Going to college is an exiting time for students and their parents. However, it may also seem a bit overwhelming. There is a lot of work that goes into applying and going to college. Use the tips in this article to help ease the stress of going to college.
Try and keep a part-time job:
As tough as it may be to balance work and studies, the extra money, you make can make a big difference. If you have a huge amount of money to pay back once you are finished, life will be much more difficult after graduation so try and work your way through it. Do not be unrealistic with your goals when you schedule your classes and work. If you struggle with mornings, scheduling hard classes as the first class during the day can mean trouble. Take a good look at your natural hours and make your schedule based on that.
You should be eating healthy:
Keep in mind that you should be eating healthy while in college. The freshman 15 is a real thing. Make sure you’re aware of the foods you’re consuming. Avoid overdoing the fast foods that are the staple of many students. But fast food can quickly add up to extra pounds and extra money spent. Socialize in moderation. Socialization is an important part of the college experience. Just remember to balance visiting friends and keeping your grades up. It can be easy to lose track of time and procrastinate. Save late night outings for nights when you do not have class the very next day.
Buy your school books:
Buy your school books a couple weeks before the term begins. Spend an hour familiarizing yourself with each of your books. If you have access to your course syllabus, check it out and see where in the book your class will be starting. This way you can get a bit of a head start. Develop good study habits while in high school. College professors normally expect that students in their classes know the proper way to study for exams, write term papers and how to research information. By learning this while in high school you can ensure success in college. If you do not have good study habits, ask for help.
Build bonds with your teachers:
Professors are a great resource for students and can really give you valuable advice. You should ask them about your class if you need help. A positive relationship can help your grades and improve your learning capability. Do not let anyone, including yourself, pressure you into rushing your declaration or choice of major. At most colleges and universities, you are going to spend at least two years doing general education classes regardless. Use these to explore various avenues and fields of interest to winnow down to what really fascinates you.
Set yourself up for success:
Set yourself up for success in college by taking your habits and ideas into consideration. For example, think about whether you are a morning person or an afternoon person. If you aren’t a morning person, don’t even think about signing up for an early class. Schedule courses later in the day so you won’t be tempted to skip. If you are occupied with work and kids during the daytime, taking night classes is your best bet. Night time college instructors understand that you have a busy life and tend to cater their classes to this. There is usually less course work and the instructors are as a rule a little more flexible.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help:
If you were someone who hated high school, you just might actually love college. College classes are geared towards your major and the material is much more interesting than the standard material taught in high school. Many adult students who once did horrible in high school find themselves graduating college with high honors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed, stressed out or depressed during your freshman year. Most colleges offer free therapy or counseling to students; take advantage if you need it. Adjusting to college can be difficult and stressful, so don’t be ashamed to admit you can’t handle it as well as you thought you would.
As stated above, going to college is both an exiting and overwhelming time for the student and their family. For the best chance at success in applying for and attending college, it is important to take it seriously, yet enjoy the experience at the same time. Use the tips in the article above to do both.