For a good time in college, do this

As exciting as college is, it also can be daunting. With University of South Carolina classes starting Thursday, Aug. 18, we thought some last-minute advice was in order for students just starting on their college journey to those pushing toward graduation.

Here are some pointers from current students, alumni and other college graduates for making the most of your experience:

“Do not be afraid to pursue your passions. We all have a preconceived notion of what we want college to be like for us; however we truly do not understand the depth of opportunities until we step foot on campus. I recommend finding an opportunity, an experience, or a student organization that you truly love participating in and stick with it, no matter what your major is.”

Ross Lordo, Student Body vice president, University of South Carolina class of 2018

“New beginnings can be awkward for everyone – it’s not just you. You’re lost on campus, you don’t have a lot of friends yet, you’re living away from home – embrace the awkward by introducing yourself to strangers, sitting next to someone new in your first class and eating with someone who is alone in the dining hall. You may meet your next best friend!”

Katie Hambrick, USC class of 2011

“STUDY! STUDY! STUDY!!!”

Marlene McClerklin, Benedict College class of 1963, USC class of 1973

“While academics are important, make time to go to events and have fun. Sometimes studying can be put on hold in order to go to the big game. Also, the four years go by so fast, so definitely make the most of it.”

Elizabeth Rossi, Jacksonville University class of 2015; USC class of 2017

“Make sure from the start that you take the courses you need to have in order to graduate in four years. To use more than four years is a waste of time and money. Be wary of faculty ‘advisers’ when it comes to making out your schedule. Do not take classes that don’t count toward your graduation even if you can’t get the one you want for that semester because the ‘class is full.’ Look out for yourself.”

William L. McDow, The Citadel class of 1947

“The squirrels at the Horseshoe can and will eat your unsupervised food.”

Lance Davis, USC class of 2016

“You’ll never again have a season of life that allows you to learn, grow, network and discover the way you will as a student at Carolina. Treasure your time here and be deliberate about growing yourself intellectually and personally. Carolina’s motto is “Education humanizes character and does not permit it to be cruel” – our country and indeed our world needs that now more than ever and Gamecocks can help lead the way!

Jack Claypoole USC class of 1987, Executive Director of My Carolina Alumni Association

“My best piece of advice for incoming students would be to remember who you are and what your most important values are and stay true to that. It is so easy to lose sight of those things during your first couple months of college when you are going through so many changes and new experiences. You will have so much new freedom that you won’t know what to do with it. You will be meeting so many new people and you will want to impress them. You will want to do whatever the ‘cool’ thing to do in that moment is. Before coming to school decide what values are most important to you and think about those values before action and every decision to make sure they align. And if you do find yourself with a group of people who don’t appreciate this, don’t be afraid to walk away, because at a school of 30,000 students, there is someone else here that will.”

Diana Inzirillo, USC class of 2018

“Make your academics a priority. Don’t be late, sloppy or stupid. Set the bar high for yourself and don’t be complacent with unpolished work. Visit the study abroad office early so you can start planning an affordable, meaningful experience overseas. And enjoy the immaculate landscaping on campus while there’s still time.”

Katie Startup, USC class of 2013

“Don’t be afraid to explore other options if the major you chose isn’t working out. The university expects this and will help you come up with a new plan.”

Will Krysiek, USC class of 2016

“Understand that failing is a big part of learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Expand your network beyond the people you usually befriend.”

Melanie Colclough, USC class of 1994

“From my experience, your time at Carolina is all about building relationships. Start early and stay active. You never know what roommate, classmate, or professor will be the one that has a profound impact on your life.”

James L. Anderson, USC class of 2015

“Firstly, find your niche and get involved in extracurricular activities that broaden your network of contacts while also feeding your passions and interests. Those contacts can become a lifeline while in school, but they can also prove to be lifelong in opening professional doors after graduation. Don’t ever squander any connection you make – you’ll be amazed at how, years and years later, those same contacts can come back full circle to assist you with employment, board appointments, introductions, and other things that matter to you in life (and you can provide the same to them).

“Secondly, Don’t blink!”

Julie Jones Horton, USC class of 1985

Celebrity advice

“You have four years to be irresponsible (in college), relax. Work is for people with jobs. You’ll never remember class time, but you’ll remember the time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So stay out late. Go out with your friends on a Tuesday when you have a paper due on a Wednesday. Spend money you don’t have. Drink ‘til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does.”

Tom Petty, musician

“Every year, many, many stupid people graduate from college. And if they can do it, so can you.”

John Green, author

“All of my friends who have younger siblings who are going to college or high school – my number one piece of advice is: You should learn how to program.”

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO

“If I could give my 21-year-old self any advice it would be ‘take as many bikini photos as you can now, because your body is smokin’ hot. And it will not be this bangin’ after childbirth.’”

Maya Rudolph, actress

“Be the left shark. Remember last super bowl, when the Patriots won? You may be thinking of Tom Brady’s deflated balls right now, but I’m thinking of Katy Perry’s halftime performance. She was on stage dancing with two sharks. The shark on the right knew every dance move and performed perfectly. But it was the left shark, the one who went rogue and danced to his own crazy beat, who stole the show. So don’t ever be a conformist for convenience’s sake. Or as Mark Twain put it, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” Be the left shark.”

Meredith Vieira, NBC co-host