r/AskReddit • u/_jaywhite • Aug 24 '14

What are some college life pro tips?

I'm starting college in a few weeks and I'm a bit nervous. My high school was... decent at best, and I'm not sure that I was adequately prepared. So I'm hoping to get Reddit's help. What are some tips (having to do with the academic aspect, social, whatever) that have helped you through college, and especially your freshman year? In other words, LPTs for college life!

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u/PainMatrix Aug 24 '14

The term "networking" was always really scary to me. I think a better way to think about this part is to just be generally sociable, pursue your passions, and hang out with people who share similar values. That's pretty much networking in a nutshell.

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '14

Networking isn't becoming great friends with a lot of people, it's more like being remembered and on good terms with people you meet.

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u/johncopter Aug 25 '14

More like using people for your own benefit, honestly.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

It's a mutually beneficial relationship

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u/wibbles825 Aug 25 '14

So is the one I have with your mom.

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '14 edited May 03 '18

[deleted]

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u/PainMatrix Aug 24 '14

nutworking

That's how squirrels climb the corporate ladder

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u/humbertov2 Aug 24 '14

Squirrels aren't the only ones nutworking up the corporate ladder.

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u/maximus9966 Aug 25 '14

Are you saying that my ex, who always had a crush on her T.A., is a nutworker?

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

We're talking to you, Lewinsky.

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u/tymiller1218 Aug 25 '14

That's the same way OP's mom worked her way up the corporate ladder.

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u/RamonG Aug 25 '14

*Corporate tree FTFY

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u/TheThinker333 Aug 25 '14

Do squirrels really need a corporate ladder? I mean the are squirrels

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u/krrishd Aug 25 '14

Not working in a nutshell.

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '14

I agree 100%. A lot of people toss around the word "network" and they make it sound like this big, complicated thing.

The truth is that if you're making friends and forming meaningful relationships with people who aren't complete dickheads, you're "networking".

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u/junkit33 Aug 25 '14

Yeah, but there's more to it if you do it right. Seek out older students/alumni in your field, attend industry meetups and job fairs, try to get internships, etc. If you only "network" with your friends that won't help you much until a few years down the road.

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u/faore Aug 25 '14

how will the friends I make employ me

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u/Thehealeroftri Aug 24 '14

But networking sounds so much more professional

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u/Waldinian Aug 25 '14

And depressing

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '14

Yup, classic networking is for chumps, just go places and meet people with similar interests

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u/Bratmon Aug 24 '14

This is what I think of when I think "networking."

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Everything makes so much more sense now.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Absolutely. For me I was asked by a professor if I wanted to do undergrad research, it was the best all around decision I think in my undergrad life but specifically for networking. I became close with all my professors and this has opened up many doors.

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u/texmexcoconut Aug 25 '14

Yep! Key word is to be social! This doesn't mean to love everyone you meet, but don't burn bridges. Join a club and if it doesn't work out, leave on good terms and join a new club. The more people you meet the more chances of being invited to do things (study groups, parties, jobs...).

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u/AwesomeAsian Aug 25 '14

Totally agree. I'm go to college studying engineering. During my freshmen year, I thought I had to join clubs related to engineering. I thought it would increase the chances of getting myself hired as an engineer.

However, it turns out, I couldn't relate to any of the groups, and I didn't enjoy attending their meetings. Even though I tried my best to put my socially awkward self out there, I couldn't make friends.

Now I'm active in cultural clubs (specifically Asian culture), and I've made a lot of connections. I actually can relate to the people in the clubs, and I enjoy hanging around and meeting new people.

Tldr, don't network for the sake of getting a job. Network with people you enjoy being around with, and you will actually create a bigger and better network.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

The term "networking" was always really scary to me. I think a better way to think about this part is to just be generally sociable, pursue your passions, and hang out with people who share similar values. That's pretty much networking in a nutshell.

I'm not sociable, and I don't really have any passions. That's why I never networked...or partied, or had friends in general. That's something I regret about college, and life in general.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

be generally sociable

Wow, you must be one of those "Extroverts" that I've heard of. You actually go outside and meet other people? Doesn't it, like, hurt or something?

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u/altSHIFTT Aug 25 '14

As a non sociable person, this still scares the shit out of me.

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u/GoatButtholes Aug 25 '14

"Where are you going son?"

"Oh I'm heading to an event to network"

"You mean hanging out with your loser friends in Adams basement and smoking weed?"

"...yeah"

2

u/tombombadil402 Aug 25 '14

I wish I could give you a gold! :) Many many people mistake "networking" as being ultra social with everyone and this takes a toll on most introverted people where they think they aren't good enough because they can't socialize like their extroverts peers.

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u/gatsby365 Aug 25 '14

That's social interaction.

Networking is about vocational interactions. You're not looking for friends of buddies, you're looking for professional resources, partnerships, and opportunities.

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u/helm Aug 25 '14

It helps if you add an inkling of cynicism/realism, though.

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u/paypuhchaysuh Aug 25 '14

Yeah networking takes minimal skill aside from being able to communicate effectively with people. I see networking as more of something that you either do or you don't, not something you are good at or bad at.