Published on March 8th, 2019
College can be brutal for some, so how can you guarantee good grades all year? Here’s our guide to surviving college whether it’s you’re a freshman or senior.
The United States is home to over 19 million college students. For most high school students, going to college is something they look forward. While most students are excited to go to college, many are a bit intimidated due to the fear of the unknown.
Often times, new college students will have to adjust to life away from the comforts of home. Getting out on your own and experiencing new things can be a lot of fun. The key to surviving college is maintaining a positive attitude.
Instead of letting going away to college intimidate you, think of it as a once in a lifetime experience. The things you learn and the people you meet in college can change your life for the better. Failing to seize the opportunity to go away to college can cause a lot of problems later in life.
Read below to find out more about how to survive college.
1. Surviving College Starts with Attending Orientation
One of the biggest mistakes most people make when starting their college career is failing to attend orientation. Often times, new college students think these events are boring and will not provide them with any useful information. In actuality, the orientation at most colleges is packed with useful information for newcomers to the campus.
By attending the orientation, you can learn about where your classes are located and how to sign up for things like student housing or meal plans. Without this information, you will find it difficult to settle into college life.
You will also be able to meet other freshman at this event. Making friends right away can help you reduce the amount of time you sit around thinking about how homesick you are.
2. Staying Organized Is Important
When first embarking on your college adventure, you will be bombarded with a number of documents regarding the classes you are taking and your student housing arrangements. If you take these papers and throw them in an unorganized pile, it is only a matter of time until mistakes occur.
Instead of throwing this important information to the side, you need to work on keeping it organized. Taking the information from your class schedule and making a daily plan of action is a good idea. Doing this can help you avoid being late for class on the first day.
A high level of organization can also help you stay on track academically. Making notes regarding when your exams are will give you plenty of time to study and ace these tests with ease. The more disorganized you are, the harder you will find it to settle into college life.
3. You Need To View Studying As A Priority
Some college students get so wrapped up in their newfound freedom that class work takes a backseat to partying on a nightly basis. While you need to take time to have fun and mingle with your fellow classmates, studying and making good grades should be your top priority.
The main thing you need to do when arriving at campus for the first time is to find ideal places to study. Over time, you may need to find a way to lighten the workload on your plate. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, using a paper writing service may be a good idea.
With the help of a paper writing service, you can get your assignments done without having to lift a finger. Before hiring a service to help you with this task, be sure to take a look at their past work. Doing this research will help you choose the right service with ease.
4. Meeting With Your Professors Is A Good Idea
Getting to know your college professors is also something you should view as a priority. Most colleges provide professors with an hour or so of free time each day. This time is intended to be used for meetings with students.
Scheduling a meeting and getting to know a professor can help you greatly in the future. If you need an extension on a project or a bit of extra help on an assignment, consulting with a professor you are familiar with can be beneficial.
Before going in to meet with your professors, take the time to draft a list of questions. Not only will these questions help you cover all of the bases, but they will also show your teacher you are serious about your education.
5. Take Advantage Of The Services Offered By Academic Advisers
Choosing the right college classes can be extremely complex. If you have a declared major, you will need to take certain courses to graduate on time. Instead of guessing about what courses you need to take, consulting with the academic adviser is a wise move.
These professionals will be able to offer you the customized advice you need. With their assistance, you can stay on track and graduate on time. The time you invest going to these meetings with the adviser will definitely pay off in the long run.
6. Make Connections With The People Around You
One of the best parts of going away to college is the opportunities you will have to meet new people. Often times, the friendships you forge in college will last a lifetime.
If you make friends with the people who are earning the same degree, it will provide you with networking opportunities in the future. Coming out of your shell and socializing with new people will change your outlook on life.
7. Embrace The College Experience
The key to surviving college is remaining positive and open to new experiences. Remaining closed off and unsocial during college can lead to lots of regrets in the future.
Are you looking for more advice for college students? If so, check out our article on great side gigs that can help college students make money.
