Let's face it -- middle school was definitely one of the most, if not the most, awkward experiences of our lives. But luckily, we were able to make things a little more manageable thanks to Ned Bigby and his survival guide from the show Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.
Well, college is also a place we could probably use a survival guide to give us some advice on how to, well, survive. The spring semester is just about drawing to a close, but we're not quite entering summer vacation just yet. First, we have to make it through the craziness that is the second half of the semester, followed by finals week.
What makes this one of the hardest parts of the year is that we are already daydreaming about summer, but it just can't seem to come soon enough. It's even harder to push through now that spring break is over and there are no more days off of school. And that is why I'm re-vamping Ned's survival guide to apply to us college students. If you need a source of motivation and advice on how to succeed and make it through school to summer vacation, then you should probably take a look at this:
1. Don't Procrastinate (at least not for too long).
Remember when Ned kept putting off his project on Japan, but then eventually he broke it down into little, manageable parts so he would actually get it done in time? That's what to do. And remember when Mose put off learning how to clog dance for her project because it hurt too much? That 's what not to do.
2. When choosing partners for a project, make sure to choose wisely.
If there's anything we've learned every single year of our education, it's that group projects can either go really well or horribly wrong. And that is why when you choose a group to work with, especially if the graded project goes toward your final grade, you should make sure the people you are with are willing to contribute to the work.
3. When choosing food in the cafeteria, also choose wisely.
Even though the cafeteria has finally started trying to give us more options, some of the food is still questionable, at the least. So be careful with what you eat...because I'm pretty sure none of us want to end up like *this*:
4. Try to cut down on your Netflix binge-watching...
But just by a little bit! Nothing too major, just enough to make sure that you're getting your work done in enough time that you don't feel like you want to punch a wall. And then, once you've finished your work, you can relax and watch your favorite show...without feeling guilty.
5. Try to show your professors that you take an interest in their class (even if all you want is your bed).
We all have at least one class that we just can't seem to stand. And as hard as it may be to not fall asleep, try to show the professor that you are awake and actively taking notes. Because chances are at least part of your grade is based on participation... and as amazing as a nap sounds in the moment, it can probably wait till after class.
6. If you have questions...ask!
Professors are there to help you! And even if they seem a little intimidating at first, you'll feel a lot better when you actually understand and answer the questions on your final exam instead of just staring at the paper for two hours.
7. Use technology to your advantage.
Okay...so maybe a pants printer is a little too out there. But hey, we still have regular printers and laptops that let us do things like color code our notes, use google docs to collaborate on group projects, and reserve study rooms at the library when things get crazy. So why not put them to good use?
8. Study in groups (especially during finals week).
Even though sometimes studying alone can help us focus more, for times when you're studying for something big, such as finals week, studying in a group can help refresh your mind about everything. Especially if you didn't necessarily grasp a certain concept, and someone else can help explain it to you.
9. Reward yourself for getting work done.
Whether you finish a paper or a set of notes, reward yourself with a little study break. Take a minute to walk around and get a snack or stretch. Or if you're like me, you can even reward yourself as you go. Personally, if I'm taking notes in a textbook, I leave gummy bears or fruit snacks after every few paragraphs so that I'm determined to read and get to the next gummy.
10. Take pride in every little accomplishment.
It definitely takes time to get yourself situated and ready to work. Especially in difficult classes, it can be hard to make sure you're getting everything. So congratulate yourself for everything you achieve, because if you believe in yourself, you'll be able to keep going strong.
11. Always be prepared.
This is Coconut Head. Coconut Head isn't ready for his tests and quizzes in all of his classes because he's losing motivation. Don't be like Coconut Head (except for sick haircut, obviously).
12. Return your books to the library on time.
Nothing puts you in the mood for summer vacation like a huge library fine, amirite? Yeah, no, but seriously. Return those books, people! (After you figure out where you could've put them, obviously).
12. Keep your eyes on the prize.
Just remember that if you keep working hard through the rest of the semester, soon enough you'll be able to lay on the warm, sandy beach and dip your toes in the water. And the best part? You won't have any work to worry about for three whole months.
13. Never doubt the guide. Ever.
Do think that I, or Ned Bigby, would ever give you bad advice? Yeah, I didn't think so. Trust in the guide! It will make sure that you ace the end of the semester and get to summer vacation without losing too much sanity.
14. Bonus tip: Make sure that the weasel doesn't steal your work.
Good luck, everyone!
