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Surviving college life without dealing with its challenges is next to impossible. From brain-taxing assignments to ceaseless financial and time constraints, there is always something to worry about. And as you probably already know, a student requires peace and serenity in order to make the most of their studies.
But because there will always be something distracting you from focusing on your studies, if not threatening its entire continuity altogether, there is need to master certain tips to ensure you always remain on top.
Master Proper Note-taking Techniques
In college, note taking does not start and stop with a pen and a notebook. You need to up your game, especially if you are dealing with a difficult class. One way to keep up with difficult classes is to take legible notes that you can then refer to during your free time. Also, you could get better at note-taking by ensuring you note down the most important points.
You need not jot down everything the professor says, because as long as you have the main points, it becomes easier to refer to them later on. You could also incorporate diagrams and flowcharts into your notes for clarity purposes.
Your Roommate Is Your Best Friend
Your college roommate could become your best friend or your worst enemy in terms of stepping up your college life game. Everything depends on how you treat them. As you will be spending a huge chunk of your time together, it is important that you learn to get along. Get to know them and show a desire to befriend them by constantly starting a conversation.
You could have been paired with an introvert roommate, which can make things difficult. However, don’t be judgmental. Find a way of accessing them and discover what makes them tick. Start by discussing college matters and once you get to know each other better, you could discuss your social life. However, do not force yourself on someone who cares the least about you. If there’s no sign of reciprocity for your good gestures, consult your Residential Advisor for a possible move.
Be Nice To Everyone
While in college, always go by the motto of be nice to everyone, for you never know when you’d need them’’. Don’t be that fellow who’s known for pushing people away. Meaningless brawls and other unbecoming conduct should not be your portion. From lecturers to fellow students and even the non-academic staff, strive to befriend all.
Who knows? Perhaps that cute guy or girl who lives next door could be your future husband or wife. Even better, the lecturer who appears ever grumpy could be the one to hook you up with your first internship someday. Just try to keep a cool, relaxed and pleasant disposition with everyone.
Save Money On Books
College books are quite expensive and if you are not careful on how you spend on them, it could end up eating into your entire pocket money. However, there are various solutions that will take the burden of spending on college books off your shoulders.
For starters, you could choose to buy books online. Various online dealers avail these books at discounted prices and you could capitalize on that as well. You could also rent the books as opposed to buying them. This will save you from paying exorbitant for brand new books. Another cheaper alternative from buying brand new books is buying from fellow college mates.
Keep In Touch With Your Parents
This is especially very important; both for you and for them as well. Constantly calling your parents will help them remember you care about them. To them, the mere fact of taking your time to check up on them shows you aren’t too absorbed in your studies to forget they exist.
These acts of kindness go along way. In return, they will always ensure they pay you a visit whenever they get the time. And as you know, these visits are never short of treats.
Seek Out Jobs And Internships
Jobs and internships are key to the progress of any college student. And as a college student, the opportunities are limitless, not necessarily within your area. However, it’s important to first try and obtain an internship in your desired career area. For example, if you are pursuing a teaching career, it’s important to have an internship experience working with children. However, if that’s not possible, you could begin with what many college students prefer –writing work. Some companies, write my assignment to name a few, could use your writing services. Aside from the obvious benefit of adding some income to your pockets, these opportunities enable you to interact with other people out there.
You will be able to know how it feels to be out in the real world. The exposure you gain will be instrumental when you finally land a real employment. Even if you’re unable to find paid jobs, you can settle for volunteer work. There are many people who ended up landing employment in firms where they began as volunteers.
Avoid Making Bad Decisions
College life is full of peer pressure and if you are not careful, you could find yourself on the wrong side of morality and the law. Be especially careful with the company you keep. In so far as possible, avoid bad company because negative influence is contagious.
Hang around with people who seem to share your interests, hobbies and creeds. Try as much as possible not to find yourself on the bad books of professors because while still in college, your destiny is pretty much in their hands.
Learn Money Saving Tips
Last but not least, learn some money-saving skills. Remember that as long as you do not have any income stream, the only thing you’ve got is the last coin in your account. Be a sparing spender and desist from impulsive buying.
Assess your spending decisions carefully before splurging money on anything. Yes, it’s a nice shirt but do I need it?’’. Do I really have to go to that event?’’ Always ask these tough questions. Have a checklist where the most important things are spent on in their order of priority.
Life in college is no doubt tough. However, by observing some of the tips above, you can always stay safe and free from harm and bankruptcy while still ensuring your studies are taken care of. Above all, remember every decision you make does not only affect your academic life but affects you in other facets as well. For instance, if you take to the bottle, your studies will surely be affected but that’s not all; as your social life may never be the same again.