Starting college can be like entering an entirely new world. You have more freedom than you’ve ever had before and you are in total control over your own life. This increased responsibility however can make you susceptible to some serous pitfalls. Read the following article to learn what habits to avoid in order to have a successful college career.
Read the course syllabus first thing. The syllabus will tell you when your instructor is available to answer questions and provide extra help. You will quickly see what will be expected of you in the course. The syllabus tells you what your instructor wants you to learn, and thus how to prepare for tests.
At school, keep a water bottle close. It is vital that you drink enough water. You need to do this if you are busy with class through the day and cannot eat. Drinking plenty of fresh water is sure to help you remain focused and alert. Refilling water bottles is easier with some of the modern water fountains.
Organization of your time, your schedule and your responsibilities is essential to making your time in college count. You should know exactly where you have to be, when you are supposed to be there and how you will get there. If you are not organized, you will soon be confused and late with assignments.
Make certain that you have your FAFSA submitted very early in the year. This is the financial aid that is automatically given by the government. The earlier you apply, the more certain you are to receive your benefits. Sometimes, the finances can run out, especially at smaller educational institutions. Be prepared!
Create and maintain positive, healthy relationships with professors. Professors are the ultimate resource and can do a lot to help you along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask question or help out whenever possible. Developing good relationships with them can help you achieve better opportunities and grades. They are important to your success.
When scheduling your classes, make sure that you give yourself breaks. Try not to take any more than three hours of classes without a break of at least one hour. This gives you a chance to eat, study, make a phone call, or take care of other business. It also improves your alertness.
It is a good idea to get your classes reserved as soon as possible. If you postpone, you may not get the classes you had in mind. This could extend your college career. Sign up for a class the moment you know it’s the one you want to take.
On the day of your exam, go to the bathroom ahead of time. This may sound self-explanatory, but there are so many things to remember on test day that it’s easy to forget. When testing, you want to eliminate as many distractions as you can and your bladder can be a big distraction.
When first entering college, make sure you take lots of different electives. The wider the spectrum of classes, the better chance of finding your niche. Your first year of college is the time to experiment.
When you are studying, use the 30-3-2 rule. This simply means that you should concentrate intently on the subject you are studying, then take a three minute break before taking another two minutes to recall the information you learned during the previous 30 minutes. Then start the process all over again.
If money is tight, and your choice is to either take out a loan or leave school, the smart choice is always to get a loan. Even though this may put you in the lurch temporarily and add to your current burdens, if you have chosen your major wisely, it will increase your earning power. You should be able to pay your loan back with your increased earnings. Leaving school is a sure way to guarantee low earning power for life.
You don’t have to be a great student to get scholarships. There are scholarships that are specifically designed for average to below average students. These scholarships are often available through your school. Talk to your financial aid advisor to learn more about these types of scholarships and how to apply for them.
Try to take advantage of the shuttle system that is on campus, which can help you get from place to place. This system can save you a lot of time and money if you are good with timing and can save your parents money on a car for you the first couple of years.
As was stated in the beginning of this article, you have the freedom to do whatever you want in college, but with this increase in freedom comes greater responsibility. Make sure to implement the tips you’ve just read into your everyday life so that you can have a successful experience while having fun at the same time.
