Food Instead of buying a pop, from local vending machine why not just buy a case of 24 to store at your locker or dorm room. You will be amazed at how much you will save when you buy in bulk. Another way of saving on food is to visit your friend’s fridge on a daily basis and when ever possible try to attend to any free food locations (parties, club meetings…etc) on campus.

Clothing Instead of buying those brand new “check marked” shoes, why not save your money for something that you will really need in college (laptop, books, contraceptives). Try to visit local thrift store and check Ebay on a daily basis, you will be amazed at how many $1 t-shirts are out there.

Printing & Photocopying Many students save money on printing and photocopying by use of a scanner. The student simply scans what he/she needs and emails scanned file back to him/her self. Not only will you save money, but will also have an electronic copy of file which you could later download to your laptop or pda. If you really must print then try not to use school printing services. Most of time these services will cost you an extra 5-10¢ per page, cents which could go towards purchase of a new ink cartridge.

Money Instead of using a credit card, why not only keep cash in your wallet/purse. Not only does this give an exact measure of how much cash you have at hand, and can spend, but will also avoid you from living above your means. Apart from that you could also try finding a part time job on campus, not only will you get some extra cash but will also gain some valuable experience that you can put on your resume.

Learn to Skip Astonishing as it may sound, but I think it is vital for first year students to learn when to skip their classes. I mean you can’t skip all your classes but can and in most cases must in order to pass course. Again problem arises from fact that as a first year engineer you have a finite amount of time to study and in most cases weekend period is not enough. So for greater good you will have to skip liberal studies lecture or optional tutorial. I would rather see a student skip a class to study for a test then for him/her to show up for class and worry about upcoming test or quiz later that day.

Learn From Mistakes I find that it is usually high achievers in high school who are ones who freak out when they see their first C. Rather then understanding from their mistakes they get overwhelmed and in some cases obsessed with mark. They are continuously trying to make up difference by attending every class, compulsively trying to get perfect on every home work assignment and are ones who study all day in their locked rooms. Sure student might get an A on his/hers first semester courses but in long term (usually by end of second year) student will be too burnout and in most cases must drop out from their engineering program.

Take Time to Relax and Exercise I think it is vital for engineers to put aside some time to relax and exercise. Personally, I find nothing more satisfying then pounding a punching bag to vent out all built up frustration after a hard day at school. Apart from exercising, diet also plays a major role. If you can not eat your greens and fruits, on a daily basis, then you should consider taking a multivitamin everyday. Drink more water when ever possible and try to keep your daily caffeine intake to a maximum of two cups, yes I realize it is hard especially when you are doing an all nighter.

Hopefully after reading above hints you will manage much better in being a first year engineering student. Try to embrace your days in school and always try to get a good night sleep.