1. Tips for Success!

2. Laundry Mom’s not here to do it, and it’s not free! Some Basic Laundry Tips: Wash all colors in cold water Anything 100% cotton will shrink in the dryer Don’t mix whites and bright colors For the soft fresh scent, use a laundry sheet in the dryer Don’t stuff too much in the dryer because it won’t get dry and will cost you more in the end Treat stains immediately with a spot treatment and cold water - hot water sets stains

3. Credit Card Offers You’ve never been so popular! Don’t let credit card companies pressure you to travel the road to debt! Talk credit cards over with your parents Every time you apply (for all those free things they offer) it decreases your credit rating If you decide to have one, get only one to build your credit Pay it off every month Shop around for a low interest rate and watch the fine print (intro APRs of 0% often skyrocket to 20% after a few months)

4. Your University ID Your life on a piece of plastic… Your ID card is your life – don’t lose it If you do lose your ID card, report it immediately and get it replaced Always carry your ID with you!

5. The Neighborhood Yes, there is life beyond your residence hall! People who live in the neighborhood are not “anti-college student” –They are anti-disruptive noise which impacts their family’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. –They are anti-trash in their yard and street since it decreases property value and just looks bad. You are a transient part of this neighborhood; people who live here were here before you came and will be here after you leave. Respect them.

6. Dining Halls and Take-Out So many choices! Watch for the “Freshman 15” – just because you can have more doesn’t mean you should. Use focus dates to help you keep track of your meal points. Ordering take-out adds up (in cost & calories); use it as a treat or reward, not as a standard. Choose healthy options; don’t forget your fruits and veggies! Dining in is more sustainable.

7. Your Voice * Your Choice If you see a problem, work toward a solution. Students make a difference! Find out how decisions are made and get involved. Run for an office; go to a meeting. Student input really counts. Check out www.marylandrha.com. You are an adult now; your parents aren’t here to fix things. If something needs to be changed, you have the power to work toward those changes.

8. Stay Around Take time to enjoy the school you chose!  Don’t go home every weekend even though there will be friends & family (and pets!) you miss. Work on maintaining those relationships, but make sure you take time to make new friends too  The more involved you are in college, the more successful you will be  You will enjoy college much more if you stay around on the weekends – you’ll make friends faster and feel at home sooner

9. Roommates Creating a comfortable home-away-from-home Do a roommate agreement, even if you don’t think you need to! Review it often Talk to your roommate as soon as problems arise; don’t let them build up Get help in solving problems if you can’t do it on your own; talk to your RA Communicate! Your roommate(s) can’t read your mind, and you’re not a mind-reader either

10. Freedom I’m as free as a bird now! Every choice has a consequence There is always more time to have fun, but when a paper is due, it’s due All things in moderation No one will be there to make sure you get up Balance fun and work and you’ll have more fun

11. Security Better safe than sorry! Most thefts at college are done by other college students Make sure you always lock your door Don’t give out your combination or make a copy of your key for anyone Communicate with your roommate about who can have access to your room Don’t leave money out in the open Take home valuables over long breaks Bottom line – use common sense