College is a huge awakening when someone is coming right out of high school or even transferring universities. It's hard to know what to expect from your professors, your new roommates, and your classmates. Having spent my four years at college for my undergrad, I've put together some tips to help you stay organized. Remember, college is fun, but it is all about getting your education. These can apply to incoming freshmen or even upcoming seniors. Let's get into it.
1. Take handwritten notes
I know it might seem so easy to just bring your laptop and type away as your professor talks, but it's much easier to remember the information if you are actually writing it all down. I've also found that sometimes my professors would draw a graph, and if I was typing my notes, I would end up with a random graph on a random piece of paper. Not useful!
2. Go to class
It seems silly and kind of obvious, but you'll be surprised at how many of your classmates NEVER come to class. I've had kids in my classes show up only on test days. Just know, missing one class can be equivalent to missing an entire week in high school. There's so much important information given to you. At my university, attendance counted for a certain percentage of your final grade, so keep that in mind. TIP: If you have to miss a class, email your professor as soon as you know you won't be attending. This shows them that you take your classes seriously, which leads me to the next point.
3. Build relationships with your professors
I cannot stress this enough. This is key to being successful. Building relationships with each of your professors is so important. When they get to know you, they will be willing to help you with an issue you're having with the material, or will even be more lenient towards your grade if you do poorly on an exam.
4. Write in your planner
Sure, you've been hearing this since elementary school. Seriously, just do it. It's like an organized to-do list. TIP: when you receive your syllabus, go through and write down all your test, quiz and homework dates in your planner. You can even highlight them so you know what's coming up that week if you're just skimming over everything.
5. Don't procrastinate
In college, it's very easy to get overwhelmed. If you're thinking to yourself, "Oh, I'll just do that tomorrow," you've already lost the procrastination battle. Do all your homework the night you get it unless it's a week long project. All the information will be fresh in your mind, especially because you won't have the same classes every single day (most of the time.) It'll also give you plenty of free time to hangout with your new friends!
6. Keep your hobbies!
This is so important. Stay true to what you love to do! If you like exercising, make sure you take full advantage of the rec center. If you like knitting, knit yourself a scarf girl. Like to cook? Make all your friends from your dorm a "family dinner" one night. These types of things will help keep you sane, because we all know or have heard about the hell that finals week brings.
7. Have FUN
College is mostly about studying and preparing yourself for the future, but it is also about truly finding yourself! You're going to meet so many new people and experience so many things in your college career. It's important that you take advantage of having a little freedom. Don't go crazy and end up getting kicked out of the university because you never show up to class, but go to a party with your friends (in no way am I encouraging drinking or drugs), go to events on campus, and BE SUCCESSFUL! Good luck to all the freshmen, and if you're a senior, congratulations!
