Attending college is a massive learning curve for students. They need to focus on learning new topics in preparation for a career. Many often need to learn how to manage to live alone.
Students will probably also need to get a part-time job to support their college careers. These all add up to a lot of changes that have to be made in a short space of time. It is little wonder that student life can become overwhelming, which is why this guide will help.
Dealing with your workload as a college student can be challenging, and for those considering greek life, finding the right balance between academics and social commitments is essential.
Set up an effective schedule
Time management is just one more learning curve that students need to learn to deal with. If you’ve been winging it through high school, that technique is not going to serve you well now. This is the right time to set up a tight schedule for your class workload and other commitments and stick to it.
Many colleges provide calendars to help students stick to their schedules. Making notes of assignments and test dates is essential. This tactic gives you a visual of what you need to get done, in between everything else.
This master schedule also lets you know how much time you have to study for each test. Developing and planning an effective schedule is one of the best tools a student can have to promote success.
It is also very important that you do not panic and get anxious when some tight deadline is nearing. You must learn to use online resources to get your work done and, in this regard, check this important site. It’s one of the hotspots for college students who want to get their writing work done at affordable rates and in quick deadlines.
Create your personal space
Having some personal space to call your own is going to be vital to your wellbeing. This space may be in your own room, a library or a downtown coffee shop. You may choose to find your space in an area of the campus or boarding house that is not used much – just make sure it is safe.
College distractions are varied, many and ongoing. Noise is your constant companion with televisions and radios blaring. Friends visiting friends and having parties is another noise source that is going to affect your learning time.
You need to find a quiet place to call your own soon after starting college. This move will give you the best chance of success.
Take responsibility
The transition from high school to university is a big one. Students need to start making decisions for themselves. They also need to start taking action to support their interests. Parents have made major sacrifices to put you in this position. You need to show appreciation by doing what needs to be done.
Attend all your classes. Hand in all your assignments. Study for all your tests, and pass these. Be proactive in the classroom. Lecturers will see that you’re interested and engaged. You will be the one they remember when it comes to internships that boost your college career. Take control of your future.
Look after yourself
Taking responsibility for your college career also means being responsible for your health and wellbeing. Eat properly, get enough sleep, become engaged in physical exercise and allow time for socializing.
You will need to learn how to pace yourself, which brings us back to that all-important schedule and calendar.
Eating well is one of the best things you can do to promote your health. Playing a sport is also a way to get those feel-good endorphins pumping, and it helps you to meet new people and to socialize. Create balance in your life, because this is a skill that will support you through college and the rest of your life.
Take a break
When the going gets tough, you may feel the need to take a break. Visit the college counselor for some perspective, or get away for the day where you can rejuvenate and collect your thoughts.
Sometimes all it takes to feel renewed, is a change of scenery. Take your friend up on that offer to spend the day in the countryside or at the mall.
This decision may feel counter-intuitive in terms of your tight schedule, but sometimes a break gives you the energy you need to catch up. Typically, you will be able to get more done when rested than stubbornly trying to keep to a schedule when exhausted. Take a break.
Create your academic strategy
Be sure to visit the academic counselor before the semester begins. Start slower rather than quickly with 12 credits to give yourself time to adjust to your new life. It is tempting to want to take on too much, but achieving a balance between studies and your social life is just as important for your wellbeing.
Now is the time though to map out your academic future. What do you want to achieve with your studies? Do the modules chosen align with your capabilities and dreams?
Ask yourself the tough questions now. Remember that an hour in class translates to about three hours outside the classroom on that module.
Conclusion
There are many ways that you, as a student, can learn to cope at college. The transition is challenging, so there is no need to be tough on yourself if you fail. Failure is a learning curve that builds experience and character. It also prepares you for a successful life as a student, once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Take responsibility, be kind to yourself and be successful.
