So, you finally made it to college. Now what? After the excitement of move-in day is over and the rush of orientation adrenaline has ceased, it is easy to feel like a fish out of water. But this is normal. Within a few weeks, most students are busily attempting to balance the academic and social aspects of living within a bustling campus community. Some students are successful in this endeavor; others are not. But there are some helpful college survival strategies that can keep you in the game, and in school.
(1) Get organized and work diligently. If you only succeed in this one strategy, you will be well ahead of the pack. In college, your professors treat you as adults. They simply give you a syllabus -- a document which contains course requirements, assignment content, due dates, exam schedules, and required book information. Then the ball is in your court. If you study each syllabus, follow instructions and complete all assignments to the letter, you should do well in your courses. So take the time to plot out every important due date on a calendar, PDA, cell phone, or other organizational device. Then get to work!
(2) Attend every class and be on time. Although roll call is usually a missing element in the college experience, do not underestimate class attendance. Professors often offer unique insights about their field of specialty during the class lectures -- insights not found in the textbooks, but found on the exams. So show up a few minutes early to class; and be prepared to listen and interact in class discussions. That means regularly getting eight or more hours of sleep a night and eating healthy, well-balanced meals. Do not join the 25% of students who make the mistake of favoring the party scene, and who end up dropping out of school after their first year. Since you are in this for the long run, begin with your feet pointed in the right direction.
(3) Take one or more online classes each term if offered. This works best if you are self-motivated and organized. Because you do not physically attend online classes, your study time and free time are increased. With a computer and internet access; you will log on to view lectures, obtain assignments, communicate with professors and classmates, take exams and send homework via e-mail. But register early. Online courses are extremely popular and usually fill up quickly.
(4) Seek help if you need it. For some students, the college experience can be unhealthily overwhelming. If the pressures and expectations of college life are getting you down, visit the Student Health Center for help. Also check out other student resources, such as the learning or tutorial centers, academic advising counselors, financial aid counselors and dorm resident advisors.
Above all, remain focused and finish what you set out to do -- you will not regret it.
