After all the stress of getting into a college, most students are surprised to learn that the stress isn’t over. The adjustment to college life can be overwhelming and confusing at times, but if you know the right information it can be easier. Here are some tips to help you make a seamless transition into life at college.
Saying no to things that make you uncomfortable is just as important in college as it was when you lived with your parents. Many students experiment with alcohol or sex during their college years, but if you don’t want to do these things, don’t let anyone pressure you into them. Your college experience should be about having fun, exploring who you are and preparing for your future via your classes–not about doing things you don’t truly want to do.
If you are struggling in your classes, ask the professor if there are any tutoring options available. By enlisting the help of a tutor you will normally be able to score better on tests, learn the information better and get a more rounded understanding of the curriculum. If a tutor is not available, ask around on campus. There are many study groups available that are student led.
As a college student, you will have access to many different jobs on campus. If you do not already have a good job, you should look for a job on campus. You should choose a job that will allow you to acquire some new skills and meet some interesting people.
If you are an adult going back to college, try signing up for night classes. The classes during the day time are full of young adults right out of high school. The night classes are usually filled with adults and students who are serious about their education. It will result in a much better college experience.
Attend every class unless you are sick. Unlike when you were in high school, most of the time you are not required to attend all of your classes. However, if you stay home you may miss valuable information or the opportunity to meet other students and get to know your teachers.
Do not wait until last minute to study. When you know you have an upcoming test, study a little each night. By waiting to study until the night before your test, you risk burning yourself out. Chances are you will go to take the test and your mind will draw a blank.
Make sure that you register for classes the minute that you are allowed to. If you wait to register, there is a good chance that you will not get the classes, teachers and times that you desire. This can leave you in a very undesirable situation where you will be faced with a difficult schedule.
If you feel your schedule can handle it, take an additional class during each semester. Many students can easily handle the average class load, which means that adding in one more class will be a minor burden at best. This can allow you to shorten your time in college enough to graduate a little earlier.
Sleep a full eight hours before a big exam. If you deny yourself sleep, you’ll find that you are groggy and your brain won’t process all the information you need to remember in an efficient way. Your more than likely then to fail the exam, so don’t think you are doing yourself any favors with an all-nighter!
Give your new college a year before making the decision that it’s not right for you. It’s natural for college students to feel homesick and overwhelmed because college is a completely different world. After you attend for a year and you still don’t like the school, then you should think about making changes.
Are you great at a sport and want to be part of that sport’s team at a college, too? Contact the school and see if you can chat with the coach. Oftentimes, college coaches aren’t aware about new athletes; therefore, you should ensure you let them know that you really want to play. Meeting personally with the coach can help you get a scholarship or other assistance that you may not have been aware of.
Never leave candles burning or your lights on when you are the last one out of your dorm. This can be an extreme fire hazard and can endanger all the people in your building. Purchase fake candles, as they can do the trick if you need extra light at night.
If you are thinking of joining a fraternity or sorority, take the time to look into what each individual house has to offer. While there are similarities, many houses are different in the types of community service they do, the types of activities they prefer, and the overall attitude they portray.
Search out on campus jobs. These jobs are specifically geared toward students and are generally limited hours a week. These jobs will give you spending money while teaching you important work ethics. Ask your professors and admission counselors if they know of any work-study projects, which may be available to you.
If you have never been to college, you don’t know what kind of an adjustment it can be. Take the tips laid out here and use them to make you have an easier time with the transition. If you apply these tips to your life, you will find that your college life is a blast!
