The time has come for you to start college. It’s really happening now, and you can’t look back! Classes have begun. They are bigger, harder, and more demanding. But don’t panic, here are some tried and true tips to help you adjust to college.
1. Develop Good Time Management Skills
Unlike high school, you aren’t in class for seven hours straight, and not everything is built into your schedule. In college, you create your own schedule, and it’s up to you when your classes meet. Not only do you have class, but you’ll probably join a couple of clubs, and maybe a sports team or music ensemble. Then you have to balance homework, sleeping, eating, and exercising. Point is, you’re going to be busy! But that’s okay! You’re going to want to take advantage of the opportunities you have during the day to work on homework, unless you want to be up super late (working lunch anyone??). It’s going to take some time to figure everything out, but it will happen! This goes onto my second point…
2. Use a Planner
Whether it’s the notes app on your phone or a physical planner, use something. Once you get your syllabi, copy all your assignments and exams into your schedule; it will make it so much easier to figure out when your busy weeks are instead of suddenly realizing you have three tests and a paper all due the same week, then having to pull an all-nighter to get it all done. Personally, I have my class schedule in my phone calendar so I can easily see where and when my next class is, and use a physical planner to write down all my assignments and assessments.
3. Find Your Study Space
It’s totally fine if that means your dorm, but some people find it distracting to work in the same space they sleep and live. If you want peace and quiet, make the library your designated space. Maybe your res hall has study rooms in it. Or, if you’re able to socialize and get work done, head to the common room or the dining hall. Maybe you’ll find a little nook that no one knows about somewhere.
4. Ask Questions in Class!
Don’t be afraid to raise your hand in class if you have a question. Teachers are looking for the kids that are paying attention and involved in class. Most college classes are much bigger than high school classes, so it’s not as personal as high school. You never know, maybe the person sitting next to you is wondering the same thing. Asking questions can only help, they can’t hurt.
5. Take Advantage of the Opportunities Presented to You
Here at WashU, we have lots of options for academic support. Residential Peer Mentor Hours (RPMs) are calculus and chemistry drop-in hours in each residential hall on certain nights of the week. In Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL), students meet every week to work together on practice problems on that week’s material in a small group led by an upperclassman. Take advantage of these “free” tutoring opportunities. They’re there for a reason, and no one is going to judge you for getting help. Better yet, grab a friend and go together. It can’t hurt!
6. Have Fun!!
College is the first time you are living without your parents for an extended period of time (don’t worry, they’ll still text and call you to tell you how much they love and miss you). And college is hard too! It’s a lot of late nights and busy days, but all work and no play makes for a very dull life. Having fun is so important! Take the weekends to explore your new city! Or, if you’re from in-state, take your friends to some of your favorite places. It’s important to release all the stress that builds up during the week. So whether it’s trying a new restaurant, going to a museum, or a local sports game, grab some friends and explore!
By Mackenzie Larkin