College can be a lot sometimes. Over the past two years I’ve learned some helpful little tricks that help to keep me sane and on top of things, and it’s time I passed them on to all of you! Ahead in part one: scheduling classes, going to them, and homework. Be on the lookout for part two soon!
i. scheduling classes
Take a full load, but keep it balanced.
Don’t schedule all of the tough classes for one semester.
Also try to schedule it so that you will have a variety of homework (ie a mix of writing, tests, and worksheet focused classes)
Always speak to your advisor before scheduling classes.
Keep in mind that you will need time for homework and online classes when making your schedule.
Whether it means choosing not to have classes on certain days, putting a two hour break in between classes, or having all your classes in the afternoon so you can study in the mornings.
Keep in mind your personality when picking times.
8AMs are rough. Unless you are the world’s biggest morning person, avoid them if you can.
Be sure to have a plan for eating meals!
Some schools will let you bring your lunch into class, but I prefer to have a break during lunch so I can relax while I eat.
Look at a map of campus when scheduling and try to schedule classes in the same building back-to-back, or at least near each other.
ii. classes
Never go to class without a bottle of water and a pen.
If it’s a workday and you’re given the option to leave class and work elsewhere, actually use that time to work.
Sit wherever you’re comfortable. A lot of posts say to sit up front, but I personally prefer to sit further back so that I can fidget without worrying about distracting others. Figure out what works for you.
After about the third class, seats might as well be assigned. Don’t move and throw everyone else off unless you really have to.
Always be respectful and kind to your teachers and classmates.
Make at least one friend in every class. You don’t have to be bffs, but chat with the person you sit beside before every class so that you have someone to study or share notes with if you need to.
If you need to fidget to pay attention, consider bringing a small container of Play-Doh with you to lectures (you may want to let your teacher know what’s up, they’ll almost definitly be cool with it).
iii. homework
Unlike high school, you really can’t skip homework. Instead of getting lots of small worksheets, your grade will be decided by a few bigger projects or papers. Try to stay on top of things!
Break larger projects up into smaller deadlines.
If a class has a lot of worksheets as homework, start a study group so that you can all work on them together.
Try to start homework as soon as you get it.
Don’t be afraid to ask from help from teachers, tutors, or classmates.
As soon as you get a syllabus, enter all of the due dates into your planner. If you wanna go the extra mile (hint: you do), go ahead and add in dates to start working on projects, too.
Work ahead so that you have the flexibility to hang out with your friends at the last minute, instead of being stuck in the library working on a project that’s due first thing in the morning.
Never plagiarize. It’s the fastest way to get kicked out of a class, or even a whole program. If you’re not sure if it needs a citation, it needs a citation.
The number one rule is simple: do all your work, and do it the best you can. As long as you follow that, you’ll be golden.
Happy studying, and be on the lookout for part two coming soon!
