We carry over what worked in high school when starting college. But the reality is that college is a different atmosphere. I was the first in my family to go to college, and there were a few things I learned along the way that made a difference. Here are some college tips (regardless of whether you live on campus or not) that could help you along the way.
Be organized.
I commuted to school, had an internship, and took full classes every semester. How was I able to survive? Organization. Having a schedule can make a difference. It allows you to see the big picture and helps you set up for success. I carried a small calendar in my bookbag, planning each week ahead. Planning helped me gauge how busy my week would be. As the week passed, I would cross out the things I had done, and seeing progress felt good.
Network and cultivate friendships.
Having good grades is great but having a group of people with whom you can connect and grow with is priceless. You will eventually get that degree ( you got this ), but you will soon realize that references and friends go a long way. I got an internship early on in my college career, and it was because a friend had recommended me for the job. Hard work will get you to the door of opportunity, but having an ally will help you unlock the door.
Talk to your advisor frequently.
I was able to take a test that helped me fulfill three classes. I took the Spanish CLEP exam and got 12 credit hours that I could use as part of my degree. And I had zero idea I could even do that. My advisor recommended that I take advantage of my Spanish knowledge, which is what I did.
Get involved.
College is not just about education but experience. You will meet many different types of people, and the only way to do that is to get involved outside class. Most of us make the mistake of just showing up to class and leaving but not taking time to make connections. So join those clubs.
Do your FAFSA.
Even if you think you will get little assistance through it, some programs require you to complete it. So, fill out the application early.
Go to the career fair.
It can be complicated and intimidating, but you have to go. I went to my first year in college to see how it was and got a practice round in. Funny story, I got an interview for an internship out of that practice round. I knew deep inside I wasn’t going to get it since I was very new in the game, but it allowed me to see how the process was.
Show up.
Even if attendance is not required for the class or if it’s online. You have to show up. It will make a difference.
Ask for help.
You won’t always know the answer, and don’t feel bad when you don’t know. Also, ask for help quickly.
Stay positive.
It would be best if you found a way to keep yourself motivated. Either through exercise or by rewarding yourself with ice cream when you accomplish something challenging. There will be times when you will doubt yourself and what you are doing.
Sleep
This is what I did not do at a personal level, and I should have done more. A well-rested brain can and will function better for more extended periods of time. Yes, there will be times when you will need to pull in all-nighters, but try to avoid those if possible.
Put the phone down when studying
This will help you avoid the temptation of looking at your phone. You will realize time is precious, and the extra minutes (or even hours) spent on your phone will decrease your productivity time and mood.
Stay connected with your family
While they might not know what you do in college, please keep them in the loop. They want the best for you.
Find a dedicated spot to study
Trust me, having boundaries will help you in college. My study spot was on the library’s second floor, next to the window where I could get sunlight. Whenever I walked into my area, my concentration levels would rise, and I would accomplish more.