Transitioning from high school to college can be very difficult. Meeting new people, living in a new environment, eating different food, sharing a room with a stranger are all changes that university students have to experience. All of this can be extremely overwhelming so school work might take the back seat at first. I wanted to share a couple of tips that might help take some of the school-related stress off of your plate.
1.) Try not to study in your dorm room. Although it can be tempting because of the room's convenience and comfortability, try to restrain from doing too much school work in your room. Often, I find that if I don't differentiate place and time for myself and that of school work the two get intertwined and I feel like I never get a break. Instead, hit up the library or a student lounge. Or, if it's nice out, find a nice place to set up a blanket or find a bench and work outside!
2.) Don't take notes on your laptop. Many of the classes that I'm in don't allow laptops for taking notes. This is probably for the best. In the classes where laptops are allowed, I notice that people using them aren't taking notes, but, rather watching videos, browsing social media, or working on something for another class. The distraction that a laptop causes may be detrimental to your understanding and focus in a class. Also, studies show that people learn better when they take notes by hand.
3.) Form study groups. Working and studying on your own can get boring and mundane so try to round up some people to form a study group. Working together and collaborating will most likely help you have a better and more thorough understanding of the topic.
4.) Talk to Your Professors. Most professors really appreciate students who take the time to visit them during office hours and ask questions. It really shows that you are invested in the class and are trying hard to understand. Not only will the professor be able to help you with any questions you may have, but it may be an opportunity to form a grounded relationship with a faculty member on campus.
I hope that these help!