Going off to college is a whole new world. It is an exciting adventure where you are the captain of your own ship and the responsibilities for how it goes depend on your choices. The information in this article can help you get your college career off to a winning start.
When you enter college
try to reduce the amount of starches that you eat during your freshman year. Typically, you will put on a lot of weight in the initial stages of college, as this will help you to counter that. Try to incorporate a lot of fruits and vegetables into your diet.
If you are enrolled in courses and holding down a job, be realistic when setting your goals. Avoid taking classes too early in the morning if you are unable to follow a strict schedule. Pay attention to when you feel the most energetic, and schedule your classes around that when you can.
Always plan time to study and keep a set schedule for doing so. After you have received your class schedule, it is best to schedule your study time. With a class and study schedule mapped out, you can create the kind structure that will help you get through each day and maximize your time.
Prior to the day that classes begin, become familiar with your schedule as well as the location of your classes. Time your route from one course to the next, and plan the best way to get there. You can also find libraries or cafes on your route to study or eat lunch at if you have time.
If you recently entered college
one of the first things that you should do is purchase your books from the bookstore. This will help you to reduce the stresses that you will face as the year begins, as you should always come prepared with the right materials and texts for school.
If you need money for college, you should consider applying for federal financial aid and scholarships. Visit the FAFSA website and follow the application process to get access to federal funding or grants. If you are denied federal funding, apply for different scholarships related to the subject you want to study.
Do not crack under the stress of selecting or declaring a major right away. Some professors might try and draw you into their department early on, as the more students they have the more job security they have. Never rush major decisions, and do what is right for you, not anyone else.
If you are staying on campus and you purchased a meal plan, make sure that you take advantage of it. Don’t leave any meals uneaten, particularly if they don’t roll over from semester to semester Depending on the rules associated with your plan, you will probably be able to pick up what you want and take it with you. Therefore, if your friends are having a meal somewhere else, you can still join them without spending any extra money.
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.
To get textbooks inexpensively look at a variety of online and offline textbook stores. College textbooks can be extremely expensive; however, with the abundance of places selling both used and new textbooks, you can keep within your budget. The college bookstore also offers textbooks for lease which can save you money.
When you already have a job, getting a degree online can be easier for you. These are for non-traditional students with inflexible schedules or those who cannot go to classes nearby. When you attend an online university, you can do your coursework at your convenience.
If you are not staying in dorms, consider carpooling with other students. You should be able to find others that are staying in the same area as you. You will likely not be able to carpool every day of the week with the same people, but even a few days will help build relationships.
Find out if your college has a counseling center. These centers staff professional counselors or therapists. They can be an invaluable source of help if you struggle with depression, anxiety, stress or other emotional issues in college. They may also be able to refer you to local resources off-campus, if necessary.
As you have just read, college is not just an academic achievement, it is also a memorable adventure. Buy keeping the tips for the article in mind, you will have be able to juggle the responsibilities of college better and achieve more while still finding time to make friends, have a social life and create memories to last a lifetime.
