It's that time of year again! Summer is ending and the stresses of college life begin once again. At the end of every semester it's easy to see what could have been done to improve work ethic, study habits, and overall performance in school. Evaluating the inadequacies of previous semesters, recognizing our poor tendencies as students, and striving to overcome them will help pave the way for a successful upcoming semester. Here are some helpful tips towards achieving that goal!
1. Don’t procrastinate
According to PR Newswire, "approximately 87% of high school and college students are self-proclaimed procrastinators.” Though it may seem harmless to put off an assignment due in a couple of weeks, promptly working on assignments is one of the best things you can do. When assigned something new, don’t let yourself go to sleep for the night without working on it, even if just for 30 minutes. Working a little bit each day until it’s due will reduce stress and give you the opportunity to review/ edit it as often as it needs, paving the way for that “A.”
2. Get enough sleep
Pulling “all-nighters” is all too common in college. Sleep is more important than we care to realize and can be the difference between health and illness. On average, eight hours of sleep is recommended for adults. Otherwise, you’ll lack motivation, energy, the ability to focus, clear thoughts, and basically be too tired to function. So, when faced with having to either sacrifice an outing with friends or sacrifice sleep, sacrifice the outing. Your brain and body will thank you.
3. Use a planner and calendar
Plan out your schedule for the day. Include when and for how long you’ll work on homework; schedule time for socializing, praying/ attending church service, club/ sorority/ fraternity events, and everything of importance. Mark days of quizzes, presentations, exams, and other due dates on your calendar. Then watch as the weight begins to lift off your shoulders and you accomplish your goals with minimal stress.
4. Sit at the front of the class
Thinking back to high school, most people wouldn’t be caught dead voluntarily sitting at the front of a class. In college it should be the opposite. Focusing on and participating in class lectures becomes easier when all you have to stare at is the professor. Ask questions too, and don’t shy away from making eye contact; this will help your professor remember you. Who knows if seeing your participation and attentiveness in class may influence your professor to go easier on you when it comes time to grading your work.
5. Eat healthily and exercise
As cliché as it may sound, nobody wants to gain that freshman 15 or any weight at all frankly… So, as hard as it may be to put down the sugary drinks and foods, it’ll pay off when you’re not bouncing off the walls and you can still squeeze into your high school wardrobe. Additionally, regular exercise will help you think clearer and act as a destresser. 30 minutes a day is all it takes.
6. Meet up with your professor
Most professors really do encourage students visiting them during office hours with questions about assignments or lectures. They appreciate their students taking the initiative towards earning better grades. Also, if you ever feel you deserved a better grade than you got, talk to them about it. Perhaps they’ll raise your grade after discussing it with you; but if nothing else, you’ll learn what NOT to do in the next assignment which is already a step in the right direction.
7. Get involved, but don’t overextend yourself
It’s so important for your sanity to enjoy spending time with friends and participate in events/ clubs/ etc. The important thing is to remember that you’re not superman and can only handle so much. Pick out a few things that are the most important to you, and focus on that. Spreading yourself too thin will only result in episodes of high stress and late nights of homework.
8. GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is probably the #1 cause of distractions and procrastination. Get off the phone, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix especially. Limit use of social media to when you’re eating, exercising, or have completed your work for the day. You’ll enjoy your time far more when you’re not stressed about what you SHOULD be doing at the moment.
9. Reward yourself
Relax and unwind! Go out with friends, have a date night out on the town, or stay in and watch movies as a reward for completing your assignments for the week. You will be more productive if you have something to motivate you.
10. Have a clean and organized study environment
The less clutter and noise, the better you’ll focus. Opt to working on a desk instead of your bed; otherwise you’ll be fighting the temptation to nap. If you room is too distracting, find a quiet spot in the library or a coffee shop where you know you can be productive.
11. Take advantage of tutoring and form study groups
On most campuses, tutoring is free and you can work with people who know the material well. Sometimes professors will even give extra credit for seeking help! Study groups are also a great way to solidify material and create a circle of friends.
12. Lastly, remember to practice your faith
Often students arrive at the dorms and leave their religious practices at home. It can be easy to slip into that practice, or lack thereof, but God is the only being that can keep you sane and truly help you in your difficulties. Go to church, talk to God about your struggles/ anxieties, and allow His peace and grace to penetrate your heart and mind.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Isaiah 40: 30-31 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
1 Peter 5: 6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
