Going to college is an exiting time for students and their parents. However, it may also seem a bit overwhelming. There is a lot of work that goes into applying and going to college. Use the tips in this article to help ease the stress of going to college.
It is vital that you apply for loan, scholarship and grant money as early as you can. You won’t have to borrow as much money if you get your finances in order earlier. Develop an organized approach to all the different financial resources you want to tap.
Do not be unrealistic with your goals when you schedule your classes and work. If you are cranky in the mornings, maybe a harder early class is not the best choice. Maintain awareness of your natural rhythms and try to build a schedule around them.
Take advantage of activities and facilities available on your college’s campus. Many campuses offer a variety of free and inexpensive events for students, from concerts to movie showings. They also have fitness centers, pools, and other recreational facilities. You can also join clubs or groups centered around your hobbies, religion, and more.
In terms of studying effectively, environment is critical. It is generally not ideal to study in a dorm room. A better bet is to locate a quiet place where you can study in solitude. Usually, the library is the best location. If you do not have any other choice, buy some noise-canceling headphones.
Be sure to make use of local transportation. Often times, the time it takes to ride the bus is about the same as it would be to drive there. Finding a parking spot on campus can often be time consuming. You will also save yourself money on both gas and parking passes. There are many ways to go green as a college student.
Keep in touch with your family. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s hard sometimes to keep in touch with your siblings and parents when you have so much going on in your college life. Make time for at least one call or Skype session every week, and you’ll make them happy.
Memorize campus security’s number. You want to be able to contact security immediately any time you feel threatened. You might never need to call campus security, but you will be glad you memorized the number if you ever need help.
If you are looking to go back to college, but it has been a while since you were in school, consider attending evening classes. The instructors usually actively work in their fields during the daytime, and teach at night. This helps to bring a different element of real-life experience to the classroom.
If you are a woman, consider a STEM major. STEM majors are those that are focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Since women are less likely than men to choose these fields of study, there are many scholarships and grants available for women. These fields also usually end up being more financially beneficial after graduation.
To make your studying easier, try making flashcards. While they can take some time to make, they are great for remembering concepts, vocabulary, formulas, and the like. One of their greatest features is that they are portable. This allows you to carry them with you and study just about anywhere.
Make sure that you choose a college that is right for you. Decide what you are interested in and find a school that has a great program. If you are the type that can easily get lost in the crowd than look for a smaller college where you can have a more personal experience.
When starting a new class, seek out people you know from other classes or other students who share common interests. By making friends with classmates you can have a better chance to form study groups that can ultimately lead to better study habits when it comes time for midterms and finals.
Try to get involved in some kind of extracurricular activity. By playing intramural sports or getting involved in a club or performance group, you give yourself a chance to balance out the stress of spending hours on academics. Having a balance in your schedule can keep you feeling fresh and positive as you progress through the school year.
During your college experience, one of the things that you will want to make sure to do is to keep in touch with your friends back home. This is important as you do not want to neglect them, since they have been your friends from the start. Try to invite them to your college and share the experience with them as often as you can.
As stated above, going to college is both an exiting and overwhelming time for the student and their family. For the best chance at success in applying for and attending college, it is important to take it seriously, yet enjoy the experience at the same time. Use the tips in the article above to do both.
