Being a college student is NOT easy. You’ve got sleep deprivation, $5 and a couple pennies to your name, midterms, finals; the list goes on and on. We need all the help we can get! Luckily for us, I came across 10 life-saving life hacks that can serve to our advantage.
1. Take Notes with Colored Pens
Taking notes doesn’t have to be a drag; using colorful pens can turn note taking into a fun activity. Studying with colorful notes is also a lot more fun than referring to plain black and white notes.
2. Use a Plastic Coil Hair Tie to Hold Your Key
So many people have already lost their key and we’re only two months into the school year. I find using flexible plastic coil hair ties to loop around your key and wear as a bracelet is the safest and most discreet way to manage your key.
3. Bring a Plastic Container to the Dining Hall
Ever find yourself starving only to find all of dining halls closed? I mean who has their last meal at 8pm or even 9pm? Bringing a plastic container to the dining halls can be a life-saver.
4. Keep Ingredients in Your Fridge
Ramen by itself, BORING! Try keeping garlic, hot sauce, cheese, eggs, veggies, or any of your favorite ingredients in the fridge to spice up any meal.
5. Leave a Food Trail When Studying
As much as I dread doing it, reading the textbook actually helps me learn *eye roll*. Yet, I have zero motivation to get through it. By putting pieces of candy, or a trail of chips after every few paragraphs, I find myself actually reading! This reward system has saved me from a lot of late nights.
6. Put Your Alarm Somewhere Far
I CANNOT get up in the morning. I end up pressing the snooze button over and over again until it is absolutely impossible for me to get ready on time. Putting my phone on top of my armoire so that I have to get up to turn it off has definitely saved me.
7. Use Your Student ID for Discounts
A lot of places offer a student discount if you have your student ID. Always ask before you pay.
8. Use Post-Its Remind Yourself
Remembering you have an online assignment due at midnight, three minutes before midnight… is the worst. Placing sticky notes in places you’re bound to look could help your remember things and get the job done. I put them on my mirror, on my pillow, and by my doorknob.
9. Utilize the Syllabus
That tragic moment when the professor mentions the upcoming midterm and at least five people look totally shocked and horrified. A lot of professors don’t give the heads up on an exam until it’s too late. Take the time to apply all your exam dates and due dates from the syllabus into your agenda planner.
10. Designate One Day of the Week to Organize
My dorm getting messy is inevitable. My side of the dorm can look like a war zone just from looking for an outfit. I designate Tuesdays -my least busiest day- to do a deep cleaning. I truly believe a cleaner atmosphere impacts my mood for the better.
College is tough but these are also some of the best years of our lives. Enjoy it. I hope these tips and tricks help you out!
HCXO,
Ivanah