Well, I'd actually defend community colleges. I went to 2 and got good education from both.
"zombieslayer" wrote:
My mom teaches at a community college and says that while they don't have the budget most state universities have there teachers can have a real passion for what they're doing. I've had many classes at UWM where the teachers aren't interested in their students or in their subject, only their own studies and research which tends to make classes really boring. I don't take many lecture classes either because my major involves a lot of lab work.
Everyone here seems to have given great advice but I'd like to add one more important thing--communication. If you're having problems in class, communicate this to the teacher so you're both on the same page. By talking to your professors and letting them get to know you, they tend to be more lenient in cases where you may need extra time to work on an assignment.
EDIT: Ack, I apologize I failed to recognize that the post had been revived. As far as being homesick in college, I agree it is hard at first. I went from high school to college knowing absolutely no one and I had a single room in the dorms, so I was never forced to even try to make a friend. However, after being forced to spend a lot of time by myself I almost had to make friends or lose my sanity. It really isn't hard, especially at the time you're in--think about it. Everyone is in the same situation as you; new people, new experiences, living away from your family--everyone is looking to meet new people, so I suggest you try and do the same.
One thing that also helps keep me from being homesick is keeping a good line of communication open with my parents such as phone conversations (my mom keeps me on the phone for hours at a time) but it lets me know everything is ok at home while assuring them that I'm fine too.
Besides the freedom at college was amazing for me, although I admit I handled the responsibilities bad at first with partying but everyone has to pave their own road.