Now that school is back in session for most of us who attend college, there is a possibility that lots of students are already being driven crazy by the workload. Whether that be for the reason of being a full-time student, having a part-time job to balance, having mostly online classes (which we all know is a heavier workload than most face-to-face classes), or keeping in line with an internship, the excuses are endless. As a junior in college, I have found a few things that have kept me going for my entire first week. These same things will also help to survive the rest of the semester.

1. Take diligent notes.

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Per usual, most professors ask of their students to take proper notes in order to completely maximize the probability of scoring well on each of their assigned exams or classwork. I'm here to remind you how important this really is. Throughout the first week back, it's usually what most of us call "syllabus week" when professors assign that their students read the syllabus and understand what the class will be centered around, and what is expected of them throughout the semester. This week and every class following, whatever you deem worthy of writing down to remember, WRITE IT DOWN. I'm the type of person who will easily forget what was discussed in class because I'm enrolled in 5 classes and also have a part-time job and write for 2 different platforms. If there's ever a moment of doubt about something, make sure you write it to remember it and quiz yourself on the material. Don't be that person that's afraid to ask the professor to repeat themselves to get the entire point down. Whatever it takes, do it.

2. Go to office hours.

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Normally, each face-to-face class's professor will have office hours for students to stop by and speak to them about any questions regarding the course, or to go over what went wrong on an exam or assignment. I can't express enough how much students should utilize office hours because it's one of the best ways to get reliable information that was missed, to go over what went wrong on exams or projects in order to do better the next time or to discuss any confusing concepts before exams. Trying to figure things out on your own will not work; trust me, I've tried.

3. Use resources.

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By using resources, I mean use all of the class material to help assist you in your learning. Aside from help from a professor, they will specifically require given class material and resources for their students to use that they'll be tested on. It's important to hear your professors out and listen to them so that you can be your most successful in the class and pass with a good grade. This also ensures that a student will take away from the course what a professor intends for them to take away from it. Do the reading and take notes on any important notes for later. The utilization of a planner will also aid a student in keeping up with assignments and crossing them off as they're completed.

4. DON'T LET YOURSELF PROCRASTINATE!!

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Procrastination, once it catches up with a student, will hold onto your shoulders like the devil trying to drag you backward. Literally. Once procrastination hits, there's no turning back. Because it happens to me all too often, this is my cried plea: don't let yourself fall behind. It'll only continue to hurt you. As long as you stay on top of your classwork, assignments, studying, and projects, you're sure to stay on track. If you keep putting things off, you'll never decide to do them until the last minute. And by then, it's too late.

5. Take tutoring seriously.

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If you notice that you're starting to fall behind, are not grasping the material or need some help with a concept, take advantage of your university's tutoring opportunities. The sooner that you seek help, the sooner you'll understand the material that you need help with. Trust me, I've been in those shoes so many times, and I regret not ever reaching out for help. Getting a tutor is never a bad thing. Some people see it as them needing an aid and that it's embarrassing. You can't think of tutoring this way or else you'll never succeed. Understanding that you need help is the first step. The second and third steps are getting help/understanding and then succeeding.

With the right tools and help, you're sure to continue to succeed. That GPA may not matter, but that degree does. Make sure to be aware of all of the resources around you as a college student, and your peers are in the same boat as you, so it never hurts to make a friend in each class. It'll only help you. You've got this!