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As many of central Wisconsin’s finest students are gearing up for their first year of college, I reflect upon the advice that I collected as a student and the advice that I now find myself giving as a faculty member at UW-Marshfield/Wood County.

1. Get involved.  College is a great place to meet people, indulge your interests, and better your community.  Consider joining a student group, or an intramural team.  Keep on the lookout for new displays in Gallery 450.  By getting involved in your school, you’ll round out your resume and connect with people who share similar interests.
2. Always sign up for one class that looks like fun.  Sure, you have to take all the core requirements, but there’s always room for a class that you know you’ll really enjoy.  Having a class that you’re really interested in will help keep you motivated throughout the semester.
3. Use the resources your school provides. Colleges are more than classrooms.  Be sure to check out The Learning Center (TLC) for help with writing.   Chat with a librarian about where to find sources for your paper.  Relax in the Commons, and save money by using the Fitness Center rather than paying for a private gym.
4. Choose a major you love.  Take time to explore your interests, and when it comes to finally deciding on a major, choose one that you are passionate about.  If you really care about your major, you’ll be able to make it work for you later on.  Be sure to talk to your advisor about the different majors available, too.  You might be surprised to find out that your school offers majors in fashion design, wildlife ecology or urban land economics!
5. Keep a $20 hidden in your wallet.  That’s right - be sure to hide it behind that old fishing license -someplace where you will forget about it.  You never know when you might need an emergency omelet at Marshfield Family Restaurant or a taxi-ride home.
6. Talk to your professors.  We have specific hours that we sit in our offices, waiting with anticipation for you to ask us questions about your papers or the latest reading assignment.  Talking to your professors is a great way to succeed in class (and make a good impression).
7. You must work… but not too much.  Think about the balance that you need to strike between doing the academic work required of a student and the work that you may need to do to pay for your education.  Which brings me to point number 8…
8. Being broke for a few years isn’t the worst thing in the world, especially if you like ramen noodles.  If you’re taking a full class load, you may not want to work more than 15-20 hours per week.  Be sure to talk to your student services office about scholarships and financial aid available.  Apply for scholarships.  You won’t get money if you don’t ask for it.
9. Go to class.  Read the assigned readings.  Ask for help when you need it (see items number 3 and 6).  You will succeed.
10. Enjoy yourself!  College is a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun.  Savor being a college student because it will be the fastest four years of your life.

Dr. Katie Kalish is an assistant professor of English at UW-Marshfield/Wood County, a freshmen-sophomore campus of the University of Wisconsin.