Navigating College Life: Keys to Success and Balance

Departing from high school can evoke many different feelings for future college students: excitement, nostalgia, liberation, melancholy, and even a sense of being unsettled. I experienced all of these emotions as I transitioned into college, as it can be scary stepping into a new phase of life without constant guidance from parental figures. Learning how to take care of yourself and being responsible without reminders is challenging, but achievable. Along the way, I have adopted some practices as a new college student that have kept me on track for success.

How to Navigate College Life

Organization

An essential trait for surviving college is organization. In college, you'll need to balance large amounts of homework from your professors—especially papers—along with participating in various clubs and activities. The only way to manage everything is by staying organized. One helpful method is using a Google Calendar to keep track of assignment deadlines, club meetings, and your class schedule. Having everything laid out visually helps you plan how much time you have to complete assignments. You should also consider how much time you'll need to study each week for each subject. A general rule of thumb is two hours of studying per credit hour each week. Keep this in mind when organizing your events and commitments. I also recommend starting assignments at least two days before they’re due, especially if they're easy, so you can stay ahead and have more time for future work. When it comes to writing papers, it's crucial to spread out the workload. This helps prevent last-minute cramming, which can make the process more stressful and potentially affect the quality of your paper.

Studying More Than Going Out

College is often the first time in your life, especially if you're living away from home, where your parents aren't actively telling you what to do. The freedom to explore new experiences, like the party scene, can be exciting. While going out and enjoying nightlife can be fun, it's easy for students to become distracted by the social aspect of college. It’s completely fine to want to go out, but it’s important to remember that your primary focus should be earning your degree. I’d advise making sure most, if not all, of your work is done before heading out. Limit socializing in the evenings to once or twice a week to ensure you have enough time to study and stay on top of assignments. You could also make use of your mornings by going to the library to get work done before going out later. Avoid letting late nights dominate your schedule. I’ve seen students who went out every night early in the semester now struggling to catch up with their coursework.

Utilizing Free Resources

Around campus, there are many resources available to help you succeed in difficult classes. While managing your finances is a common concern in college, most schools offer free options for academic assistance. You can look into whether your school provides free tutoring services. At my university, for example, there’s free tutoring where you can book sessions twice a week with qualified student tutors. This is a valuable resource that can help you master various subjects. Tutors can assist with homework questions, provide clarification on problems, and even review your essays to suggest improvements. Additionally, you can always visit your professor during office hours for extra help. These hours are specifically for students to ask questions and get a deeper understanding of the material directly from the instructor. Taking advantage of these resources can significantly improve your academic performance.

Navigate College Life and Reach Your Goals

In conclusion, transitioning from high school to college brings a mix of emotions. However, by adopting essential practices like staying organized, balancing social activities with academic responsibilities, and utilizing the free resources available on campus, you can set yourself up for success. Organization is key to managing the workload and extracurricular commitments, while keeping a healthy balance between studying and socializing ensures that you stay focused on your primary goal: earning your degree. Lastly, taking advantage of tutoring services and professors' office hours provides the academic support needed to thrive in even the most challenging courses. By embracing these strategies, you'll be better prepared to navigate the demands of college life and achieve your goals.