College Survival Skills 101

Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Oct 9, 2006

What stresses you out most about college life? Grades? Test anxiety? Financial aid? Leaving home? Friendships and dating? Living with a complete stranger in a tiny dorm room? Avoiding the Freshman 15? Career choices after college?

If college life information is what you seek, I’m here to help! I’ve always wanted to give students common sense, practical information and insight about real life college experiences. Those student handbooks they pass out at orientation are hokey and talk down to students. I’d like to give you useful tools to help you figure out how to have a fabulous academic and social experience at college— in a way that reflects your personality, your interests, and your values.

My name is Naomi Rockler-Gladen, and I’m an assistant professor of communication and media studies at Colorado State University. I’ve been a part of the world of college education for a long time, and I’ve taught at both public universities (Colorado State, Indiana University, Purdue University, University of Minnesota) and a private liberal arts school (Gustavus Adolphus College).

"As a professor, I’ll be giving you the inside scoop about who professors are, which Nutty Professor to avoid, and how to avoid an Angry Professor. I will tell you what you really need to do to be successful in different kinds of classes, and ways to work the system to get into the classes you need. And I’ll help you as you deal with social issues as well, from dating to drinking to friendships to fraternities and sororities. What kind of information would you most like to know about college kife? How can this website be of most use to you? Let me know what kind of articles you’d like to see by posting your ideas in the discussion section below. Tell me where you’re from and what kind of concerns you have about college. I’ll be seeing you around!

Naomi R-G