Transitioning from high school, where I know I personally never studied a day in my life, to college, where I know that if you decide to not study you will literally cry, is hard for some of us. I know that some people can hit the ground running and never need tips on how to study and still make it on the President's List, but alas not all of us are in that category. I think these ground rules of do's and don'ts may help freshman who are having trouble figuring out the whole college thing.
1. Make some friends in your classes, and make sure they are the smart ones.
Isaac Newton said, "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Find people in your classes to stand on.
2. The Syllabi are your friends.
Especially if they have a class reading or assignment schedule. Get ahead before you go party next Thursday, I think your GPA will thank you.
3. Use Quizlet. Remember those smart friends you made in class, quizlets can be a group effort. Sell it as a mutual benefit situation.
Flashcards are bomb, especially when you get the genius kid in your class to explain the harder stuff.
4. Cramming is not the way to a good grade.
Seriously, Adderall and Red Bull will make you hate your life. 0/10, do not recommend.
5. Tutoring.
If your college offers a free tutoring service (JSU has Academic Center for Excellence on the second floor of the TMB) make use of it. Do not drive the struggle bus all the way to a D.
6. Get a planner, and use it.
There is an app for that. You always have your phone. My Study Life is a good one.
7. Take breaks.
If you're the kind of person who tries to study for a few hours straight, expect to take breaks. Get up and walk around, grab a snack, or calling bae will all work. Anything to get your mind reset before you dive back into adulting.
Good luck this semester! Study hard and take it seriously!
