Quintessential Careers, a Web site that offers advice on job hunting and education, recommends the following steps for a successful first year on campus:

* Go to all orientations.

* Meet with your professors.

* Get to know your academic adviser and become an expert on course requirements and due dates.

* Find the Career Services office on campus.

More tips can be found at www.quintcareers.com.

Scholarship America also has some sound financial advice for students. The organization recommends that students should be careful not to leave important documents such as credit card bills, social security cards or bank statements in open view. The organization suggests getting a box you can lock those documents in.

See www.scholarshipamerica.org for more information.

Teenagers Today advises parents on some dos and don'ts when dropping off your college freshman:

* Don't be bossy.

* Don't let them see you cry.

* Do let them see you smiling when you drop them off.

* Don't call more than once a week.

* Do tell them they can always come back.

For more tips, visit www.teenagerstoday.com.

Leesville Road High School at 8409 Leesville Road is planning an orientation for new students to meet teachers at 10 a.m. Aug. 23. Call 870-4250 for details.

Orientation schedules have been changed for students attending the new Panther Creek High School in Cary.

Sessions are planned for freshmen at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and sophomores 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22.

Orientations will be held at Panther Creek at 6770 McCrimmon Parkway. Call 463-8656 for more information.