Some of us may be naturally gifted students who hardly have to study at all, while others of us are pulling all nighters trying to cram in as much info as possible before an exam or hustling up to finish those last minute projects and papers. No matter who you are, the learning curve from high school to college can be a bit of an adjustment. And let's face it, in college, we can use all of the help we can get.
Now, most of us know the basics; take notes, show up to class, turn assignments in on time. These all seem like pretty easy tasks to ensure success in college. However, around midterms, things tend to get a little more hectic than the average week and there are many things that can help eliminate that unnecessary phone call to the parents saying "Can I drop out yet and come back home to live in my childhood bedroom?" Too dramatic? maybe a little.
So before you pick up the phone and hit speed dial, lets unpack this a bit. First things first, everyone needs to actually start buying their text books and dedicate time out of the week to complete the assigned readings. Now I get it, reading a boring text book about whatever dreadful class you are in doesn't sound the least bit appealing, but you'll thank me, and yourself, later when all of the exam questions are coming straight out of the chapter and you ace it because you at least own the book and skimmed it.
Now the next two pointers seem obvious, but for some reason many of us slack off or simply ignore doing them completely. These being; take THOROUGH notes and stop, I mean seriously just stop, being afraid to ask questions. You're probably saying to yourself, "I don't want to look unintelligent in front of the entire lecture hall." Well let me hit you with some truth, chances are, there are about five other people with the same question as you and you will be doing them a favor by asking. If that still isn't enough to convince you to reach out for help, go up to your professor after class or, at the very least, send an email.
Last but not least, your new favorite word? Yeah, that's going to be tutoring! Don't be embarrassed to walk into your schools tutoring center seeking out help on that Chem homework that basically looks like a foreign language to you. Again, yes it is annoying to have to make time to go over and get help, but in the long run you'll be better off. I mean, it beats crying into your notes in dorm room with a half eaten Uncrustable stuck to your leg wondering how you are going to get through the semester, or even the night of studying you have ahead of you.
Long story short, college is stressful, and it will probably continue to be stressful until the day you are walking across the stage shaking hands and officially completing your degree. That does not mean that you can't also learn how to enjoy your college experience. Yes, dedicate time to your classes, studying and whatever else that may come up. But remember to go easy on yourself at times. Step away long enough to take some deep breaths, scrape the Uncrustable off of yourself, maybe even take a shower because you've been sitting in your bed for 48 hours straight and take some you time. Go see your friends, take a nap, do whatever it is that makes you happy. Then, come back and smash your classes because we both know you have it in you!
