You may be starting college this fall and you’re researching every tip there is. Maybe, you’re already in college and looking for ways to improve your college experience. Maybe, you’re looking for your child or aunt or cousin, but either way, here are a few things I’ve found to be helpful in my college career.
1. A planner
When you’re in high school, they urge you heavily to keep one. It may have been your arch nemesis, but it will be your very best friend on campus. It is just like any other friend you have, it only knows what’s going on in your life if you tell it. You may think you can keep track of every meeting, test and assignment, but it all adds up. Unlike high school, your planner doesn’t have to be paper. You can simply use any app you deem fit. The main objective is to make sure you keep track.
2. A folder for every class.
In college, classes move quicker than those of your high school ones. You may have done it in high school, but it is definitely recommended to do it in college. It’s just another way to keep your life in order.
3. A large stack of sticky notes
You never know when something may come up. Having sticky notes around is a good way to write something down when it first comes up, or just to remind yourself of something later. Plus, when you’re procrastinating that homework, you have a convenient doodle pad.
4. A friend in each class
In college, attendance isn’t always required in your courses. You get to make the call when it comes to calling in sick every once and a while, but that doesn’t mean the world stops for you. Having a friend in each of your classes can help for catching up on the material you missed. It also benefits you, when you want to study or work on homework. It gives you a second pair of eyes on the work, which in turn can help you see things in a different perspective.
5. A good coffee maker
There is no bedtime in college. Procrastination is a hard thing to avoid in college, with all of the freedom it brings. You aren’t always going to be on a meal plan and you’re always going to wait until the night before to finish that assignment. You aren't going to have access to a coffee shop in the wee hours of the night. Having a good coffee maker that fits your home’s regulations is a nice way to fulfill your caffeine needs.
6. Two alarm clocks
Your phone isn’t always reliable. Sometimes you will set your alarm for PM instead of AM. You could always sleep through one. There are many circumstances to you oversleeping, but there is a simple solution. Get yourself a digital clock. You can spare yourself the bright light in the middle of the night when you can see the time on your desk. If that isn’t for you, you can also set a series of alarms in time increments, but that is a good way to annoy your roommate.
7. A plan of your major
The one thing that can help you when it’s time to register for classes every semester, is a written out plan of all of the classes you need to take and which semesters they’re offered. You also get a sense of a checklist as you approach the end of your time in college. You get a sense of accomplishment knowing all of the classes you have checked off.
8. A study plan
College is a whole new ball game when it comes to course work. You will have more homework and more material that you cover in a shorter amount of time. Setting up a study plan is the best way to make sure you don’t fall short. Planning time into your schedule to make sure that you understand the material is crucial to your success.
9. A faculty member you trust
Sometimes you’re going to need advice. Sometimes your parents are not going to be the best people to ask. Sometimes your friends aren’t going to know how to answer. Having a professor, advisor or some kind of mentor that is in the same environment that you are in is the best person to explain a problem you are facing. They know the system, the school and the path you should be on and many times it’s their job to know how to answer your questions.
10. Textbooks
All classes give you a list of books that go with the course. More times than not, the book isn’t even required to succeed in the course. Many schools have an early book reservation and help you get all of your books before school starts, but that means you may buy books you don’t even need. One thing you could do is attend the class for a week or more to see if you need the book. Your professor should give you a grace period for not having it anyway. A few suggestions for if you do need to get the text would be to see if the book is on Amazon and rent it through there for a fraction of the price. You could also see if a friend in your major has it and work something out. Lastly, find a bookstore near you that has better prices on the book. Other times you may have to buckle down and spend the money to get the book.
11. A hobby to let loose
College is different from high school. You are going to be busy in ways that you didn’t even know were possible. It’s going to wear you down a bit, but finding an outlet for stress is what helps you stay positive. Whether it’s joining a club or playing a sport in your free time, it’s a good way to keep your mind clear and not falling into a rut.
College is difficult, but you don’t have to make it any harder than it has to be. I hope these tips help you succeed in your college career.
