My Top College Tips !
With a new semester about to begin, I wanted to share some college tips for those just starting their journey or struggling a bit! 🎓📚
✨Take a Light Course Load
If you’re new or get overwhelmed easily, start with a light course load. College is different from high school. Don’t overwork yourself with 12-15 credit hours (4-5 classes). I recommend starting with 2-3 classes. Once you get a feel for college and how you learn, you can increase your course load. I graduated with my associate degree, and I typically took 3 classes per semester, excluding summer classes where I’d take 2 each session.
🗓️ Get a Planner
Whether it’s digital or paper, get a planner. Look at your syllabus and write everything down in the first week. This helps keep track of what is due and when. Pro tip: use different colored pens for different classes. Also, there’s a setting in Canvas that can link your assignment due dates to your phone calendar.
📝 Take Notes
When you take notes, you retain the information you’re reading or watching! Don’t write everything down; summarize and paraphrase. You can choose either paper or digital—test out which you prefer! It took me a while to learn that I prefer digital notes over paper. I don’t really like having multiple notebooks; it’s easier for me to have it all on my iPad.
📅 Block Out Study Days
Plan your week so you’re not submitting assignments last minute or forgetting to submit them. I focus on one class at a time, for example, Class 1 on Mondays and Class 2 on Wednesdays. Pick a date close to when it’s due. If you have a busy schedule and can’t block out an entire day, do 30 minutes every day until the assignments are completed. I worked a full-time job and found this approach easier.
🎉 Get Involved if You Live on Campus
Get involved in campus activities, but also prioritize your schoolwork. While it’s important to have fun, keep up with your responsibilities. I regret not being more involved when I lived on campus. Being social can help prevent burnout, and participating in organizations looks great on your resume/portfolio!
📧 Communicate with Your Professors
If something comes up, communicate with your professors. Most professors understand that life happens and would prefer you to reach out ahead of time rather than last minute or not at all. I’ve never reached out to a professor and got a response that didn’t work in my favor. The least you can do is reach out to them!
Good luck to everyone starting this fall! 🍀 If you have any questions or tips you’d like to share, please drop them in the comments. 📚✨
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Beginning college can be daunting, yet with the right strategies, you can set yourself up for success. It’s crucial to understand the importance of pacing yourself academically. A lighter course load allows you to adjust to the new environment and learn effective study habits. Consider taking 2-3 classes initially and gradually increasing your course load as you adapt. Prioritize getting a planner—this tool is vital for tracking assignments and deadlines. Write down important dates from the syllabus, and using color coding can help keep your schedule organized. Effective note-taking is another key component of academic success. Digital notes can be more manageable and prevent clutter, while summarizing class content promotes better understanding and retention. Don’t forget to block out time for studying. Establish a routine that allows you to focus on one class at a time without the stress of last-minute submissions. If you live on campus, engaging in social activities is a great way to balance academics with fun, but remember to maintain focus on your studies. Getting involved enhances your campus experience and builds your resume. Lastly, open communication with your professors goes a long way. If you encounter challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—most educators appreciate proactive students. By following these tips and staying organized, you'll be well on your way to a fruitful college experience. Good luck!
