College is full of serious changes and you’ll be making many choices and be responsible for doing many things. This can be tough, but with the right advice, you can become a college success story.
Get yourself a good water bottle to bring to school. Staying hydrated is something you need to do all day long. This is especially true if you have back-to-back classes. Proper hydration will help keep you on-task and focused throughout your day. The sheer number of water fountains these days allow more ease in refilling water bottles.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to start applying for grants and scholarships before going to college. When you take more time to find money for college, you’ll end up borrowing less in the end. Come up with a good system for monitoring deadlines and be sure to turn in applications so that you can submit them promptly.
Be realistic when planning to work and course schedules. Know your natural body clock so you can make your schedule to flow with that as much as possible.
Explore your options and pursue activities that interest and engage you during your off-time. A variety of activities shows that you have varied interests. This looks good on graduate school applications and your resume. Focus on grades first, and take part in those activities that are manageable with your work load.
If you don’t have the financial aid or scholarships to cover all of your college costs, try getting a loan. College is a place that will help you get a high paying job later, so it is acceptable that you acquire a bit of debt to help with that.
Eat healthy as possible during your time at college.Many people gain weight their first year in school. Make sure to be mindful of the foods you’re consuming. Avoid eating too much fast foods and pizza. It is cheap and quick, but it will leave you feeling sluggish and unable to concentrate in your classes.
Make sure to have breakfast. Even if you’re short on time, grab a piece of fruit or a cup of yogurt. Hunger pangs are devastating to your test performance. Low energy levels and a grumbling stomach can affect the outcome of your test, so try eating a small meal to keep yourself focused and energized.
Always bring all needed testing materials before an exam.The teachers often don’t lend items out, so make sure you have what you need before you leave for class.
Focus on getting good grades, and take part in those activities that are manageable with your work load.
Do more than take electives to broaden your horizons. Try other things on campus that can spur your interest. Join some clubs and sign up for work-study opportunities. Every college campus has a great deal happening each week. Aim to try something new at least once per week.
Take a general ed requirement your first semester and get it out of the way. If you have to take it, but aren’t interested in it, take it early so you can later focus on the classes you really like. You don’t want to find yourself the lone senior amongst a class comprised only of freshman.
Professors are a great resource and can really give you get on your way. Ask questions and offer help them.
Look into attending community college for your first year or two. You can save money and decide on a major. Once you have completed the necessary transfer units, you can transfer to a university to finish your degree. If the cost of college is something you worry about, it might be the perfect choice.
Not only will the career center help you get a job when you graduate, they also post part time jobs that you could do while in campus or at the surrounding areas close to your school.
Don’t spend your morning “cup-o-joe” from a cafe every morning.It’s not as tasty as Starbucks, but it will save you quite a bit of money. You can purchase a fancy machine cheap if you shop around.
Try to keep to a steady sleep cycle while in college. Sleep deprivation is common among college students attempting to juggle classes, work, and a social life. If you do not get enough sleep, you will not be able to concentrate on your classes.
Choose electives from each other. The first year makes the perfect time to try new things and challenge yourself.
College can be extremely challenging even for the most prepared students. You are put in control of your decision making. But, if you put the above tips to good use, you will find your college experience to be positive and perhaps fun.
It always helps to surround yourself with people who share your interests, values and ideas about attending college. When they’re driven, they’ll keep you driven, too. However, you can still have group fun. College is all about finding the proper balance between work and fun.