What advice do you have to make it to graduation? How do I get a 4.0 GPA each semester? I wish there was a book that gave me all the answers because who wouldn’t want a smooth college experience? But the problem with having all the answers is that you wouldn’t learn anything. College teaches you so much about adulthood, it enhances your educational experience, and your paradigms shift. Here are some more tips for college students.
1. Design a system to help you stay organized
When you’re a college student, academics are usually the top priority aside from other things. However, the transition to adulthood isn’t just centering around getting a degree. Most of us are working, taking care of our families, and are dealing with relationships. These things can be stressors at times. Therefore, I create my schedules to help bring balance to my life. Google Calendar and College Schedule Maker are two of the most common systems that help me stay on top of my game. With these resources, I’m able to keep track of due dates and important meetings.
2. Categorize your money
Many people say that saving money is what helps you become financially independent. I agree with that statement to an extent because in college your money plays with your emotions. I remember the first week of college for me and all of the syllabi. When I calculated the total amount I had to spend on books alone, it was over $100. The good news is that my high school alumni counselor offered to pay for my books, but he wasn’t there to pay for the subsequent semesters’ books. My best advice is to make two types of lists: a wish list and a to-do list. The wish list consists of things I want to buy that aren’t a high priority. This gives me hope that I still get the things I want without punishing myself. My to-do list is things that I buy each week, such as groceries and hygiene products.
3. Make time for yourself
The COVID-19 pandemic blocks my chances of traveling and socializing with people. I want to shop and party but that’s not happening anytime soon. Even though people can’t go outside to have fun, there are several ways to have fun inside. For example, I take naps between classes. I work out three times a week, and I watch Netflix.
