Student survival guide

Beginning college or university can be daunting, to say the least. Suddenly you're thrown into classes with hundreds of other students (if you can find your classes, that is). You have so many exams to study for that you're thinking of turning that empty shelf in the library into your new bed. The residence food tastes like soap and it's making you fat.

Yes, university may seem scary at first, but don't go running home to mommy just yet. Our super-duper guide to surviving — and thriving — in your first year will help you get through the tough times.

Well, at least it should get you to second year.

Money money money!

"Everything is always more expensive than you think it is going to be. And if choosing between rent and food — your rent can wait 14 days."

— Joshua Shire, University of Alberta, History '07

"I never use debit and I don't have a credit card, because when you don't see the money you're spending, you spend it a lot quicker. "

— Eric Lam, Ryerson University, Journalism '09

Beware those extra pounds

"Sure, I can talk about the freshman 15. I know a kid who did the freshman 40! If you want to avoid the 15 you need to remember two things: It's not the food that's going to make you gain the most weight, it's the beer, cheap beer. And just because paying for food doesn't seem real when you just swipe a card, you shouldn't be buying a pint of Haagen-Dazs every night."

— Belle Kaplan, University of Waterloo, Kinesiology '09

Choosing your major

"Study what interests you! Not only will you do better in your courses, but it can lead to a career that you will enjoy too. Remember, what you decide isn't etched in stone. Whether you want to switch majors or add one, you're free to — it's not as finite as we are sometime lead to believe."

— Alycia Rodrigues, University of Toronto, French & Religion '07

Mimi is your wise elder

• "If your prof has a blue, sad face on ratemyprofessors.com, get out of the class."
• "Something that gets me through a really boring class is repeating the following lines in my head: You paid for this. You paid for this. You can't get a refund. You paid for this."
• "Sleep is a privilege, not a right."

— Mimi Szeto, Ryerson University, Journalism '08

Really, your professors do not want to eat you! (But a few will try to nibble)

"I wish someone had told me that profs are real people. I missed out on a full first year of hanging out with smart people because I thought they were a different breed, when it turns out they're 'hip' and 'with it!' (Just kidding, profs, I think you're sincerely cool. And so should every first year.)"

— Sara Johansson, Western Ontario '06, Calgary '08 Linguistics, Anthropology

"If you're nervous about an exam, see your prof during office hours. Tell them how you're planning on studying and [ask them] whether it's a good approach. Ask whether there are certain materials you don't need to spend as much time going over, etc. If you talk to your prof, they can usually give you hints on what will show up on the exam. Chatting with the prof after class or during office hours is a good method of getting to know them — which is essential if you ever want a reference letter."

— Helen Thi, UBC '07 Political Science

Recall the athletes' guide to good decision-making

"As a first-year varsity athlete there are many new choices that come about in your life. When one of your new compatriots asks for you to have a 'social drink' a few hours before a tryout, it is a good idea to pass on that offer. When that same compatriot enters your room at three in morning on the night before a game to engage in further 'debauchery," stand your ground. In the end, these choices are yours to make and yours alone. Most importantly though, as the infamous Hal Johnson and Joanne Mcleod once said, 'Keep fit and have fun!'"

— Jordan Balaban and Laura Joudrie, Queens, Commerce '07& '08

If all else fails, remember Ilia's advice

Class seating: "Do you sit at the front of the class or by the hot guy/girl? Most people will tell you that you sit at the front so your attention is focused on the lecture. However, you can supplement what you missed in a lecture at home. Are there any lookers there? Who you aren't related to?"

Food: "Know the consequences of eating burgers and ginger beef every day … fatty."

People to avoid:

• "The 'I can drink so much' guy — No one is impressed by his stories. Note: Usually, this is also the 'I hook up all the time' guy. Lies.
• The "hip" old dude - He'll try to tell you not to get caught "ridin' dirty" and that the "hizzy fo shizzy." Don't give him the attention he craves.
• The ultra philosophical — He'll scoff when he learns you can't debate 'Locke's Second Treatise' or don't listen exclusively to indie. His contemptuous smirk will often be visible when people mispronounce 'Caramel Macchiato' — but he'll take their order anyway. "

People to know:

• Professors — "Be nice to the people that grade you.
• The social butterfly — Keep up with the scene by knowing the girl who knows everyone.
• The quiet ones — You always gotta watch out for the quiet ones."

Textbooks: "Buy used if you can. But, don't rely on what other people have highlighted. Despite what you may think, there are some stupid people in university."

— Ilia Poliakov, University of Calgary, Medicine '07

Don't be afraid …

"What's the worst that could happen? You asking a stupid question, when probably all 80 people in the class are wondering the same thing. There are no stupid questions, just redundant ones. "

— Vivian Wong, UBC, International Relations'08

And lastly...

Get involved! Join a club or organization. Find a mentor, and a buddy who can fill you in on missed classes. Most importantly, know that what you learn outside of the classroom can be even more profound than what goes on inside of the classroom. And know that these years will go by before you realize it, so make them the best you can.

Good luck, first years. You'll be fine.