College is a profound change in a young person’s life. Along with the welcome independence that college life offers, it also presents some challenges. The adjustments a young adult needs to make can be overwhelming for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Read these tips about making the most out of college life.
Take as many credits as you can handle at one time. Most universities charge you per credit, but only up to twelve credits. After that the rests of the credits in that semester are free. Taking eighteen credits per semester will leave you paying one-third less than your peers for the same education.
Networking is one of the smartest things that you can do while you are in college. This will help you to not only broaden your group of friends, but also expand your possibilities when you are out of college looking for a job. Do not dismiss anyone in college, as they could be valuable to your future.
If you must carry a credit card, make sure you pay the balance monthly. By doing so, you avoid the risk of late dues or unnecessary fees. Try only using credit cards for emergencies. You may want to use it to go out and have fun, but your college goal is to learn. Having problems with your finances can distract you quite a bit.
You don’t have a maid or a chef anymore! Be sure to keep your clothes and your room clean and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Take care of yourself well, study appropriately, attend all your classes and follow a regular schedule. Bad habits and a bad diet will affect both your health and your grades.
Every time you purchase something with cash, put your spare change into a jar and try not to touch it. Once the jar has filled up, count out the money and use it toward something you need, like books or living expenses. While it may be easier to use a coin-counting machine, try and refrain. You will wind up giving them too much of your hard-earned cash.
Don’t take more than one writing course per term. Even though you may only have to complete 3 essays for the course, there is often a lot of required reading. You want to have enough time to complete the readings for every class, which will be difficult with more than 1 writing course.
Take short breaks regularly. Studying is important and breaks are too. For every 60 minutes you study, take ten minutes for a break. Develop a schedule and work on adhering to it.
Avoid using your financial aid funds to go on a shopping spree at your campus bookstore. This is common, especially among first-year students. When you learn that you have financial aid credit at the bookstore, it is tempting to buy things you don’t really need. Avoid this impulse and your pocketbook will thank you later.
If dragging yourself out of bed at 6:00 am is impossible, don’t torture yourself with 7:00 am classes. Most schools offer classes in a wide range of time slots. Take advantage of the classes later in the day and in the evening if you aren’t a morning person. You will be more likely to go and will get more out of the course.
Pick up a pair of ear plugs. College campuses and dorm rooms are not always ideal study environments, but you may not have a choice. Ear plugs can help you focus on your studies, even if there is a loud party next door or a pep rally down the street.
Be careful with your laptop when at school. Even college campuses are not immune to theft, and you probably don’t have the money to replace your computer if it is stolen. Always lock your dorm room and keep your computer in sight when you are in the library. Don’t take any chances.
If you are having issues with studying, you may want to think about finding someone to study with. Ask a classmate or friend taking the same course to come over and study. You will be able to better stay focused this way. Plus, you can help each other out with information you do not understand.
Register for classes as soon as you are able to. Sections fill up rather quickly, most on a first-come basis. Procrastinating may cause you to lose out on the classes you actually need to graduate. Work with your advisor to plan semesters ahead of time, at least loosely. This will make the registration process even simpler.
College life is fun, of course, but to be a successful student also takes a lot of hard work. Use the advice you found here to make the adjustment to college smoother. With a mature and responsible approach to college, you can build great memories while preparing yourself for the future. Good luck!
