Introduction.
1. Before Arriving on Campus.
What should I take with me—and what should I leave home?
Laptop, desktop, or neither?
Should I have a car on campus?
How will I “fit in” on campus?
2. The First Few Days.
Should I attend all these first-week gatherings?
How should I set up my room?
Should I be concerned about fire safety?
How should I deal with my R.A.?
3. Roommates.
How can I get along with a roommate I have nothing in common with?
How can I tell my roommate about something that’s annoying me?
How can we share some common expenses?
How will I get used to the relative lack of privacy?
How can I deal with the roommate from hell?
4. Food.
What are usually the best choices in the dining hall?
What food options will I have besides the dining hall?
How can I avoid the “freshman 15”?
5. Academics.
What classes should I take?
How many credits should I take in my first semester?
How should I plan my schedule?
Study tonight—or find something else to do?
What happens if I blow off an assignment?
Does it matter if I attend lecture classes?
How and when should I start planning for graduate education?
6. Early Discontent.
How can I be more than a number to my school?
How can I thrive in a class with hundreds of other students?
How can I make the most of the add/drop process?
Should I transfer if I don’t like my college?
7. Thoughts of Home.
How often should I return home?
How often should I e-mail/call my family?
How much should I tell my parents about what really goes on?
What should I do next summer—and by when should I decide?
How will I adjust to life at home next summer?
8. Sleep.
What time should I go to sleep?
How will I make sure I get enough sleep?
Are naps a good idea?
Should I pull an all-nighter?
9. Campus Life.
How do I handle all this free time?
Why should I get involved with campus organizations?
How will I manage my time if I’m involved in activities on campus?
How do I find a club or group that’s right for me?
Should I join a fraternity or sorority?
How can I continue my religion’s observances?
10. Alcohol.
How can I have fun if everyone around me is drinking?
How should I handle alcohol?
Should I get a fake ID?
What if I get busted for alcohol in my dorm?
11. Other Drugs.
Should I try pot or other drugs?
What consequences can I expect if I take drugs?
How can I handle the pressure I might feel to try drugs?
12. Rape.
What do I need to know about rape on campus?
How do I get help if I am the victim of a sexual assault?
What should I consider when deciding whether to file charges?
13. Special Situations.
How do I get help if I have some sort of problem?
When do I get involved in my friend’s problems?
What should I do if I’m pulled over by the police?
What should I do if I’m arrested or otherwise confronted by the police?
14. Grades.
How concerned should I be about grades?
How can I adjust to the midterm/final grading scheme?
What adjustments should I consider after receiving my grades?
15. Choosing a Major.
When should I pick my major?
How do I go about picking a major?
How do I know if a major is right for me?
What do I do if I want to switch my major?
Should I double-major?
Does a minor/concentration really matter?
16. Relationships.
Should I date someone exclusively?
Should I try to maintain a long-distance romance?
What should I consider before hooking up with someone?
How can I tell if I’m wasting my time in a relationship?
Is there room on campus for students with “old-fashioned” values?
Should I move in with my boyfriend/girlfriend?
17. Money.
How much should I work at a part-time job?
Should I accept that great-sounding credit-card offer?
I owe much more money than I can pay back—what should I do?
How can I get by with a very limited cash flow?
Should I apply to be an R.A.?
How can I find a job that will complement my studies?
18. Special Concerns for Student Athletes.
How can I strike a balance between athletics and academics?
What special concerns should I be aware of as a student athlete?
19. Students Discuss Their Biggest Decisions.
Making the most of every minute.
Should I stay or should I go?
Make a run for it?
Time to make a switch?
Being true to yourself
Index.