Many of us are preparing to continue our educational journey as college student whether we are returning students to a local community college or university. Although, I'm sure many of you will also be continuing your journey as incoming freshmen. I remember how I felt when I had registered for my first college classes; I was excited yet extremely nervous because I knew that I would not be expecting my professors to be like my teachers in high school. Moreover, I did expect the worse of my college experience, but once I got through midterms I realized that being a college student had been the greatest phase in my life. In order for your experience as a college student to be both great and smooth, this is what you'll need:
Timeliness
There are many ways that timeliness may be interpreted. In this case, timeliness means to have commitment to your class schedule. If you're not an early bird, the best thing is to not enroll to a class that may start at 7 a.m. if you'll be showing up halfway through the class session. Some professors will not care if you show up late, or even not show up at all. However, some professors will refuse for you to enter the classroom and will tell you to come back some other time when you decide to show up on time. Others will allow you in the classroom yet will embarrass you by giving you a lecture as if you were a K-12 student. So before you invest hundreds or thousands of dollars for your classes, make sure that you'll be committed to your schedule. NO EXCUSES.
Procrastination
How many of us rather watch Netflix rather than type up a 8 to 10 paged essay or work on that time consuming project? Although, maybe in high school it was easy to get away with a good grade, it is a bit more difficult to get away with it in college. There may be times where you will be successful, but there will be other times where your professors will know that you rushed through the work because of it's quality and amount of errors. Invest at least 2-3 hours a day for each one of your classes, it will make your time much manageable.
Time Management
Time management. Haven't we been hearing about this since high school? Yes we have. However, in this case we all learn how to manage our time when in comes to investing time in studying for our classes, spending time with friends, spending time with family, sports, and/or work. It may be difficult at first to figure out what hours work best for you because each individual is different, but once you do figure it out, you'll feel a big relief.
Get Involved
It's always great if you socialize outside your own circle and explore what others contribute within your community or in your campus. You never know, you may end up passionate about a club or organization you decide to contribute your time into. By doing this, you will create many connections and will look good in your resume when you decide to apply to a school when pursuing higher education or applying for a job.
Meditate and Relax
The best thing about college is that you'll be able to have enough time to relax and have time to spare for you to do the things you enjoy doing. Once the semester/quarter is over, the best thing is being able to go to a get away for a few days and explore new places whether it's on your own, with friends, or with your significant other.
