As we begin this new school year, there are several things on our minds about how this year will be different. Always trying to do better than last year, we often focus on our school habits. College is such an amazing opportunity and can be one of the best experiences of our lives, so we should be doing everything we can to make the most of it. Here are a few tips and tricks to make the most of this school year.
1. Do your homework right after you get back from class.
This is probably the most difficult one (for me, at least). I know your mind can be on overload after class, so maybe take a fifteen-minute snack break after you get home from class, but then hit the books. It’s much easier to stay focused during the daytime, especially if some of your friends are still at class during this time. It’s so much more relaxing in the evenings before bed if you don’t have that online quiz that’s due at midnight hanging over your head.
2. Set a schedule for your evenings.
It’s much easier to get everything done if you plan time for each task. I know as college students, we don’t have the most consistent schedule, but it is best to plan ahead as much as possible. Scheduling time for studying, dinner, working out, or just spending time with friends makes it less likely that you’ll run out of time to do something that really needs to get done.
3. Wake up at the same time everyday.
Now I understand that this is hard to do when you have late class, because we need as much sleep as we can get. However, an afternoon nap can help you catch up on any additional rest you need. Our bodies try to get used to a schedule, and it all starts with our wake up time. The more consistent your sleep schedule is, the less your body will be playing catch up. If you get less sleep one night because of extra studying, take a short nap in the afternoon if need be. This will help you be productive for the rest of the day without messing up your sleep schedule completely.
4. Fill out your planner.
This may seem like a waste of time to some, but if you take a moment at the end of each class to write down what is due within the next week, you never take the chance of missing or forgetting something. We like to think we’ll remember, but in reality, do we ever remember every reading assignment for each of our classes? Nah, so do yourself the favor and write it down just to make sure you don’t miss anything. Forgetting the due date is probably your professor’s least favorite excuse as to why you don’t have something done. You never want to give your professor a reason to think you’re not trying your best in their class.
5. Take a little time for yourself every day.
Whether it’s that nap in the afternoon, or just making enough time in the morning to eat breakfast, it’s healthy to have a little time to yourself each day. Our lives are pretty fast paced at school, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. These little chunks of “me time” can make all the difference.
6. Ask your professor questions.
Professors can definitely be intimidating, but if you ask questions right away when you’re confused, you will be so much better off later on in the chapter or unit when the information is even more advanced. In addition to helping your understanding, meeting with professors can make classes a bit less stressful. Developing that relationship can bring you help in other ways, extra credit opportunities, crucial grade bumps at the end of the semester, or even connections when finding a job at the end of your college career. I’ve never regretted getting to know one of my professors; they’ve always been helpful both inside and outside of the classroom.
7. Get a tutor if you’re not satisfied with your grade.
Sometimes it’s really heard to get over your stubbornness and accept that you need help. Getting a tutor is such a normal thing in college, so you should never feel ashamed if you need or want one. It’s just another way to help you learn material. On most campuses, there are plenty of free tutors available in the learning center. Swallowing your pride and accepting you need help is much better than paying to retake a class.
8. Do not skip class unless you absolutely have to.
We all have those well-practiced excuses that we tell ourselves to justify skipping a class, “it’s a waste of time,” “I have to study for my exam later today,” etc. While these may be completely valid reasons, missing class leads to so many other things. Once you start skipping, it is extremely easy to lose sight of the real reason you are at college. Even if you feel like going to class and listening to a dry lecture is a waste of your time, there has been a direct correlation to higher grades when you keep your “class skips” to a minimum. Not to mention, skipping class is basically throwing away money (and I know we all hate to do that). So, honestly, just go to class, you won’t regret it when finals come around.
9. Use separate folders for each class.
Staying organized is essential. Between all the handouts and notes, it is very easy to mix up classwork. Keeping things in separate folders lessens the chances of losing things, and it doesn’t let you forget about any of your classes. I also like to think it forces me to make sure I have everything done that I needed to get done at the end of the night when I check each folder.
10. Eat Breakfast.
This one is simple. You need brain food in order to focus. Even if it’s a piece of toast, that’s something to keep your brain going as it starts the school day.
11. Enjoy every moment.
We fall into the trap of getting through each day of classes, but college will be over before we know it. So, we can’t forget to enjoy the process. As difficult as it is, it brings a great sense of accomplishment as well as lifelong memories.
