While college is very exciting, it can also prove to be intimidating. One can learn a great deal academically in addition to valuable life lessons. It can be difficult to have a life and make good grades.
Always maintain a healthy diet. The term “freshman 15″ exists for a reason. Try to remain aware of the foods you are consuming regularly. Try not to eat too many on the go foods like pizza or fast food. Although it may be cheap and quick, this kind of food is not nutritious.
Map out your classes and schedule before the first class. Find out how much time it takes to get from one class to another, and plan your route accordingly. You should also find other critical locations and plot them on a map.
Your seating arrangements can affect success in your classes. Instead of slipping into class at the last minutes and sitting in the back row, arrive on time and sit in the front of the room. This allows you to hear everything said and clearly see the whiteboard or projector screen.
Take the time to exercise or take a walk and keep physically active. You can get your workout in, and you can also meet up with many people in your school who are active. You can also meet friends with whom you can go to the gym, thereby expanding your social network.
Get plenty of sleep. Many college students get little, if any, sleep between late night parties, classes and homework. Too little sleep leads to an underactive and useless brain, so get your eight hours nightly.
During the first semester, take a minimum of one general ed class so that you can put it behind you. If you have to have the class for your requirements, get it over with so you can take classes you like down the line. Besides, you won’t want to be the only senior in a class full of freshmen four years from now.
Before going away to college, decide on whether you want to take your car. Parking could be an issue if you are living in the city. It could also be expensive to have a car. Remember that you have to plan for both gas and insurance.
Develop enduring, beneficial relationships with instructors. You can get the most out of your classes if you talk to your professor. Take time to ask questions and even help when you can. Developing good relationships with them can help you achieve better opportunities and grades. They are important to your success.
Make sure you schedule dedicated study time every day. There are many distractions in college, so you need to schedule your time. Promise yourself that you will study for one hour each day. Even if you think you don’t need to study, do it anyway. By making it a habit, you’ll get into a rhythm of doing it everyday.
Consider an internship while at college. By following through with an interning opportunity, you will receive real-world experience and professional relationships. As an added bonus, you may get offered a job after you graduate from college. See a counselor or call the department that specializes in internships for help.
With any luck, you now have a better outlook on what college is like and how you can succeed in it. Use the tips given and you are sure to have an enjoyable and successful college experience.