Once you have reached college, it ain’t your first rodeo. You made it through nine+ years of note-taking, cramming, and all-nighters to get here. That may have been the best method then, but procrastination and other bad learning habits won’t fly in college. At the very least, the straight A’s that weren’t hard to maintain in high school could start to plummet.
First, and definitely the most important skill that every student needs to develop, is time management. During your first semester, you meet new people you’ll want to hang out with, join various extracurricular activities, participate in a varsity sport, or get a job to offset college expenses and have some pocket cash. These are all great ways to become involved and create new experiences, but they take time out of the day. Remember, your academic work must always come first. Prioritize assignments by deadlines and keep in mind how much each course needs you to emphasize with your focus. It’s just not realistic to stay out late knowing a paper is due the next morning. Divide your time so that you can complete your work and still enjoy on-campus events and have fun.
Like Disney’s Handy Manny, there are tools to help you get the job done. I highly suggest that every student keeps a planner and sticky notes. A planner is essential. For me, the ability to write down homework assignments, due dates, and event dates is a lifesaver. A simple planner can be found at the dollar store, and cuter options aren’t too pricey. Sticky notes are great for writing notes to paste inside your textbook or just to give yourself little reminders. If paper and pen aren’t your thing, a smart phone calendar and notes will do the trick. These small items go a long way.
Utilize the library. Libraries provide a nice, quiet environment for studying. In your dorm, it could be difficult to focus since it is where you sleep and/or get distracted. Your roommate(s) could be loud people. Either way, the library is a haven. It offers plenty of resources like closed-off study rooms, computers, printers, and of course, the books with information on any subject.
Be a teacher’s pet. Ask questions. These will be beneficial to you and your classmates. Go during the professor’s office hours. Not understanding a topic is okay. Using what’s available to you and spending time outside of class to speak with your professor will help you excel further.