Tips to Survive College

My first year at college was a bit of a roller coaster ride as it was my first time being independent. That required a lot of hard work and responsibilities. I was ready to take a flight back home during the first month. However, I decided that I would become more involved in campus life to keep me engaged and distracted. I also, believe it was a great opportunity to participate in school activities as I never had the time to do so in the previous schools I attended.

Going to college requires a lot from an individual, here are some tips and information that will help you get through:

• Go to class: As tempting as skipping class may seem it is an important part of your college life after all you did come to school and paid tons of money for the education why not attend. This may also be crucial as professors may dish out information on tests, assignments, due dates or give extra credit for attendance.

• Get organized: At college, professors don't spoon feed you like they did at high school or secondary school. It's all left up to you to be up to date with assignments, due dates, tests etc. You are often required to attend class prepared as professors may teach as though you have prior knowledge of the topic since it's often posted before the class. Buy an organizer, use an app, or get a big wall calendar, do whatever it takes for you to know when assignments are due.

• Find the ideal place for you to study: It may be your dorm room or the library, but find a place that works best for you to get your work done, while avoiding as many distractions as possible. Also, try to use an active study method such as making flashcards or writing your own quizzes. It’s may be more effective than just looking over your professor’s slides.

• Get to know your professors: I can assure you there are only pros to getting to know your professors, especially if later in the semester you run into some issues. Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students, take advantage of that time. College is just as much about networking as it is about sitting in class. It's good to network with professors in your field of interest as they may be beneficial later on when you may need a recommendation letter or you need to choose a career path.

• Get to know your academic adviser: This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, adding or dropping courses, scheduling of classes for future semesters, deciding on majors and minors. This person is a key resource for you and should be the person you turn to with any academic issues or conflicts. Believe me they are an integral part of college life as students may encounter many issues with deciding on majors, minors or courses.

• Get involved on campus: A major issue faced by most students is a combination of homesickness and a lack of belonging. A solution to that issue? Consider joining a select group (but be careful not to go overboard) of student organizations, clubs, or sports teams. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and feel more connected to your school. There are often organizations created for specific interest such a countries, religion, academics or sports. Feel free to join one of them. 

• Seek a balance: Attending college is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don’t tip  too far in either direction. Strike a balance, don't party too much or study too hard. Make time for yourself. Set aside some time and activities that help you relax and take the stress out of your day or week.

• Stay healthy/Eat Right: Attending college and staying healthy may be a daunting task. However, it's an issue we must prioritize. Get enough sleep, take your vitamins, exercise, and eat right. Without mom or dad there to serve you a balanced meal, you may be tempted to go for those extra fries or cookies since you don't usually have the time to prepare a meal. Stay healthy and avoid the dreaded extra “Freshman 15” pounds by sticking to a balanced diet.

• BUDGET!!!: If you’ve never had to create a budget, now is the time to do so. Find ways to stretch your money. Being away from home filled with responsibilities will require you to budget as it may be awhile before your parents send you some or you have only been given a fixed amount. Try to prepare a meal at home and not always purchase one if you are not on a meal plan. Partying may seem important but spend moderately. 

• Be prepared to feel overwhelmed: There is quite a bit going on in your life right now. You're at college, away from home, on your own, filled with responsibilities and you have to keep up with studies. Be prepared to have breakdowns and panic attacks. On the bright side, you're not the only one going through it. 

• Strive for good grades:  You did come to college for education so why not strive for good grades. No one says you need to go crazy and force yourself into the eat, sleep, study, repeat cycle but you can at least do your utmost best. Try hard so at the end of the day you leave college feeling like you earned something. You don't have to get straight As to feel like you're good enough but you also should not believe in the Cs get degrees idea. You are capable. You have potential. A grade C is not awful it happens. However, you did not get into college because you don't have what it takes to excel. Do your best. 

Author note: I hope these help. Enjoy college!!!!