College success requires determination.
Your approach to college may affect your life goals and possibly the success in your future career. It will be an entirely new experience. The study habits that procured enrollment in college will be honed and refined. You will encounter fresh ideas and foreign information. Endurance and determination will be tested. Your independence will be earned. A commitment to succeed in college is both exhilarating and achievable.
Clarify Your Goals
College requires an investment of your time, energy and finances. To get the most out of your venture you must have a clear path. Before heading off to college clarify your goals. Determine what you want to put into college and what you desire to glean from the experience. Realize that exposure to new circumstances may cause you to alter your direction. Have a clear plan that allows for flexibility.
Learn Time Management
Juggling classes, assignments and commitments will require more than your memory or a notepad. Take advantage of the technology you already carry with you and install an effective daily planner or productivity application on your favorite gadget. If you resist electronics pick up a daily planner at an office supply store. Choose a planner you can carry with you to jot down appointments, activities and assignments throughout the day.
Strategize Your Course Schedule
Structure your program with your college adviser.
Get to know your college adviser. With his help determine the courses necessary to accomplish your educational goals. Complete required courses first. Often these basic courses will inspire a slightly new direction. Structure your program to take courses in logical or required order. Take note of courses that are difficult to get into or that are offered at irregular intervals. Include these peculiarities into your plan. Realize your daily and weekly limits. While planning the days and hours of your class time, be sure to allow yourself time to complete coursework and meet your other commitments.
Organize Your Assignments
College assignments can be more intense and time-consuming than those you completed in high school. Preparation is key. Obtain course syllabi in advance whenever possible. Mark assignment due dates in your daily planner and block out time to complete them. Allow time for required reading and to write and rewrite papers. With a heavy course load, assignments can become quite burdensome. Allow yourself short breaks and plan to alternate subjects as you complete your work. A change in focus can refresh the mind better than a cup of coffee. Use the campus library and other resources provided by your college; this will save you time and money.
Manage Your Budget
While attending college you should maintain a two-fold focus on your budget. College is expensive and many students rely on financial aid, grants and scholarships to fund the education. Do not let this privilege become a curse on your future. Regulate the funds you borrow and maintain debt at a minimum. Life during college also must be provided for. Calculate your monthly allowance for necessities. Consult your college registrar's tuition and fee information when computing your monthly budget. Determine how monthly expenses will be met. Resolve to stick to your budget.
Take Care of You
Eat nutritious meals, including fruits and vegetables.
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in the college years is being responsible for your own care. Staying healthy is imperative for success in college. Eat nutritious meals and avoid fast food. Get adequate sleep. Coffee and energy drinks are not sleep substitutes. Use the health and counseling resources provided by your college. If you are away keep in touch with those at home.
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