Pick classes that you can handle.
Not all courses are created equal. Think about your academic strengths and weaknesses, and ask yourself what you can handle. Don’t fill your schedule with classes that will leave you swamped with an unbelievable amount of work. Instead, focus on classes that are really interesting and engaging to you. In college, you’ll have to take required classes in different subjects, even if they aren’t part of your major. Set yourself up for success by choosing classes that feel comfortable and manageable for you. For example, if science isn’t your strong suit, you might register for a beginner biology class instead of an organic chemistry course.
Go to class regularly.
Good attendance and good grades go hand in hand. Always make time for class, even if you think you have a good handle on the material. Missing class often means missing valuable information, which can be tough to make up in the days following. Plus, many college professors treat attendance as part of your grade, and may penalize you if you miss too much class. If your teacher allows a certain number of absences, save them for a day when you’re feeling under the weather. Try sitting toward the front of the class while you’re there—your teacher or professor will probably see you and remember that you were there.
Bring everything you need to class.
Double-check your class assignments and obligations the night before. Is there any homework due? Is there a test coming up? Has your teacher hinted at an upcoming pop quiz? Make sure that everything is taken care of before you head out the door. Feel free to set a phone alert to remind you about any upcoming assignments.
Participate during class.
Participation helps you get the most out of your class. Look for opportunities to get involved instead of just sitting and listening. Maybe you raise your hand to answer your teacher/professor’s question, or maybe you take the lead in a small group discussion. Whatever the case, class participation helps you stay engaged in your coursework, and sets you on the path to success. Here are a few ways to get a little more involved during class: Offer to present first Make insightful posts and comments during an online discussion Help clean up the classroom
Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Your teacher or professor can help you reach your maximum potential. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed if something isn’t making sense—your teacher or professor is there to teach you, after all! Send an email or stop by during office hours to share what’s bugging you. Double-check your class syllabus before getting in touch with your instructor. It may have some valuable info, like when your professor has office hours.
Reference your syllabus often.
Your syllabus is the backbone of your entire semester. Pretty much everything you need is there—your required textbooks and upcoming assignments, as well as important rules and expectations to keep in mind. Always keep your syllabus in a safe place so you can reference it whenever you need.
Make a weekly schedule to help with time management.
Jot down any important due dates in a weekly calendar or planner. Each week, take a look in your planner to see what kinds of tests and assignments are coming up. That way, you can adjust your schedule and prepare for the most imminent due dates. Transfer any due dates on your syllabus to your planner. This way, you have your entire course outlined for the rest of the semester. Setting a schedule will allow you to set aside time to study in smaller chunks without feeling overwhelmed. After putting all your hard commitments in the schedule, add some fun things too! With organization, you can have more time for yourself. Not having to wonder what's coming next will relieve some of your mental energy so you can focus on what's right in front of you.
Set SMART goals.
SMART goals are manageable and easier to accomplish. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely—these principles help keep you focused and on track. SMART goals are manageable and easy to follow, which definitely sets you on the path to success. Here are some examples of SMART goals: I will study for my physics class twice a week. I will get 7 hours of sleep tonight. I will do 3 homework assignments tomorrow night.
Dedicate 3 hours of weekly time to a 3-credit course.
Giving yourself plenty of time to prep and review can set you up for success. At the university level, academic experts agree that you should dedicate at least 1 hour of your week to each credit in your course load. So, if your total course load is 9 credits, your total workload would be 27 hours per week. These 3 hours of time apply to any work you do for the course, whether that’s studying, doing homework, or working on a project.
Create an effective study space for yourself.
Productive study sessions are essential for successful students. Think about where you can really focus and dive into your schoolwork. Is there a corner of the library that’s calling your name, or do you prefer the quiet din of a coffee shop? Wherever it is, make sure that you’re able to concentrate and get in the zone. Make sure your study spot has plenty of lighting. You want to be able to clearly read your notes and textbooks, after all! Take some time to clean and organize your desk if you prefer to study in your room. You can even organize your laptop/computer by sorting your school-related files into subject folders.
Focus on your studies instead of multi-tasking.
Multi-tasking won’t help you get the most out of your study sessions. In fact, trying to juggle multiple tasks at once will cause your productivity to suffer in the process—plus, it can be pretty stressful. Instead, concentrate on the task at hand, whether that’s completing an assignment, going through your notes, or re-reading a section of the textbook. Jot down the other items on your to-do list instead of juggling them with your current task. You can always get them done later!
Cut out distractions while you study.
Social media will be there when you get back. Take a moment to switch off your phone so you aren’t bombarded with texts and notification pings. To go the extra mile, download a website blocker to help keep you focused and on track. Freedom and Cold Turkey are great website blockers you can try.
Take a break once every 50-90 minutes.
Marathon study sessions aren’t a recipe for success. You’re more likely to be productive if your brain some time to decompress. Do whatever activity helps you chill out or get re-energized, like: Going for a walk Hopping in the shower Taking a quick nap Chatting with a friend
Study with other people.
Successful students don’t have to work alone. In fact, it can be really validating to know that there are other people struggling with the same assignments and material that you are. Enlist the help of a study buddy or join an existing study group—whatever helps you study best! Keep in mind that everyone should contribute equally in a study group.
Change up your schedule if you’re feeling burned out.
Burnout can be a big pothole on the road to success. Student burnout is all-too-common, especially when you’re following the same routine each day. Try switching up your usual schedule and do the same tasks at different times. A change of pace can be a big help! If you usually study at night, you could try studying in the morning. If you tend to exercise after dinner, you might go for a run during your lunch break.
Motivate yourself by focusing on your long-term goals.
Sometimes, it helps to remind yourself why you’re at school. Maybe you’re angling to get into vet school, or you’re studying to be a nurse so you can help others. Think about what you want to do in the future and how you want to change the world—focusing on your long-term goals can give the motivation you need to push through a tough study session or long round of classes.
Join clubs and activities that interest you.
Studies are important, but so is socializing and having fun. Clubs, sports teams, and other school organizations are a great way to meet new people who like the same things as you. Check with your school administration and see what options are available. Here are a few ideas: National Model United Nations A fraternity or sorority Cultural clubs (Multicultural Student Union, Gay-Straight Alliance, National Black Student Union) Sports (Volleyball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, swimming, e-sports, etc.)
Give yourself time to unwind.
Relaxation is an essential part of any student’s daily routine. Yes, going to class and studying are both important—but so is taking time for yourself! Research shows that relaxing can help decrease your blood pressure, improve your circulation, boost your digestion, soothe your mind, and ease your pain. Here are a few ways you might unwind: Take a warm bath Write in a journal Do progressive muscle relaxation Sip some tea or warm milk
Add some stress management strategies to your arsenal.
Feeling stressed constantly won’t help you be successful. Strategies like counting up to 10, taking a quick walk, and breathing deeply can help you handle stress in the moment. Reaching out to friends and family, doing a fun hobby or activity, or even practicing aromatherapy can help as well. Here are some other suggestions: Exercising Trying mindfulness meditation Limiting caffeine and ditching tobacco
Practice staying positive on a day-to-day basis.
Simple activities and habits can help keep you in a good frame of mind. Try going for a run or doing some other physical activity that you enjoy—getting active releases endorphins, which can boost your mood. Taking a relaxing walk through nature, volunteering, and doing a craft are some other fun activities that can help you feel calm and positive. Here are a couple of other ideas: Spending time with encouraging, positive friends and family Practicing gratitude
Make your health a priority.
Sleep, diet, and exercise play crucial roles in your success overall. It’s hard to be at the top of your game when you’re running on 3 hours of sleep and eating only microwaveable food. Here are a few healthy goals that you can work toward: Eat a healthy diet filled with fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy Get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week (like swimming, riding a bike, or going for a walk) Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night
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