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Getting your report card is a fun, and exciting time, but there are some times when you go to the mailbox, or even online and you have no idea what to expect.  Sure, many of you probably have an idea on what you’re going to get, but nothing is ever 100% for sure.

If you want to get your grades changed legally, there are some things that you can do about it.  While these techniques may not work for you, you will find that it’s always worth a shot!

Talk with your professor

Most students just throw their report card out, and they are done with it.  This is the worst thing that you can do!  Instead of doing this, schedule up a meeting with your professor, and discuss your grade.  Talking with a professor directly is generally the best bet, but make sure you have evidence to get your grade changed.

Talk with your academic adivser

If you’re looking to get a F changed to a D-, you’re going to have a hard time doing this, because most won’t work with you on this, but if this is a B+ to an A-, and its going to effect your GPA, you’re going to find that an adviser will be all ears.  Explain the situation, and see what they can do for you.

Fill out a petition

If you have the evidence, you should be able to get a grade change petition in your college.  You will find that when you fill one out, you’re going to need some great evidence.  As long as you can prove why your grade is going to change, you will have a great chance.

Is it worth changing?

You really have to sit back, and ask yourself if this is worth changing.  If you’re talking a significant GPA jump, then you will want to consider it.  If you’re just looking to go from a B- to a B, then you may just want to forget about it.

Keep in mind that changing your grade is going to be VERY hard.  While you can try to change it, you will find that it will be a challenge.

As a college student with little, or no working experience at all, you’re going to find that you’re going to want to make some money on the side.  The great thing about working with the college that you’re going to is not only will they give you credit toward your tuition, you will also find that they will pay you on the side.

The positives of working on the college campus:

• You will be close - There’s no reason to travel 10 miles away to work.
• Don’t have to drive - You will always be close to your dorm, saving stress.
• Discounted tuition – A great way to get a discount on your tuition, and save you from future debt.

What kind of jobs am I going to be able to get?

Cafe Worker - There will be a lot of jobs available in the cafe.  From working upper management to washing dishes, to helping college students serve up the food.  All college campuses will generally need workers to help them out with these jobs.

Admin Jobs - There are always a lot of administration jobs available, where you can work for a particular school department.  You will do various paperwork,  as well as other activities such as typing, answering phones and more.

Guest Services / Information – You will be able to greet the future students, as well as help current students with any problems that they have.  You will also help newer students with tours, as well as  point them in the right direction.  This job itself will all depend on how big your college is.

Mail Department - A lot of campuses are huge, when it comes to mail.  Since there will be a mailing department, you will be in charge of sorting mail, as well as making sure that it gets to the right department / building.

Retail / Bookstore - You will work the bookstore, where you will help students with supplies, as well as giving them the books that they need for class.  You will run the cash register, and more.

What do these jobs pay?

Most of the time, you’re going to get around minimum wage, and maybe a little more.  You will also get credits toward your tuition, as well as potentially free meals, and more.  It’s best to talk with your student center to figure out what kind of benefits you’re going to get, as well as pay.

How can I find these jobs?

The best way to find them is simply by visiting the student center, or you can search online for your college’s student center.  For example, if you search for “<college name> student center”, you may be able find open jobs.

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A common problem that you’re going to come across when you’re ready to sign up for classes is that it’s going to be full.  Instead of walking away with your head down, and not thinking about the class again, there are some things that you can do about it.

Here are some tips that many students use with success.  You will find that just because a class is full, it doesn’t mean that it is going to be full until it starts.

1.  Get on the waiting list - Every college has a waiting list, and even if it’s 50 people deep, you will find that you should just put your name on it for the sake of it.  It doesn’t hurt to try, and if a spot opens up, and you’re next, you will get called up!

2.  Talk to admissions - Take your frustrations to admissions.  You have to think about yourself, since you’re technically a “customer”, you will want to tell them how the class fits your schedule, etc.  See what they can do for you.  If you’re lucky, they may even open up a new class for you.

3.  Look for options – If you’re taking that class because of the time period, see if there are other options available.  For example, can you take a class at night?  Is there another class that will make up for this class?  Can you take it online?

4.  Check another campus – A lot of the times, you will find that your college has other campuses throughout the state.  If you’re willing to travel a few extra miles, you may find that another campus has an opening for you.

5.  Have a back up plan - There’s a slight chance that you may not end up getting that class.  Instead of thinking that you’re going to get it, you will want to create a backup plan.  What are you going to do if you can’t get the class?  You will want to explore all of your options.

While having a full class can be frustrating, there are some things that you can do to ensure that you can get that class before anyone else.

• Always book classes online right when they open.  If they open at 12AM, get there at 12AM to book them.
• Talk with admissions ahead of time to potentially get the inside scoop at what class is going to be opened, etc.
• Don’t want until the last minute.

If you’ve already been to college, you’re going to notice how small the rooms are.  Well, no matter what kind of room you’re going to be staying in at college, you’re going to find that you’re going to have to clean, especially if you have carpet.

Even if you have tile, you will find that you will have to clean up messes.  Instead of having a huge vacuum taking up space, I would highly recommend that you consider purchase a hand held vacuum cleaner.

Why should I consider one?

For starters, they are going to take up a lot less space.  They will still get the job done, and not only can you use it in smaller areas, you will be able to use it in places like your car and more.  It’s a great investment for not only now, but after your college life as well.

Listed below are 5 hand helds that you can consider, when you’re looking to potentially purchase one:

#1 Eureka 71B Hand Held (around $35): This Eureka branded vacuum has some amazing reviews on e-commerce stores such as Amazon.  It has a strong suction, tons of power, as well as a onboard crevice tool that will make your carpet look brand new.

#2 Black and Decker CHV9608 (around $30): This is the smaller based vacuum that has no cords, great suction, as well as an upholstery brush, and wall mountable charging base.

#3 Dirt Devil MO914 (around $40): Everyone knows the name of Dirt Devil.  This hand held vacuum has 15.6V of power, has an extra large dirt cup that stores more than your typical brand, a swell as a “Quick-Flip” crevice tool that comes equipped with a retractable brush.

#4 Black and Decker CHV4800 (around $20): If you want something that is going to cost you less than $20, then I would consider this hand held.  It’s cordless, has 4.8 volts of power, and has a very easy to wash filter.

#5 Dyson DC31 Handheld (around $200+): Now, if you have the money and you want to spend it, this is the handheld to consider.  If you’re not familiar with Dyson, they are one of the most prominent brands when it comes down to vacuums.  This model is lightweight, has a dual, digital motor, as well as 10 minutes of high constant suction.

I would highly recommend that you buy one, especially if you want to keep your dorm clean.  While a broom, and dust pan can get the job done, it won’t do the job that these vacuums can do.

What you’re going to find in college is that your room is going to get awfully dry in the Winter months, as well as the other months.  It’s really going to depend on the climate, state that you live in.

While a humidifier is something that you probably won’t think about buying, you will thank yourself later, if you do decide to buy one.  It will not only prevent you from getting itchy skin, etc, it will also help you breathe easier at night, as well as help you when you’re sick.

I know, since you’re on a budget, here are a few humidifiers that you should consider, when you want to purchase one for your dorm room.  Not only can you use it during college, but you can take it with you afterward, and use it in the future as well.

#1 Holmes HM495-UC Ultarasonic (around $45): Built for your medium sized rooms.  It produces a visible, cool mist, as well as can last up to 24 hours on one tank of water.  Comes with a permanent filter as well.

#2 Crane 2.3 Gallon COOL Mist (around $40): This one has a unique design that doesn’t look like your typical humidifier.  This one will not only make the air around you easier to breathe, it will help with flu symptoms, congestion, as well as dry coughs and more.

#3 Vornado HU1-0021-28 (around $75): This humidifier can evaporate a room up to 1,000 square feet. It has a built in electronic humidistat, as well as a 3 gallon output that lasts up to 24 hours.

#4 The Holmes Group HM5250UC (around $35): One of the cheaper ones on the market, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to get a crap product.  It has no filters, runs for 24 hours, as well as a few settings that you can choose from.

#5 Venta Sonic VS205 Cool and Warm Mist (around $80): This one is a little larger, but has many great features that you may be interested in.  Helps prevent bacterial growth, has a cool, as well as a warm mist, as well as a ultra quiet operation feature.

These should be more than enough to choose from. What you will want to do is look at is the size of your room, how much space you will have, as well as what you will want to spend.

Each one listed above should be enough to fit anybody’s budget.  In the end, they all essentially do the same thing, and would make a great addition to your dorm room!