College can be an exciting prospect but intimidating at the same time. For a lot of people it is the time in their life that will make or break them. Read on to find some strategies to help you keep your life in balance as you’re learning.
Don’t worry about choosing your major right away. Most schools give you until your junior year to select a major, so you should take time to explore different options and figure out what you most enjoy and might want to make a career out of before you select your major.
When you enter your room on the first day of college, the best thing that you can do is to fraternize with your roommates. These are going to be the people that you spend the rest of the year with so it is very smart to make friends with them immediately.
If you want to get an education on a limited budget, consider going to a community college for two years before transferring to a different universities. You will find that community colleges are cheaper than other schools and your credits will transfer as long as you complete your general education before transferring.
Look everywhere when looking for financial assistance. Many students don’t bother learning about things that can help make college a lot easier. State and federal grants also exist that do not require repayment.
Seating arrangements may actually have the ability to impact your college grades. Sitting in the front row as opposed to the back can have an impact on your grades. You will find yourself more engaged, and if you need to ask a question, you will not have to raise your voice.
Find a bank that offers free savings and checking accounts. Look around and go with an establishment that works often with students and doesn’t charge you extra for a bunch of little things. Ask questions and find out if you can bank online so that you can manage your money when it is convenient for you.
In order to make the most of your time on campus, try to look ahead to when your requirement classes are offered. By planning for a schedule that keeps your from going back and forth from your room to class you give yourself more time to study, relax, or sleep.
Select courses that you find challenging and interesting, not those thought to be extremely easy. It is very rewarding to challenge yourself. Difficult classes can help you learn more, and may even provide you with valuable contacts that can be of assistance when you begin your career.
Take extra writing utensils with you to your tests. There is always a strong possibility that your pencil could break or that your pen could run out of ink while you’re doing your test. Having a backup writing utensil can help you continue your test without being distracted by having to sharpen a pencil or refill a pen.
Develop a system with your roommate for studying. Decide on certain quiet times each day for your dorm room so that it can be used for studying completely. If you or your roommate know these times, you can make the conscious choice to stick around or leave the room.
If you find you need income, many college have an department that handles job offers on or off campus for students. Such offices help graduates find jobs, but they also are known for posting part-time opportunities on campus and in the surrounding community.
Do not wait until last minute to study. When you know you have an upcoming test, study a little each night. By waiting to study until the night before your test, you risk burning yourself out. Chances are you will go to take the test and your mind will draw a blank.
Know what constitutes plagiarism. You are going to likely have to write many reports and essays at college. Cite your sources appropriately to reduce the chances for plagiarism. Professors are sure to check your work, so make sure it is your own work.
Many students take advantage of credit card offers while away at school, especially if they aren’t employed. Unfortunately, this just sets you up for massive debt and damaged credit. Even low introductory rates are just that–introductory. Fees and balances add up quickly, creating a dangerous situation. If you absolutely must have a credit card, stick with only one card.
If you do well in a subject, use your skill to earn money! Tutoring other students is very lucrative. You can put up ads for your tutoring in the student common areas or bulletin boards. You can also market yourself online.
Search out on campus jobs. These jobs are specifically geared toward students and are generally limited hours a week. These jobs will give you spending money while teaching you important work ethics. Ask your professors and admission counselors if they know of any work-study projects, which may be available to you.
Avoid student loans. If you are realistic about your necessary expenses, you will find that you probably don’t need the loan money. Student’s loans add up quickly and usually cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy. If you cannot afford school without loans, look into other schools. Community colleges are often affordable.
Don’t assume that you will love living with someone you already know. Even the best of friends can clash horribly when living in a small, cramped space. On the flip side, don’t assume that living with a stranger will be a bad experience. Some college roommates become friends for life. You never know until you try!
Find at least three study spots that work for you. One is likely going to be a comfortable corner of your dorm room. However, you also need at least another indoors one in another building, as well as an outside one. If you study in the same spot every day, you will either go crazy or stop studying.
This article should give you a better idea of what to expect from college life and set you on the right path. It takes balance and hard work. Use these tips and your college experience will be an enjoyable one.
