One of the best things about going to college is meeting new people from different backgrounds and interests. You learn as much or more from other students you meet as you learn from instructors. Although not everyone you hang out with will become a close friend, you will likely find a few special relationships that might even last a lifetime.

Social Media Social networking sites and apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, and Snapchat are popular with college students; it’s likely that you use sites and apps such as these throughout the day to keep up with your friends. While social media outlets have both positives and negatives, one thing is certain: As students enter college, most do not carefully examine what they share through social media. Online statements, posts, and messages can have a strong impact, so you should fully examine the benefits and pitfalls of everything you put into public view. Students often ignore the fact that what goes online or is shared through a mobile app lives on forever, although some sites claim differently.

The Tech Tip at the end of this chapter offers some additional advice for using social media, professional networking sites, and mobile apps wisely. It also offers ideas for using technology to stay connected on campus, make the most of resources offered by your college, and gain access to your instructors.