We all struggle during our switch from high school to college. We really have no one telling us what to do, what helps the best, and how to handle everything at once. Sometimes we lose our focus and stray away from what is actually important. It is best to remain focused and ignore all the little things, but sometimes it may be a little hard. Here are a few tips to help you survive your freshman year and beyond.
1. Use a planner
You should keep organized to remain successful in your classes. A planner will help you track all assignments, meetings, events, etc. It may sound funny, but they actually help a lot.
2. Use the materials given
Everyone receives a syllabus for each class. Follow the syllabus everyday and write down exams ahead of time. Also when a professor gives you handouts DON'T IGNORE THEM! They are given to you for a reason!
3. Attend class
Everyone has a day where they don't want to attend class, but you should still go anyways! Attending class actually helps a lot more than you think! Don't just show up for review day and exam day because you are guaranteed to fail!
4. Get to know who your professor is
Introduce yourself to all of your professors so that they recognize your face when you have questions. The more you ask for help the more they notice you are trying! This will help you in the long run and may also get you a recommendation.
5. DO NOT waste time in between your classes!
As much fun as Netflix sounds between breaks you should always spend your breaks getting some work done. You may think a thirty minute break is to short to do something, but it actually helps so much! You can also get some studying done as well.
6. Ask for help
There are so many opportunities to get help on campus. Never be to afraid to go to SI Sessions, Tutoring, or even ask questions in class. You are here to learn and if you don't understand something ask for help. It benefits you and maybe others as well.
7. Surround yourself with positive people and a positive atmosphere
Hanging out with people who don't really care about school and what their grades are doesn't help you. You need the motivation to keep moving forward and to keep studying hard. You also need a positive atmosphere to inspire you to keep going even if it becomes to hard.
8. Plan study sessions
Ask people in your class or friends in your class if they would like to have study sessions. Studying by yourself isn't always the best solution. Plus if someone knows something you do not understand they can help you and vice versa. In the end it will help improve your scores!
9. Prioritize!
Partying should never come before studying! Make sure you have your head on straight and know what comes first. School may be hard and boring, but it is setting you up for your future. Keep working on what is important and save the rest for later.
10. NEVER GIVE UP
You chose to go to school for a reason. Keep working hard and focus on your goals. In the end all the time and hard work that you put into school and yourself will be worth it.
