Most students and parents see college as goal that leads to a successful career and life. But even people who had no problems in school may find college to be quite a challenge. This article is designed help you make that all important adjustment into the world as a college student.
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.
Learn how to write an essay using the “5 Paragraph Essay” format. This is a simple essay format that is often taught in elementary or middle school. Although it is simple to learn, it is invaluable in college. This format will help you easily get through most essay assignments.
Did you know that where you sit can actually impact the success you’ll have in your classes? Try to score a seat near the front of the lecture hall rather than one right next to the exit. This shows your professor that you are involved and serious about your education.
Student’s discounts are one of the best perks of college, especially if you need to save money. Check with your student resource center or ask an adviser for a list of perks. Many local restaurants, movie theaters and bookstores offer generous discounts when you present a student ID. This allows you to save money and show school pride.
It is important to choose your classes wisely. Try to avoid taking a lot of classes that you are going to have to devote a lot of time and attention to all at once. Instead, alternate these harder courses with easier ones to make your semester and college experience a much easier one.
When you go to college you often times will stay out late with friends to study or go to a party. Be safe, never walk home alone, carry your phone with you at all times, know where the safe zones are on campus, and consider carrying a small spray canister of pepper spray with you.
Study during the day. It is best to study when you are awake and at your most alert. Studying at night or when you are already fatigued can lead to you spending more time than is usually necessary to comprehend something. Studying while you are wide awake will help you retain information faster and more easily.
Don’t rely on your high school reputation. Most of the people you come in contact with will not know who you were. Look at college as an opportunity to reinvent yourself or even improve upon your former self.
If you can find someone who took the same class, offered by the same teacher, the semester before you, then ask them about the class. They can give you valuable insight on the teacher’s style of teaching, where the test questions come from, what type of tests there are and many other helpful hints to put you on the right track.
If you have several majors in mind and are not sure which one to pursue, take the introductory classes for each. Through these classes, you can get an idea of which one is for you. Also, by the time you make your choice of major, you might have racked up enough credits in the others to graduate with a minor concentration or two for a more impressive degree.
When you already have a job, getting a degree online can be easier for you. Online schools are designed to accommodate the schedules of busy people. This ensures you get the work done without too much stress.
Make a commitment to your education. If you go into school thinking of it like a big party, then that’s exactly what you’ll get out of it. And you more than likely won’t last the four years. A lot of money is being spent on your education, so you need to commit yourself to your success.
Give yourself a well-deserved break every so often. If you’re studying 24/7, you’ll inevitably get burnt out. Some people may not believe that someone can study excessively, but is true. To avoid burnout, take a break and go hang out with friends every once in a while.
Understand that when you enter college, you do not have to choose a major immediately. Take a few classes to truly understand what you want to do with the rest of your life before you make this decision. Furthermore, remember that you can always change your major after you select one.
Getting into college is quite and achievement but the hard work doesn’t end there. It is only the beginning of a 4 year academic adventure that will challenge you and change you but that you will never regret. The tips from the above article can help you map out a successful college plan so that your 4 years will fly by with ease.
