Good advice for college freshmen, parents

School will start in a few weeks, but it’s not too late to help your college freshman avoid poor choices. Student development offices give this advice:

• Don’t overload your schedule. But remember: You are paying for this, so you want to make a commitment to the basic classes in your first year.
• Plan to go to class, always.
• Study at least an hour for each hour in class. It’s not like high school.
• Avoid committing a certain number of hours to an outside job until after the first week of classes. By then, you’ll have a better idea about how much you can do and still keep up with your studies.
• Ask for help when you need it. There are math and writing labs, peer tutoring, and workshops.
• Keep your social life in balance with study requirements.
• Stay positive. You can do it.
• Don’t feel pressured to choose a career during your freshman year.
• Drop classes if you want, but do it during the designated period.
• Back up your laptop.
• Keep your room reasonably clean and be a considerate roommate.
• Learn to do laundry.
• Find a place to study outside of your residence hall.
• For parents, impress upon your student that college loans are not free money.