1. Have a weekly schedule.

Structure is a great thing to have and school tends to provide it for you. By keeping a weekly schedule/log it can help you keep track of what needs to be done for that week. In previous articles I have mentioned Bullet Journals and Studyblrs. These are great for creating schedules and helping with your organization skills!

2. Wait to buy/rent your textbooks.

Now this tip may seem a bit weird but it’s helped me save a significant amount of cash during the school year. I typically wait about a week or two after school starts in order to make sure I actually NEED to get the textbook for a class. Unless you need the textbook for the first two classes, wait on it.

3. Utilize your library.

No seriously, do it. Some of your textbooks will be there on reserve and you can check them out instead of buying them. Librarians are your friends when it comes to research papers and essays. They are there to help you! They want to help you!

4. The Cornell Note Taking system will save your life.

When you’re in class, it’s best to be an active listener and participant. You’ll be able to retain information better that way. The Cornell Note Taking system helps you keep track of key points in your lecture, while also helping you collect your thoughts after it is done. For more information on how to utilize it for class, click here.

5. Make friends with people in departments other than your own.

This was the best information I ever received before starting college. By making friends with people outside of your department, you’re able to network better. There are people out there that are smarter than you and have skills that you don’t. It’s better to have a group of people around you that know stuff that you don’t, rather than being the smartest in the room. The friends you make will introduce you to other friends, and friends of their friends. These people will prove to be your greatest allies.