College is more than just the transition from high school to another school. It is a much different place with different responsibilities. You must plan everything carefully and prepare yourself for the experience ahead of you.
Don’t put off applying for scholarships or financial aid. Securing money in advance is the safest way to approach things. Come up with a good system for monitoring deadlines and be sure to turn in applications as early before deadlines as possible.
Your college might have a course in study skills if you need help. Smart students are naturally used to achieving high grades without much effort because they did so in high school. Therefore, studying is a foreign concept to them. Study skills classes teach the skills necessary to do well in college.
Eat healthy foods while away at college. Gaining the “freshman 15” isn’t a myth! Be aware of what is going in your mouth. Resist the temptation to grab junk food from a vending machine or go on a late-night pizza binge. These foods are quick and easy, but they are very bad for you.
Learn about all of the scholarships and grants available to help pay for your education. There are many different scholarships out there, just do your research. The government provides a variety of grants which they don’t expect you to repay.
Use the campus gym frequently. You can also meet other people that like to work out at school. Also, you can find friends to go with to the gym, which can expand your social circle.
Pay off any debt in full each month. If you do, you may face heavy interest charges in the long run. You should only ever put charges on your card in an emergency. While you may be tempted to use it for pleasure, understand that you are in college to learn, not play. You don’t want to add any more than necessary to your college-related debts.
Save a little money by getting your books bought right when your class is beginning. You may learn that certain books you thought were needed are not necessary. This happens a lot when you’re taking online classes. Sometimes, the analysis you find online or get from your teacher will suffice.
Try buying used textbooks. If every one of your text books is brand new, it adds up to a substantial amount of money. You can often buy them used and save yourself a ton of money in the process.
Memorize the number of campus security. You should be able to reach them quickly. You may never need to use the number, but it will be there if you do.
Taking notes during class is a pivotal component of learning. Taking the notes also makes you repeat important information in your head. You will also find that it makes studying the material that much easier. Though you may know the material already, you should still make it a point to take notes.
Participate in an internship while in school. Internships give you a chance to see career options first hand and see what it’s like to do a job that you might have in the future. You could possibly get offered a job because of it. Check with your school’s office to find out how you can get an internship, and then do it!
Refrain from plagiarizing as the consequences can be extreme. You’ll be writing a lot of papers through out your college years. Make sure you know how to cite your references and avoid accidental plagiarism. Instructors can check for plagiarism very easily, and even unintentional plagiarism can be cause for expulsion.
If you are having an important test the next day, read all your notes once more prior to going to bed. Reading before you go to sleep will help you remember all the information. After you wake up refreshed in the morning, all of the info you’ve been studying will make a lot more sense.
Friendships are very important and worthwhile in college. Being out there can just mean going to class early. By doing this, you can provide assistance to those who aren’t sure whether or not they’re in the right class. This can help establish a lifelong bond with a friend.
You should now have a good idea of what it takes to succeed at college. All you need is your own personal plan. You will need to be sure that you are entirely prepared for the journey you are about to embark on.