Hey Max--
Good for you! I wish you nothing but the best. To tell you the truth, there isn't a day that doesn't go by that I don't think about my time in college. I think I can quote Lemmy from Motorhead when I think about college: "I can't remember it, but I'll never forget it." Of course, he was talking about the sixties in his case.
I know I'm a little late posting this, but when you share your computer with your wife who plays the Sims, you have time gaps...
Here are some pieces of advice that I passed onto my cousin when he went to college:
Get this book:
http://microurl.info/evk If you don't feel like following any advice from it, its honestly a very good bathroom read to say the least.
If you decide to pick up a job in college, snag one as a coffee shop barista--discussing things like music, politics and the like can be written off as providing good customer service. Being an on-campus student computer technician is a blast as well.
Get involved: Personally, I joined a fraternity, I was a student disc jockey, and I was in student hall politics. Joining the fraternity was a great experience for me. I can honestly say the only "hazing" I had to receive was voluntarily taking a shot called a "Rusty Nail," which is made with Drambuie and scotch. While being in a fraternity never automatically got me a job interview or got me laid, it did give me the confidence I needed to succeed in life.
Have fun, but not too much fun: Party, have fun, mingle, just don't get too stupid unless you're in a semi-controlled environment. If you decide to go to a party where you don't know too many people, don't get plastered drunk and go crazy--bad things will happen.
Leave your door open: You'll never live anywhere in your entire life like the dorms. You have a micro apartment next to everyone else who has a micro apartment. You will have no outlets, the heat will suck, no A/C, but by leaving the door open, you keep in the loop and see the goings on of student life. It also makes for many opportunities to socialize.
Never rely on the freebie system: I was lucky enough that at Northern Michigan, my dorm room was linked together to the other dorm room by a mutual bathroom, which meant that I only shared a shower with three other people. However, many universities have community restrooms and shower facilities, which means you have several people using the showers. This will mean you will need shower shoes. However, there is always one guy who assumes that everyone else has shower shoes as well, and will forego the shoes, thinking he's clean. If you visit this guy's room, and he's in his socks, you'll know this guy.
Thrift is in: Never pay full retail price for anything in college. Students pride and compliment each other on their thrift store finds: the Argyle socks, the "Class of '87" hoodie, the retro sneakers, etc. Also, find a cheap tie for the outside doorknob, in order to signal a "tutoring session" to your roommate, or if he needs to signal one to you.
Don't own anything new: This goes in part with the thrifting thing. I found out something during my years--in college, sh*t happens. Keep that in mind for your guitar and amp. Get a locking case and lock a cable through the straps of your amp to prevent it from growing legs. Also, register things with your public safety department. They will either take down the serial number of your valuables, or they can possibly offer you an asset tag. This goes for a firearm as well, if you happen to hunt. I did a lot of clay shooting in college, and had my shotgun locked up at public safety.
If you ever have questions, never hesitate to ask--feel free to shoot any of us a message on the boards, and we'll be happy to help.
