Ideas so Freshmen can have the best first year possible (and some tips for more seasoned students as well)

1) Explore Philly!
You live in the 5th largest city in the US which provides a very unique atmosphere. No other city has over 10 well known universities, museums, art galleries, clubs, theatres, every major sports team, an ungodly number of restaurants, and cheese steaks. Take advantage of these opportunities. You will find that house parties every weekend get boring very quickly; exploring Philly never does as walking around a new street corner brings on something you've never seen before.

2) Don't Sweat Your Grades
If you put in an honest, diligent effort and are truly engaged in your work, then you'll be fine. If studying a certain subject is like pulling teeth or is the last thing you want to do, then something's wrong. If this subject is your major, then something is very wrong.

3) Mix Things Up
Don't party too hard. This is one of the main reasons most kids don't succeed their first few years in school. It's expected that you're going to go out and try new things, but don't overdo it.

4) Your RA Can be Your Best Ally
Make friends with your residential assistant. They can be really helpful and you never know when you will need them (e.g., for roommate problems, advice on picking classes, etc.).

5) Get Some Good Headphones
If you want to play games, watch movies or listen to music while your roommate is asleep, headphones are crucial. Splurge on some high-quality headphones; they’ll get you through some tough projects and long all-nighters.

6) Get Involved!
Don't sacrifice quality for quantity in terms of what you get involved in. You'll always want to do more than what you have time for, so limit your commitments to what you can really get deeply engaged in. 

7) Learn to Manage Your Time
Even if you're the type that doesn't do a bit of studying until 20 minutes before an exam, you need to budget your time at college between classes, activities and socializing.

8) Don’t Buy Books Early
Wait until the first class to buy your books, and buy them used if possible or online. Some of the books that are labeled required may not be. Professors may only choose to use one of the books, or provide handouts instead. Save yourself some money and wait.When the end of the term hits and you're looking to get rid of your books, sell them back to the bookstore. It's not nearly as shady as one of those vans on 33rd street and most of the time, you end up getting more money anyway. Plus, students can get these books for almost half the price as used books when the next term comes around.

9) Get to Know Your Professors
It's not high school anymore. Your classes can be 300+ and your professors will not come to you; you must come to them. Get to know them because they are your most valuable resources for academics and for extracurricular professional opportunities.

10) Plan Ahead
If you decide to live off campus sophomore year, start looking for places early, sometime during the winter term.

11) Make Time for You
Apart from studying, working and hanging out with friends all the time, make time for you. It's the best way to experience college and the best way to be happy when you have to write that paper or study. A balanced life is a healthier one, and leads to better grades in the end.

12) Roommate Conflicts…
If you have a problem with your roommate, address it immediately or it will grow into a bigger situation than is needed.

13) SEPTA Is Your Friend
Buy SEPTA tokens! They’re much more convenient and cheaper than other forms of transportation. Always have a couple pairs sitting around for some weekend fun in the city. Also, remember that SEPTA doesn't give change for any bills.

14) Network
Networking - whether it’s with people in your dorm, classes, or with your professors, you'll never know how far these new contacts will take you. Relationships with your professors may bring you new opportunities with co-ops not found on bannerweb or even a future job, personal advice that you're not willing to ask your advisor or parents, etc. Meeting new friends in your dorm or classroom could lead to new best friends, road trip buddies, and people who know what's happening on or around campus.

15) Change Things Up