As summer reaches its final leg, everyone has thoughts of going back to school looming in the back of their heads. Whether you are starting college in the fall, or a returning student, these are some helpful college tips that can make this year one of the best ones yet.
1. Don't take a 3 hour class that only meets once a week.
Trust me, you won't be able to focus more than halfway through and your grade for it will suffer because of it.
2. Don't leave an essay/project all for the night before it's due.
Map out work to do over time so you're not stressed about; all-nighters might seem fun in the movies, but you should try to avoid them as much as possible.
3. Be courteous of others in the library.
Keep your music low and use headphones, or whisper if you're having a conversation. Remember what the library is primarily for: Getting work done.
4. Get and use a planner.
Believe me, you will be happy halfway through the semester when you have everything written down and know exactly what's going on during your week and when your homework is due.
5. Go to every class.
It might sound obvious, but sleeping in and skipping those early morning classes will be tempting at times. Besides learning the material by attending classes, you'll receive vital information from the professors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, stuff you don't wanna miss.
6. Don't make a quick decision about a major or career path.
Even if it seems like everyone else knows exactly what they want to do with their lives, college is the time for you to really discover who you are, what you enjoy doing, what you're good at, and what you want to be. Take your time and enjoy exploring your options.
7. Make friends with other students in your classes.
During the first week of classes, try to meet at least one new person in each of your classes. This way, you can expand your group of friends and have people to study with, ask questions, and get notes from if you end missing a class.
Whether you're just starting out or returning to the promised land of college, these tips can help you make this year of school one of the best years yet!