The challenge of college can instill fear in many people before they even attend. You don’t have to think this way. College success starts with a good knowledge base. This article will provide you with the necessary advice.
Be sure you have enough toiletries with you when going to college. These are critical for good hygiene. Purchasing in bulk is also a smart option, to make sure that you do not run out.
Apply for grants, scholarships and loans promptly. By giving yourself plenty of time to find funding, you will not have to borrow as much money. Come up with a system that lets you manage your applications so that you can submit them promptly.
Do not forget to eat nutritious meals. Gaining the “freshman 15” isn’t a myth! Make sure you are careful about your intake. Fast food, pizza and alcohol can really add to your waistline. Such foods might seem quick and inexpensive, but the calories cost you over time, nor are they nutritious enough.
Eat breakfast on test days. Grab fruit and yogurt to be eaten on the go if you must. If you’re stomach is rumbling while you’re taking a test, you’re going to be distracted. Low energy levels and a grumbling stomach can affect the outcome of your test, so try eating a small meal to keep yourself focused and energized.
Get real rest. When you are in college, it is easy to pull all-nighters for parties and classes and homework, but you need your rest. Failing to get enough sleep will negatively impact your state of mind and hurt your grades.
Try taking a single general education class in your first semester to get it over with. When there is a class you need in order to graduate, it is best to take it sooner rather than later. It would be a bummer to be the token senior in a gen-ed class of freshmen four years down the road.
Stay out of credit card trouble by paying off your balance each month. If you carry a balance, the interest and late fees add up quickly. A credit card is best saved for emergencies only. Monitor your spending and keep in mind that your main goal is to get an education. You could find yourself quite distracted by financial difficulties.
Get a bus pass. You might be surprised to find that traveling time is nearly equal to that of driving your own car. Besides, you will not have to waste time looking for a parking spot. You don’t have to pay for gas and parking passes. It is also a way for you to “go green.”
Try registering for classes that you are interested in instead of opting for “easy” classes. You should push yourself; you will reap the benefits. You’ll gain a lot more out of a harder class and they are often more beneficial for your future.
Set aside time every day to study. College life presents many distractions, but academic success should be your foremost priority. You need to spend at least a couple of hours a day to catch up on your studies and do some research. Keep this motivation, and you are bound to succeed in college. It will make studying a routine.
Take notes during class. Taking notes helps cement the information in your brain. This will allow you to remember more later when you have to study. Regardless of what you think your grasp on the material is, write it down to be sure that you have it straight.
When you enter your freshman year of college, don’t assume your status as a high school student will hold much weight with your peers. College gives you a clean slate as you leave your high school days behind. Challenge yourself as much as you can and push your old boundaries.
Clearly, it is not impossible for you to attend college and graduate. With the advice you have just learned, you can be well prepared to succeed at college. After all, they are called the best years for a reason.