As I enter into my senior year of college, I realized several pieces of information that I’ve learned along my four-year journey, that could help others as well.
1. Attend class, no brainer?
Skipping class is a lot easier in college, but every class is important, and you’re paying for it so don’t give into the temptation.
2. Attend your Professor’s office hours once a month
They are there to help you do your best in class so don’t be afraid to go talk to them if you need it.
3. Read up on class notes before and after class
Simply copying them down doesn’t really commit the information to memory, so make sure to review it a couple times so that you are always prepared
4. Balance work and play
It’s way easier than you would think to get caught up in either, too much work or too much play, so make sure you find a good balance between the two.
5. Ask for help
There are plenty of people all throughout the school that can help you succeed academically from tutors to counselors to the professors themselves. You’re not the first person to have problems, so don’t feel shy.
6. Branch out and join clubs to make friends
Besides classes, clubs are a great way to get out and meet new people! Sometimes you can find yourself confined to one particular friend group, but this allows you to meet others you wouldn’t have gotten to know before.
7. Keep up with your family back home, they’re your support system
Even though you are away from your family, it’s good to still keep in touch with them and keep them updated on your life. They miss you and want to be informed. Plus they offer great and unbiased advice!
8. See what kind of studying really works for you
Your old ways of studying in high school might have worked for you then, but try out different methods to see which one is best for you.
9. Use the resources your school provides for you
Most schools have offices that help you build your resume, set you up with networking, and academic advisors that can help with your essays.
10. Don’t procrastinate everything until the last minute
Leaving everything until the last minute is a really easy habit to form but it never ends up well. You just stress yourself out unnecessarily and the quality of your work isn’t as good as if you had given it the proper time and attention.
11. Make sure you’re on good terms with your professor
You really don’t want to be on bad terms with them. They control your grade.
12. Try and get along with your roommate, not best friends but amicable
You don’t have to be besties with your roommate, but living with someone you can’t stand is just stressful and annoying. Try and be friendly and open with each other to ensure a good living situation.
13. Don’t have distractions when you’re studying
Listening to music and studying with a group of friends sounds like a good idea, but you don’t focus as well and you won’t retain as much information as you would have, if you were alone.
14. Prioritize!
It’s all about making decisions about what’s most important, and sometimes that means you have hard choices to make. No one is here to tell you what has to be done, so its up to you to make those choices.
15. Don’t abuse your newfound freedom
It’s great being away from your parents and rules, but don’t go too nuts, you have the rest of your life to experience it.
16. Make sure to enjoy yourself
This doesn’t mean partying necessarily, but don’t get too bogged down with schoolwork. Make sure you go and have fun too.
17. Schedule all activities
Making a good schedule helps keep you organized and on top of all of your activities so you don’t get too overwhelmed.
18. Don’t feel like you have to go out all the time
Partying happens at college but there is nothing wrong with staying in! Sometimes you just need a pleasant relaxing weekend away from all of the action.
19. Make sure you rest enough
There is nothing more important than sleep and it’s surprisingly hard to come by in college with all of your different activities going on. Make sure you get your eight hours in so that your brain is at its prime functioning capability.
20. Choose a major you love
Going to class and studying is so much easier when it’s about something you are passionate about. It makes learning so fun and you get so much more out of your college experience.
