Being successful and graduating from college is not just a walk in the park. It takes a bit of hard work, perseverance and many other qualities. This can be especially hard for many students due to all the temptations and new freedom. Use the advice below to get the most from your college education while still having fun.
Before you choose what you’ll major in when you go to college, take a look at what jobs are available in your area. You don’t want to get out of school and only be able to get jobs that are below your skill level. Consider saving to relocate if you have to after getting out of school.
Apply for scholarships ahead of time to have the best chance of getting them. If you find great resources for grants, you might not need many loans. Come up with a system that lets you manage your applications so that you can submit them promptly.
When choosing your major, think about the kind of job you want, but think about the person you are. If you are someone who doesn’t want to get up before noon, for example, you might not want to choose a major where the job possibilities require you to work early in the morning.
Visit the dorm before deciding to live there. You may discover that you don’t want to live in that environment. Not only that, but you may find that you prefer one dorm over the other. Make sure you will get the choice you signed up for, and make sure you have a contingency plan in place if you chose a single room but end up in a quad.
Consider living in a dorm room during your first year at college. While it’s not as fashionable as having your own apartment, it’s a great way to become more involved in campus life. You’ll be close to other students, making you more likely to make new friends and avoid the loneliness of living alone.
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.
Use the many resources of the library. It is a great place to study, read and relax. When you really need to concentrate, the quiet of the library is a great place to escape the activity of the dorm. The library is also where you can find the most comfortable chairs on campus.
If you are unsure about which major to choose, use your first two years of college to take a wide variety of courses in addition to your core courses. You may find yourself interested in things you might otherwise never have considered. An eclectic course of study gives you greater insight into possible career choices.
You should always keep up on a routine if you are in college. If you do not do this it will be far too easy just to skip out on study sessions. You need to be self disciplined and if it is study time, do it. Do not skip out so you can go out to a party with your friends. There is plenty of time for that.
Do not let anyone, including yourself, pressure you into rushing your declaration or choice of major. At most colleges and universities, you are going to spend at least two years doing general education classes regardless. Use these to explore various avenues and fields of interest to winnow down to what really fascinates you.
You will need to study a lot to keep your grades up, but take one day a week off to relax and regenerate. Approach your learning by immersing yourself in your courses. Talk about the subject to others, look for references to it in the world around you and apply it to your life in general.
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.
During your first couple of years in college, explore your education options. This is the time when you can find out what you are really interested in studying. If you try different types of classes, you may discover a subject that you really like to major in. Keep your options open and do not limit yourself.
As you know, college is not all fun and games. You will have to work hard if you want a degree when you are done. College is a time for fun, but most of all it is a time for learning. Follow the tips above to get the most from your experience.
