The transition from high school to college can be tough, but current TCU students say hearing advice from older peers is helpful.

Karina Mercer, a sophomore accounting and finance major, said its important to balance studying and friends.

“When you study nonstop, you will burn yourself out,” she said. “Make sure you find time to enjoy life and treasure the friendships you will make. Find a balance between school and fun and you will be much happier.”

Chrishnika Galbadage, a sophomore early childhood education major, said skipping class is a bad idea.

“Make yourself go to class until Spring Break or Thanksgiving so that you will get into routine,” she said. “After that, it won’t seem hard to go to class.”

Talking to professors and networking is also key, said Amanda Edmiston, a junior political science and history major.

“Make the effort to really get to know your professors,” she said. “They are great resources for your entire time at TCU and are more likely to help you if you have already made the effort to get to know them. They are also useful for the tons of letters of recommendation you will need while at TCU.”

Mercer said students should not overwork themselves with class work and activities, and said it is important to learn how to say no.

“In college you are presented with many opportunities and trying to do them all will prove to be impossible,” she said. “Choose the things that you are most passionate about and want to fully invest yourself in. Say no to the rest. Only doing something with half your effort isn’t worth your time.”

Having a roommate can be difficult, said Andrew Wong, a sophomore graphic design major, but learning to work with him or her is important.

“Pot-lucking could either be the best or worse thing,” he said. “If it really bothers you, then get your problems resolved. If needed, change room or roommate. Other than that, enjoy it and get to know the person as much as you can.”

James Gleaton, a senior biology, chemistry and math major, said good organizational skills are helpful.

“A planner – one of the dorkiest things in high school, right? It’s not anymore,” he said. “If you’re like me and can’t remember anything without writing it down, please take my advice and go ahead and invest in some form of one. You’re in college now; it’s OK to act professional.”

Ryan Thomas, a graduate student in the Brite Divinity School, said he thinks the most important thing to remember in life is to be yourself.

“In life it is easy to be someone else, but in college it is important to be yourself, to distinguish yourself from other people and stand out among the crowd,” he said.

Senior e-business major Meghana Mathew said it is important for students to remember what they’re here for.

“Don’t forget that college is an opportunity,” she said. “An opportunity to grow and learn, both in and outside the classroom.”