Random College Tips
Put your pencils/pens/markers, etc. in a zippered make up bag instead of a pencil case. That way, if the pens or markers leak, it will not go through the bag.
Always carry food and water with you. A small bag of nuts or dried fruit, or some kind of granola bar would be ideal with a bottle of water. My campus has water bottle filling stations in the hallways.
Put your student ID in your phone. At my school you can’t turn around without your ID.
As soon as you get your syllabus, go directly to the bookstore and purchase the appropriate scantron. Do no wait until the day of the test. Trust me. Do not try to purchase one from the vending machine. Those things jam.
There are lots of ways to study a subject. Collect study tips to review when the time comes. Reading and highlighting will not cut it for in-depth study. I got away with that and a few flashcards in high school. Learning how to actively study and take responsibility for that (instead of simply turning in homework) is the biggest thing I’ve had to learn in college.
When you apply for financial aid, collect all the documents you will need if your application is chosen for verification. That way, you will not have the added stress of having to locate them if you get the dreaded e-mail.
You have to advocate for yourself. If you need help, keep asking until someone responds.
Schedule study time in your planner and treat it like an appointment. Ditto for workouts. I’m still working on this.
A good deal of success in college is learning how to manage the stress. You have to be resilient. Let self-care be your super power.
Self-care starts with sleep.
College is the perfect time to commit to healthy habits.
Keep the end game in mind.
Put the number to campus police in your phone.
Label your math problems with the problem number and the page number of the text. This is a big help when reviewing or correcting work.
Mendely, Momentum, Evernote, and Study Blue. Look them up.
Our campus library has copies of course textbooks that can be used for up to two hours in the library. If your library has your book, and you only need it for a few assignments, you might be able to get away with not buying it. Can’t hurt to ask.
What’s your favorite college tip?