My second week of college is coming to a close and I’m starting to realize how much work university academia really is. After hearing “college isn’t like high school” for the ten thousandth time today, I’ve determined what exactly defines this matter. These are the four things I’ve learned to make starting college a breeze:
1. Do all the work:
Homework is not nearly as optional as its been in high school. When your professors say “you should do these exercises,” they really mean you have to do those exercises and more to survive in your class. If you don’t do the reading, you won’t stand a chance at hanging in with the rest of the class, or the pop quizzes.
2. Where you sit matters:
Sit in the front! Sit in the center! Its scientifically proven that if you sit in the front row or in the middle row of the classroom that you’re more likely to get an A in that class. So get to class early and make sure to get to know the people sitting next to you. They’ll be your lifeline when you’re sick and can’t make it to class or even just don’t understand an assignment.
3. Take time to study:
I have a mandatory study hall for athletes so I spend at least three hours a night studying. At first I thought it was ridiculous that we’d be forced to study for three hours a night, but time set aside to do work makes it so much easier to get stuff done. You need to take time to do the necessary assignments, review notes, and read the textbook and further manage your time.
4. Have fun:
College will get old quick if you’re always hitting the books and never spending time with your friends. Meeting new people is a great way to relieve all of your academic stress and find opportunities to do new things. Making connections will be helpful in the future and totally save your sanity when finals week comes around.
College is a tricky slope to navigate but if you study hard and have fun, it’s going to be a great four years!
