And just like that… another summer has come to an end. Throughout our college experience, we learn the do’s and don’ts of what helps us make it through the semester. Here are a few tips that have been helpful for me as well as for other students.
The Early Bird Gets the Worm
Whether you are starting out or halfway through college like me, the most important step to success this semester (and every semester) is time management. One tip is to work on your assignments in the morning! Not only will you have a fresh mind to concentrate and to produce quality work, but you will also be able to crawl into bed at a decent hour (nursing students… I apologize). From personal experience only once was I up past 1AM finishing a term paper. Now, you may be thinking, does this girl even have a life? As a matter of fact, I do! It all comes down to discipline and to be ahead of the game. You will thank yourself later on, trust me.
Distractions Disrupt
Have trouble concentrating? Lock away your phone or any other device that is a distraction between you and your assignment. Tori, a senior at Morrisville State College, suggests having a friend or a roommate take away your devices until your work is finished. “One time my roommate had to lock my stuff in her room because I was NOT doing any of my homework,” Tori says. Thankfully with the help of her roommate, she was able to get that paper in on time. Another suggestion is an app called “Flipd” which makes your social media apps disappear through a timer you set. Don’t worry, there is a way to stop the clock if necessary!
Make Google Calendar Your Best Friend
Not only do us college students go to class but we must balance our time between work, classes, and of course, a social life. Meghan, a Junior at Binghamton University, swears by Google Calendar to help her get work done and to help remind her where to be on time! Google Calendar helps you visualize your day by allowing you to block out times for different events such as classes, meetings, and other activities in order to keep you organized. Meghan says, “Make a schedule and stick to it!” She highly recommends not making plans with people if you really do not have the time to do so. As difficult as it can be, we must learn how to say no to others from time to time so we can work hard now to play hard later.
You Never Know, Unless You Go
Join clubs and organizations. Trust me, it was one of the best decisions I ever made! Not only am I able to partake in activities of my interest but it also helps me step out of my comfort zone to socialize with others. Plus, you never know who you will meet *wink wink*! So far I have met a few celebrities, most notably Joe Jonas, during one of our university’s biggest events, the Spring Concert. So as hectic as our schedules can be, setting time aside for clubs can REALLY make a difference in your social life on and off campus.
Haste Makes Waste
Forget about your workload, as a commuter student, one of the most difficult tasks we encounter on campus is having to find a parking space! Chris, a Junior at Adelphi University, recommends arriving extra early to class so you don’t have the anxiety of finding a parking space five minutes before class. Haste makes waste people. Instead of rushing, give yourself plenty of time to get to campus. Plus, you will be able to grab a cup of coffee before the start of class (you know you are going to need it!)
From time management to just finding a parking spot, college is no stroll through the park. But now that you have a few helpful tips in mind from students just like you, you can go out and kick ass rather than fall on your ass this semester!