Continuing at College

Helpful Ideas for College Students to Consider

College Success

What does a successful college student do or look like?

1. Time Management

Be able to juggle your responsibilities by thinking ahead about what you need to accomplish. If you have a test on Friday, do NOT wait until Thursday night. Pulling an all-nighter isn't going to cut it. Research from UCLA shows that information needs to be learned over a course of time for it to be moved into your long term memory. So, anything you might have crammed the night before is not going to make it past your short-term and into your long-term memory. If you stay up all night studying then the other problem is your loss of sleep. Sleep is very important for your brain and body to be able to function to it's capacity. Also, it is important to sleep the same number of hours each night, as the body functions properly on a patterned sleep schedule. 
A successful college student goes to bed and wakes up at the same time during school nights, studies for class ahead of time, and plans ahead for upcoming events/due dates/activities.

2. Organization

Get organized. Get the books and supplies you need at the beginning of the year so you don't get left behind. You don't have to buy everything you see in the office supply section, but do get the books and recommended items that each professor suggests for class. Make sure you meet with your adviser and have the right classes lined up to earn your major. If you don't know what you want to do after graduation, your adviser is a great person to talk to.
A successful college student has the books and materials required by the professor, knows that courses are required for their major, and checks in with the adviser regularly. 

3. Study 

Get into a routine. Find a place, such as your room, library, quiet area in your dorm, bench in the park, etc where you can study with the least amount of distractions. There is a lot of extra time on hand in college at the beginning, so sometimes freshman think it is free time to play around. Yes, have fun at college, but with more freedom comes more responsibility on yourself. You have to make sure you get your college class work done before you take a nap or play a video game. With a routine you will be able to manage your time, get your work done, and have some fun, which will cut out some of the  stress. 

Example: M,W,F = go to class from 9am to 1pm, go to lunch from 1pm to 1:30pm, go to library from 1:30pm to 5pm, 5pm to 6pm eat dinner, 6pm to 8pm - go to the gym, play basketball, hook up with friends, have a club meeting, etc. 8pm to 10pm meet up with study group.

College does provide more 'freetime' but it is all about what you make of it. 

As a rule of thumb, for every credit taken equals three hours of study time per week. SO... normally a college class is 3 credits so that is 9 hours of study time per week. Now times that by how many classes you are taking. A typical Freshman takes 15 to 18 credits a semester which would be 45 hours of studying a week! Not so much free time after all! :) 

A successful college student studies in an area that is conducive to learning, completes the assignments on time, and gets help when no sure what is going on in class, not waiting until its too late. 

4. Get Involved

Join a sport, intramural, club, activity, study groups, or any other activity that interests you. Getting involved will help connect you to other students who have the same interests as you. This is an awesome opportunity to meet others, do something you are about, and have a great time.
A successful college student takes advantage of the opportunities that college has to offer when it comes to extra-curricular activities, sports, intramural, clubs, and anything else that brings people together for a positive time together. 

5. Class Attendance and Participation

Going to class is very important. Most professors grade class attendance and participation with a large percentage of the final grade. Missing even three classes may cause you to drop a whole letter grade. The attendance policy is found in the course syllabus so be sure to read  carefully. Also, build a professional relationship with your professor. Having a good relationship with the professor will benefit you in many ways such as learning their communication and teaching style, making it easier to ask questions, and possibly networking and as a reference. 
A successful college student attends all classes and participates.

6. Ask For Help

There is nothing wrong with asking for help when needed. Having the self-advocacy skills to know when you need help and how to get it is a great skill that has to be learned. Now, waiting until the night before an assignment is due to start and then asking for help is a little too late. That's where time management comes in. There are many places to ask for help; professors, classmates, roommates, grad assistants, tutoring center, advisors, family and friends. If they don't know the answer then they will be able to point you in the direction of someone who does. BUT, asking for help is the first step.
A successful college student knows when and is not afraid to ask for help.

7.  Closing Thoughts 

College is a great place to learn more about yourself and explore different interests. Remember to build healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, taking care of yourself, and remember who you are.  Build on your skills and talents, and use the career development office to find your passion. They can help you create a resume, job shadow, and find internships for experience. By earning a college degree you can create a plan for your future and use your education in the career field of your choice. 

References

Retrieved July 30, 2014. http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/professors-guide/2010/08/17/top-10-secrets-of-college-success

Retrieved July 30, 2014. http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/cramming-for-a-test-don-t-do-it-237733

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