There are many significant and often stress-filled times in life and going away to or starting college is one of them. It’s exciting, nerve-racking, overwhelming, fun, challenging, and wonderful all at the same time. It can also be scary. Going from your parents telling you what to do and when, to making those decisions for yourself is a huge step. So we’re offering some tips on how to deal with college and keep your life and goals in order.
Classes
If it’s possible, don’t schedule your classes back to back. Why? For two reasons: you’ll wear yourself out and more than that, two of the best times to study are right before and right after class. Try to figure out where your classes are before the first day. That’ll save you time and give you a good indication of where to park, if you’re driving.
Study Time and Tips
Good time management skills begin in college. That’s when you have to take a look at your schedule and decide on the best time to study for each class. Experts agree that for every hour you spend in class, you’ll probably need to study two hours outside of class. And studying for each subject should occur at the same time, in the same place. Remember, studying doesn’t just mean doing your homework—it means going over you’re your notes, labeling, editing and becoming familiar with online applications like Blackboard.
The place where you study should have the tools you need to accomplish your goals—a desk, a comfortable chair, good lighting and the supplies you require. And of course, you want it to be as free of distractions as possible. Also, try to do as much studying during the day as you can. Studying at night tends to take longer.
Scheduling breaks during study time is essential, too. A ten minute break every hour helps you absorb more information.
Use all the resources on campus that you can; labs, tutors, videos, computer programs and yes, even the library. Another good resource is having a study partner for each class. You’ll be more motivated if you have to show up to study with another person. Also, this person can help you understand more.
Remember to be good to yourself. You can’t study properly and absorb a lot of information on four hours of sleep and an empty stomach. Also, experts know that repeated exposures to the class material is far superior to cramming.
Keep in Touch With Your Family
Yes, you’re away from home, but thanks to technology, there are three inventions that’ll make you feel like you’re still there—email, instant messaging and Skype. If those aren’t an option, there’s always a calling card or—Heavens!—snail mail.
Get Involved
College is a time when you can finally be involved in what you’re passionate about—music, theatre, the science club, student government—the opportunities are limitless. Becoming active in campus activities will help you make friends and, hopefully, keep you from getting depressed. You can start by perusing a list of your college’s student organizations and if what you’re interested in isn’t offered, start your own club.
Stay Busy
It’s important to stay busy in college. And that doesn’t mean adding to your party schedule. It means boosting your credit hours, volunteering or even getting a part time job.
Source: Dr. Carolyn Hopper, Learning Strategies Coordinator for the University Seminar at Middle Tennessee State University and author of Practicing College Learning Strategies,5th ed.,Wadsworth/CengageLearning, 2010 and CollegeView.
