Going away to college is both an exciting and anxiety-provoking experience.
On the one hand, you get to live outside of your parent’s house! On the other hand… you have to live on your own outside of your parents’ house.
In this article, we’ll discuss some dos and don’ts for college students.
We’ll cover everything from financial stability and time management to healthy relationships and proper self-care.
Following the advice in this article will help set you up for a successful college career – academically, professionally, emotionally, and socially.
Ready to learn how to make the most of your college experience? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Do’s:
Get A Head Start On The Academic Year
Getting a few academic projects or tasks knocked out before the school year even starts is an excellent way to kick off your college years on the right foot.
That’s why it’s important for college students to get a head start and get prepped for their upcoming studies.
One of the best ways to do this is to pick up some summer reading related to your academic field as early as possible.
That way, once classes start, you’ll have at least a basic understanding of the material and can hit the ground running.
Another great tip is to sign up for any online courses that are related to what you plan on studying at school.
By completing these courses ahead of time, you can make sure you’re ready to tackle more advanced topics in no time!
The last suggestion is to attend some prep classes or workshops offered by universities where you plan on attending college.
Doing so will help familiarize you with campus life and give you an opportunity to meet other students who are interested in the same subject as yours.
Get A Diary
Getting a diary for college students is highly recommended.
It’s an invaluable tool for tracking your classes, meetings, and exams.
You’ll also use it to reflect on the day’s events, create short and long-term goals, or simply make note of anything that’s caught your attention while on campus.
A diary will help you plan ahead and be more organized so you can better manage academic and extracurricular activities along with work and sleep schedules.
Plus, keeping track of everything helps minimize stress when it comes to deadlines and test preparation as well.
With everything written down in one convenient place, you’ll always know where to look for important dates!
Try To Go To As Many Lectures As Possible
Attending lectures is one of the best things college students can do for their academic success.
Sitting in a lecture allows you to get a better grasp of the material you’re studying and it’s also where professors give announcements about upcoming assignments, tests, or changes in course policies.
Going to lectures sends a clear message that you care about your education and have enough enthusiasm and motivation to succeed in class.
When professors see this high level of engagement, they sometimes offer extra credit opportunities or provide exclusive support too.
Plus, having attended lectures gives you an edge over other students when you need help understanding class material or preparing for exams.
You can ask questions after class with greater confidence since you know what’s going on because you showed up to all lectures!
Taking advantage of as many lectures as possible can be quite beneficial as long as you make sure not to miss any important classes that are related to your studies!
Learn a Study Technique
One of the most important dos for college students is to learn a study technique that works well for them.
Every student learns differently, so it’s up to each individual person to find their favorite way of studying.
Don’t rely on the note-taking and repetition techniques you used in high school.
You don’t want to waste precious study time trying out ineffective strategies! Find a technique that works best for you – whether it’s creating mind maps or making flashcards.
You’ll be able to make your study time more efficient and eventually have more free time to engage in activities outside of the classroom.
If taking breaks isn’t something you’re used to doing, plan ahead so that they become part of your normal habits and routines.
Take regular breaks throughout your studying hours — grab a snack or take a short walk outside — and reward yourself with healthy treats as incentives!
Don’ts:
Don’t Stress If You Feel That You Are Behind
It’s easy for college students to get overwhelmed by the pressure of keeping up with everyone around them.
But here’s what you need to remember: don’t stress if you feel like you are behind.
The truth is that everyone deals with life differently and it makes sense that their paths would be different too.
Comparison should be used as a motivator rather than a factor of envy.
So don’t feel like you are falling behind while your peers catch up faster or they have life figured out while you struggle to find where your place might be.
You have to understand that it’s okay to make mistakes, take a few long steps and learn things differently – no two college experiences are identical!
Don’t Use Different Notepads For The One Subject
It can be tempting for college students to use different notepads for their classes.
However, this is a big no-no! Whenever possible, have one notepad per subject.
Using multiple notebooks for one single class or subject will only lead to confusion and frustration.
When your professor tells you to “flip back a few pages”, it would be difficult if you don’t remember which notebook to reach for!
Also, make sure that each page in the notebook is labeled with the date it was written so that you can easily keep track of what was assigned and when.
With separate notebooks and date labeling, accessibility and organization are key factors that make studying easier.
Don’t Leave it Until The Last Week to Figure Out How to Use The Library
Don’t leave library research to the last week before your due date. Whether you are writing a paper, completing a presentation, or studying for an exam, the library is your haven.
It’s where all kinds of resources can be found to help with whatever task needs completing!
That said, it’s important to become familiar with the layout and terms used in the library early on in your college life.
Know where all the books, journals, periodicals, magazines, and archives are located that relate to your course.
Plus you should also know how to access relevant databases and other online resources.
Then when assignments come around that require the use of such materials, you’ll have plenty of time to go through and gather information for your project or report.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
As a college student, you should never be afraid to ask questions.
You’re in school to learn and asking questions is a great way to get information and show that you’re engaged in the learning process.
Asking questions can help clarify confusing topics or points so that you fully understand the material.
Not only will it demonstrate your belief in yourself, but it will also show your professors how serious you are about mastering the course material.
Plus, having an open dialogue with your professor might even help them better explain difficult concepts! Though it may feel intimidating at first, speaking up always helps!
Also, asking questions of your peers can help you build relationships and generate meaningful discussions around the tricky topics you’re studying.
Before you know it, you’ll have even more friends in college who share a common passion for learning!
Also Read; Smart Time Management Tips and Strategies
Bottom line
College is a time of growth, exploration, and learning.
With the right strategy, college students can make the most of their experience by focusing on both their academic goals and personal development.
If you follow the above dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to making sure that your journey through higher education is as successful as possible.
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See you in the next article!
