BY ERIC REZSNYAK

Welcome to college! You're probably so excited right now. And you should be. Take it from someone who has been in the working world for more than a decade: these next two (or four, or eight, if you're really ambitious) years really can be the most exciting, energizing years of your life. Now is your chance to devote yourself to learning all manner of subjects you've always wondered about, reinvent yourself as the person you want to be, and sleep in until 10 a.m. (or 2 p.m., or 4 p.m., or 8 p.m., if you're really ambitious) without pissing off your boss. Make the most of it, guys.

            City Newspaper's Student Survival Guide is designed to help you do just that. In this year's edition you'll find articles on college classes that can have big real-world applications, ideal off-campus study spots, a fun quiz to help you get to know your new home, and a bunch of ideas about how you can have fun in Rochester even on a poor college student's bank account. You'll also find advice from current area college students, who make some great suggestions about what to do, where to eat, and how to be successful in your first year.

            But of course you're going to be successful: you're so smart you already decided to go to college in Rochester, where there's rarely a dull moment. No, really! If you don't believe me, make sure to check out City Newspaper, free every Wednesday at a bunch of area drop-off points, which will keep you up to date with what's going on in and around Rochester each week. And for more Student Survival stories, including a guide to local dance clubs, stories weighing the pros and cons of Greek life and studying abroad, and more, check out past issues of this publication at rochestercitynewspaper.com.