The college years are full of new experiences, growth and preparation for the rest of your life. They will also go by in the blink of an eye, so enjoy them as much as possible. Make the most of them with these tips for how to be successful in college.
Classes
- Sit Close to the Front - Teachers appreciate students who look like they're in class on purpose. Show them you take it seriously by taking a seat in the front.
- Look Friendly - If you were standing in front of the room, what kind of faces would you be drawn to? The smiling ones! Consider your facial expressions in class and try to look interested and upbeat.
- Actively Engage - Ask thoughtful questions, actively participate in discussions, look excited about activities, and show with your body language that you are there to learn and grow.
- Go to Office Hours - Office hours can be a game-changer when it comes to succeeding in a class. Your professor will be sitting there whether anyone shows up or not. They will definitely appreciate having someone to talk to! Don't wait until you're behind or confused by the coursework to stop by, and feel free to attend more than once.
- Give Yourself Time - Don't wait until the last minute to do assignments and study for tests. If you don't plan ahead, work will bottleneck and the stress of cramming isn't good for anyone.
- Be Original - It can be tempting to copy work or trade answers with someone who has been in the class already. Remember: the person doing the work is doing the learning. Leave college with as much information as you can.
- Do Your Best - Give it your all. You won't be able to be perfect, so allow yourself to be human. But at the end of the day, leave knowing you gave it 100%.
- Buy Used - Books are so much cheaper pre-owned. And that's not all! You can buy gently-used furniture for your dorm room and sell items you don't need to someone else who needs them.
- Ask for Help - Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. If that's going to office hours, reaching out to other students to form a study group, scheduling an appointment with a school counselor, or talking to friends and family about how you're feeling. Your mental health is more important than anything at school so never fear seeking out extra support.
