By Kiran SidhuSpecial to the Chronicle

It’s been a few weeks since college started and hopefully by now you have ditched the lanyard, found yourself a planner and realized where the edible food is. If you haven’t, time to pull yourself together – it’s only been a month and you’re already falling behind. If you’ve already done these and haven’t set the fire alarm off in your building yet, congratulations! You’re ready to start planning ahead.

Tip #1: Don’t let Netflix Ruin Your Life

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but midterms are coming up and it’s time to start hitting the books. You don’t want to be the student who walks in twenty minutes late to the test in their pajamas and forgets everything they studied the night before. Reviewing early will save you the embarrassment and will prevent the all-nighters. Start by going over your notes every day, creating some flash cards and actually using that expensive textbook. Remember that procrastination is the enemy. Netflix will probably still have that show you’re dying to watch, but you only have one chance to take your midterm.

Tip #2: Selective Friendship (Networking)

In all likelihood you already have a few people you consider your best friends in your dorm, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying to get to know new people. Instead of only hanging out with the same group, why don’t you start making friends with people you don’t share a bathroom with? Commuters, you’re going to need a place to crash come snowstorm season, and dormers, you want a friend that can drive. This is a great symbiotic relationship and there are many more to be found. Start by talking to your classmates, upperclassmen in your clubs, or that guy on the hoverboard.  Who knows, you might just build lasting friendships. Well, maybe not with that last one.

Tip #3: Do You Really Want to Spend the Summer Babysitting Your Sister?

It’s only October, but it’s time to start looking for internships, scholarships and summer programs. Compared to the sophomores, juniors and seniors, you’re at a disadvantage. Start by visiting the career center and create a more professional resume that you can send to potential employers that doesn’t include your mother as a reference. Make sure you show you didn’t peak in high school, be active on campus and be nice to your professors. They might already know about some job opportunities, and you want to be the first they tell instead of that overachiever in the front row. You might just get a great internship that pays. We can only dream right?

Tip #4: Winter is Coming

I’m sure you have noticed by now that Hofstra gets very cold, very quickly. Go get yourself some warm clothing and a bigger umbrella, because you will remember the threat Hurricane Joaquin fondly once it starts snowing. Keeping warm will keep away that cold that everyone’s catching as well, and you won’t have to keep sniffling through your morning classes. It’s not yet time to break out the down jackets, but keep in mind that Ned Stark wasn’t prepared either and look what happened to him.

Tip #5: Always Back Up Your Files

You’ll  thank me later.

Tip #6: Never, Ever Pay Full Price For Your Textbooks Again

You’ve fallen for the trap of the college bookstore, your professor hasn’t used the textbook once and you have no money in your bank account. Though you don’t have to worry about this now, remember come next semester that you can rent your textbooks online or wait until your professor tells you the cheap older edition works just as well. In the meantime, keep your textbooks in good condition and sell them at the end of the semester. This will at least make sure you’re set for winter vacation and not giving your relatives free hug coupons as Christmas gifts.