Being a college student is a full-time job, and being successful requires more than just brains. When you enter college, it is helpful to learn strategies that will help you develop good habits for your four years of college and ease your college workload. The strategies offered here are general, but you can tweak them to fit your personality and schedule so to ensure your success in college and beyond.
Study Habits
When you enter college, you will find that it is much different from the class layout you experienced in high school. The classes you are enrolled in may require more work than you are used to and move at a more rapid pace than most high school classes. Because you have many more classes to juggle, it is best to devise a specific study schedule for each class. Perhaps on Mondays and Wednesdays, you study for two or three classes, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, you study for your other classes. Be sure to consider your syllabus when planning this schedule so that you cover all of the areas you need to for tests and set aside time for reports and projects.
It is also important to designate a specific area for your studies. It may take some research for you to find a place where you are most comfortable studying. Try the library, the study lounge in your dorm or even the cafeteria. Once you find the spot, go to that place every time you study so your brain gets used to concentrating when you are in that environment.
Social Life
Being a good student does not require you to completely neglect your social life. Social interaction is very healthy and beneficial; in fact taking a break and spending time with friends will help you concentrate better when you get back to work.
However, don't neglect your studies because of your social life. With your newfound freedom as a college student, it is tempting to party hard, skip class and choose fun over studying, which is the complete opposite of a success strategy. If you keep your social life balanced, limit parties to the weekends and stick to your study schedule, you will have no problem finding academic and social success.
Health
It is easy to neglect your body when you are trying to juggle your education, your social life and maybe even a job. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy. Your brain's health depends on your body's health, and becoming sick will only get you behind in your studies. Be sure to schedule time to take care of yourself -- that is one of the most important strategies for success as a student.
Tags: your social, your social life, neglect your, social life, your studies, college student, enter college