College is a huge part of your life, and it’s a very important time of transition. There is much to consider, and you want to be fully prepared. While living through it will complete your experience, there are things you can do to help you in your planning. Keep reading to find out what to do!
When you enter college, try to reduce the amount of starches that you eat during your freshman year. Typically, you will put on a lot of weight in the initial stages of college, as this will help you to counter that. Try to incorporate a lot of fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Make sure to make time for both socializing and academics. Some students spend all their times in their dorm rooms studying, which can be depressing and lonely, while others are so social that their coursework suffers. You should get out of your room and do something fun at least once a week and devote at least an hour a night to studying for each of your classes to help you stay balanced.
When you enter college, one of the first things that you should do is get a part time job. There are going to be a lot of hours that are available during the day, as this can help you increase your income. A job will pay its dividends and will reduce your worries when you are out having fun.
If you are trying to make some extra money when you are away at school and do not want it to interfere with your studies you should check out work study. Most of the time you will be able to get a position within your area of study and you can actually learn something.
During college, there are going to be classes that you realize are too difficult from the onset as you should drop these immediately. These classes can put a lot of stress on you, as you would be better off with an alternative. Also, a different teacher may be able to explain the material better.
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.
Develop
When you first apply for college, learn about the professors. It is important to develop a good relationship with the instructors if you want to do well. Talk to them all, and get to know their expectations. It will help you throughout your entire college or university experience to have them on your side.
Develop good study habits while in high school. College professors normally expect that students in their classes know the proper way to study for exams, write term papers and how to research information. By learning this while in high school you can ensure success in college. If you do not have good study habits, ask for help.
Develop a system with your roommate for studying. Decide on certain quiet times each day for your dorm room so that it can be used for studying completely. If you or your roommate know these times, you can make the conscious choice to stick around or leave the room.
Create a sleep schedule while attending college. Sleep deprivation is common amongst college students who balance work, classes and social lives. If you lack sufficient sleep, you will be unable to concentrate on schoolwork.
Going to college should be about getting an education but keep in mind that college is also a place where you will have an opportunity to make some new friends and develop your personality. Find some sociable activities. Meet new people and try new things if you want to really benefit from college.
Develop solid studying habits. Leave the partying and socializing at the door for a few hours (at least) every day. Gather all of your materials, notes, and books, and walk through where you are in each of your classes. Write out areas that you feel weak, and approach your professors with these questions during their open office hours.
Avoid getting credit cards until after college, when possible. Student credit cards usually have high interest rates and they can cause you to develop poor credit habits before you’re financially independent. Leaving college without credit card debt is preferable.
Get to your class on time! You alone are responsible for your own punctuality. Late students look bad to their professors. You don’t want them thinking negatively of you.
Now you should have a better idea as to how to properly plan for your college experience. It’s truly a very exciting time for you, and you want to make the most of it. Remember the helpful advice you’ve read here as you get ready to embark upon your college experience.
