Alyssa Kiefer: College Survival Tips
College can be an exciting and transformative time in your life, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. Between juggling classes, extracurricular activities, and social life, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with your responsibilities. However, with a little planning and organization, you can not only survive college, but thrive. Here are some tips to start considering before entering this exciting new chapter in your life:
Scheduling: A key strategy in college is time management. During your time in college, you will find student groups or hobbies that pique your interest. This goes without mentioning: time for classes and homework has to take priority or precedence over hobbies. After a while, you might become overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done. Buying a planner or creating a digital calendar can help you keep track of class schedules, study sessions, and, of course, the fun that comes after you hit the books. This will help you avoid cramming and last-minute assignments and allow you to keep your days in line!
Attending class: Attendance is crucial for success in college. Although sleeping-in and daily naps are great, good grades and knowing what’s going on in class are great too. Attending class will help you stay engaged and focused on your coursework while also allowing you to receive materials and knowledge that is offered to you in class. Trust me, naps can wait.
Organization: There are many ways to stay organized in college. Whether it’s using schedule planners or keeping a clean apartment, being organized will reduce stress and allow you to better focus on your studies. The benefits are endless when it comes to staying organized, and I promise it will help you when it comes to stressful weeks, such as finals week.
Self-love: While at college, you are making advances and accomplishing huge milestones in your life. Give yourself some grace! Prioritizing your physical and mental health in college is essential to success. Doing simple things such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly will not only help your body, but also your mind.
Involvement: Joining a campus organization or having a campus job can help you meet new people, develop new skills, and add some balance to your academic workload. However, be careful not to overcommit yourself. Choose a few activities that you’re passionate about and make sure you still have time for studying and self-care!
Asking for help: College can be challenging, but remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professors, advisors, and/or tutors if you’re struggling at any point. There are limitless opportunities for you at college.
College is a time of growth and discovery, but it can easily push you to your limits. Coming from a college student, I can tell you that we all make mistakes, and it takes time to find what works best for you. It is important to stay true to yourself and your involvements. By incorporating new practices such as scheduling, organization, self-grace, and reaching out for help when needed, you can navigate the challenges of college and come out on top.