Social Media Etiquette 101: A back to school guide for college freshmen...

If you're an incoming college freshman, chances are you're a pretty active social media user and have been for several years. 

Even so, it's a safe bet that some of your high school social media habits should be regarded in the same manner as your prom photos: While they're certainly nothing to be ashamed of, do not, under any circumstances, bring them with you to college.

Here are a few tips for stepping up your social game just in time for school: 

1. Connect with people once you've met them (in person, preferably).

Tempting as it might be for anyone in a new place trying to make friends, you don't have to immediately social-stalk everyone in your school's freshman class before arriving on campus.

Many schools help you out here by starting Facebook groups for students based on graduating class. Sometimes residence halls maintain active groups you can join as a way to connect with other students on your floor.

Just don't go friending and following what essentially amounts to a list of strangers. Once you start meeting people on campus and in your classes, the social connection will follow.

2. Think twice before sending professors friend requests.

Yes, your professors are probably on Facebook. This does not mean they are sitting around waiting for friend requests from hundreds of students each semester.

There's rarely any compelling reason to connect with your current professors and/or teaching assistants on personal profile-based platforms like Facebook. You have access to the faculty directory if you need to contact them. And truth be told, many professors aren't all that comfortable being Facebook friends with current students, so it's probably best to avoid the awkwardness of a semester-long pending request.

If you're looking for a way to connect with your professors outside of class, arrange a few meetings during the semester to check in and ask questions about your performance. They'll appreciate the initiative and you won't have to spend four years wondering if your freshman lit professor is judging your life decisions.

Win-win.

Continue to full article  here.