College is an incredible experience that opens the doors for many opportunities. Despite the endless possibilities, the structure of college can be overwhelming. For many students, college years mark the first time for independence, which means they don’t have a parent nagging them to complete XYZ tasks. Freedom can feel liberating but can come with increased responsibility. While college is --and should --be fun, there are still obligations that one must uphold. We’ve compiled a list of 5 tips to help every college student succeed during their college years.
1. Manage Your Time
This may be the most important tip of all. Time management skills are essential for college so that you don’t miss that 11:59 pm deadline. Many professors harp on students to begin projects and papers early, and they encourage this so that students will have plenty of time to come to office hours with questions. Nothing is more stressful than realizing at 11:40 pm that you have no idea how to complete the homework, and it’s due in 19 minutes. Moreover, time management can reduce stress overall. Weekends tend to be much more relaxing when you know that you’ve completed all (or most) of your assignments, and you deserve a break on the weekends.
2. Get Some Sleep
One of the many perks of college is that you have some flexibility in how you set your class schedule. Despite this flexibility, sometimes 8:00 am classes are unavoidable. Classes at 8:00 am are tough; believe me, professors do not enjoy them either! Classes that you have at 8:00 am are still important, and it won’t be helpful if you’re dozing off during the lecture. Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, and if you need some help with that. Check out our mattress toppers for an added layer of comfort to help promote sleep.
3. Seat Preference is Everything
Another perk of college is that the days of assigned seats are behind you. You have the choice in every class on where to sit, and you should choose wisely. If you are someone who is easily distracted or finds it challenging to stay away during class, sitting closer to the front may be best for you. I’m not implying that you need to sit directly in front of the teacher in the front row, but as close as you feel comfortable would suffice! Sitting in the back or out of the professor’s view can make it easier to text in class and disregard the lecture topic, so try to sit somewhere to hold yourself accountable for the material being taught.
4. Learn your Study Style
Everyone has a different style, and that’s okay. Some can reread content and be okay; others prefer flashcards. Learn the best way you retain information, and this will save you the headache of last-minute studying later on. I learned early on that I needed to take notes while I read chapters, and while this was time-consuming, it helped me retain information, so I didn’t need to spend as much time memorizing material closer to exams. Try various study methods and see what works best for you!
5. Take care of yourself
Above all, make time for self-care. College can quickly become overwhelming as you immerse yourself in various classes, clubs, and social activities. Burn-out is real and can impact your emotional health, so take time out of your day to do something relaxing. Whether you go for a walk around campus while listening to music, or lay in bed and color while watching Netflix, find something that will help you feel inner peace.
