A few of the most memorable tips from a college student to a college student
1. Don’t Slack
Time management is one of the hardest things to do when transitioning from non-college life to that of a part-time or full-time student. When transitioning into college, there are a million and one more things to do. From going shopping after a class with your roommate to going out on a Tuesday night, the ultimate test to a collegiate is how to manage time correctly. The average student, traditional and non-traditional, has a job outside of their schooling. The lack of balance between work and study has been one of the leading causes of reduction in the college retention rates across the U.S. Make sure to know what exams or projects and assignments with due dates are approaching, so you can schedule in a planner or phone of designated times to buckle down and get it done. Trust me; you’ll thank your responsible self when you graduate.
2. Take Notes
Take notes! Take notes! Take notes! Get the idea? With all the extracurricular activities there is do take part in, it’s expected that you won’t retain everything your 60 year old professor has to say about Accounting 101. But when exam time approaches sooner rather than later, notes either by laptop or notebook will become your best friend. Plus, many professors will test over material from your notes—not just the textbook. This is a good way to show that you’re paying attention and stand out to your professors.
3. Office Hours
Take advantage of your professors’ office hours. Many professors are required to set a certain amount of time aside for students who may need extra help and/or advice on career development. However, many students do not take advantage of this opportunity. By attending office hours, you are making your face known to your professor, and you might even get some helpful hints on class assignments just for taking the time to ask. Don’t forget, he/she may just be a great reference or candidate for a letter of recommendation in the near future.
4. Network
If one thing is remembered from this article. It’s all about WHO you know. Some say your connections are almost more important than your resume. In some cases this is true, but do not go and drop out of college—your connections wouldn’t like that. Building a network of people to seek life advice from, study with, or to become life-long friends, all of these are intangible benefits of a college career. Calculus derivatives may or may not be remembered in upcoming years, but connections last a lifetime. So get involved. Make friends with at least one or two people in class. Campus will seem much smaller and confidence for tests will be noticed with increased test scores from late night study sessions. Plus, this will help with communication and social skills. That’s definitely a go-to skill for employers!
5. 3 Letters—F.U.N.
Forty years from now what are you going to remember about college? “Oh I remember that Accounting 101 exam. It really kicked my butt with debits and credits.” Maybe. But you’re more likely to remember all the fun times you had with friends when you shouldn’t have stayed up so late on a weeknight going to Taco Bell. You’re going to remember the semester when you met your best friend in the dorms or nearby apartment or even the small, random events that have shaped you into the well seasoned adult you are today. Memories like these are lessons learned outside of the classroom that will be stories to tell for years to come when someone asks “What tips can you give me before heading off to college?”
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