if you like history, take a history elective, math, a math elective.
Demonstrate academic maturity, hard work, and a passion for learning and you will be golden for college. Disclaimer: if you don't get into Yale, don't blame me.
Study Skills
Finding the right work environment is integral to being successful in school as a whole. Whether it be with homework, presentations, or tests, your ability to focus on your work is vital. Like I said before, don't be afraid to go the library, and if that doesn't work, try structured study hall. Also, if you are feeling overwhelmed with your classes, having a free block can be helpful in getting in that last homework assignment or doing some extra studying. If you are falling behind in a class or just don't get something, extra-help can be a lifesaver (and for you insecure types: don't worry, you will almost never be the only student). Music works for some kids, it doesn't work for others (I advise Mozart while doing math), give it a try and see if it works for you. And most importantly, if you know you have a lot of work, don't save it for study hall or else you will be up all night trying to complete it; just head back to the dorm early and get a head start.
One final piece of advice: Make friends and make nice. You know, that may sound like a dumb piece of advice, but it's integral to your success at Proctor. Make friends with your peers and teachers and make nice with the administration. I don't mean walk into Mike Henriques' office and try to start a conversation about the socioeconomics of healthcare reform, but a friendly hello has never done any harm.
