College is hard and I’m probably not the first person to tell you this and I won’t be the last. I had a 3.5 in high school, never had anything below a B until I got into college. I’m in my first semester and I’m not doing too hot. Here are a few ways to succeed in college:

1. Pick your classes wisely

I know, for me, I try my hardest in the classes I enjoy because it’s more enjoyable material. So whenever you meet with your advisor to discuss which classes you’re going to take, make sure at least one class is something you’ll enjoy. Obviously, Gen Ed's aren’t fun, but they’re required for every major.

2. Pick your major wisely

This goes along with picking your classes, but if you don’t enjoy science, then don’t choose Nursing or Biology or whatever. Choose something else instead. There are so many different majors and minors available and I can guarantee you’ll find the one that works for you, whether that is after a semester, or even during your third or fourth year. I was going nursing and now I’m an accounting major. That’s okay! You need to choose something that you’ll enjoy because it’ll be your life after you graduate.

3. Make friends

Just have friends. Yeah, you may still talk to your friends from high school, but you also need friends where you’re at going through the same things as you on a daily basis. Make a group of friends in your chemistry class or even your speech class. Friends make life in general better, so go out and make some new friends. Step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to that person in your class.

4. Work out

Yes, go to the gym. Chances are, you have a free gym on campus. Yes, free, our favorite word as college kids. You have enough time to work out. Working out is good for your body and it’ll help you avoid gaining a bunch of weight. Also, going off of making friends, you may meet awesome people through working out. You don’t even have to go every day, just go when it fits with, your schedule. You’ll feel much better after.

5. Eat healthy

I know that there aren’t many healthy options when living on campus besides going grocery shopping. And I know healthy food is much more expensive then junk food but it’ll make you feel better. When you feel better, you tend to do more and better. At least that’s how it is for me.

6. Study

I know this is probably common sense, but you need to study. I made it through high school with barely ever studying, but you cannot do that in college and if you can, then please tell me how. But most likely you will have to study. Again, college is hard and you will need to be ready for that

Once again, college is HARD, but there are many ways to succeed. These are just some of the ways I have succeeded thus far in my college career.