Surviving the College Life

How to Stay on Track on Campus

Dorm room, roommate, eating, sleeping, studying, social life, cash-flow—you land on campus and suddenly all of these things can seriously impact your survival.

Everyone talks about nurturing good habits, but what exactly does that mean?

Financial Responsibility on Campus

Do yourself a favor and practice basic money management before you even go to college. When you already understand the value of money, have had to earn it, budget appropriately, it’s much easier to do when you absolutely have to.

Tips for campus fiscal responsibility:

  • Make a budget- it’s essential to your success. Your budget should cover the essentials, including paying any tuition bills and buying books and school supplies, purchasing food and necessities and any other bills you may have such as a car payment. If you have a job, you will want to assess how much of your income can and should be allotted for each major area of your life. If you are receiving funds from home use the money you are given in the same way you would as if you had earned it. Budgeting leads to a less stressful experience, period.
  • Avoid splurges, consider big buys seriously before you commit. It is tempting to buy that new iPod the moment it comes out or to dish out the bucks for a big dinner or a night on the town. However, if you find your entertainment out-lay is exceeding your budget, rethink the indulgence. Sure, everyone splurges a little every once in awhile. That’s just life. But making a habit of spending irresponsibly will leave you broke with zero social life.
  • Pay bills on time—open them as soon as they arrive in the mail, note due dates on a calendar and make sure they are paid on time. Your bills could be directly connected to your credit history and score. Make absolutely sure you protect your credit while in college. Don’t graduate fighting an uphill financial battle.

Study Tips

Another aspect of a successful college career is, of course, maintaining good grades. That means working out a regular study schedule and setting good habits:

  • Review class notes each day after every class to keep the content fresh in your mind.
  • Form study groups with trusted classmates to review particularly tough material.
  • Stay committed to your study schedule.
  • Avoid studying with distractions around you.

Use Classroom Time Wisely

When you miss class, zone out, and fall asleep you really undercut your college career. Stay at your peak in class-

  • Get plenty of sleep at night
  • Concentrate on the lecture and participate if possible
  • Come prepared
  • Record particularly detailed and complex lectures and transcribe them later

Writing Tips

Knowing how to write is essential to a successful college career. Regardless of what you may think, essay writing is a skill you will find useful in life. After all, whatever you decide to do as a career, it will no doubt involve some level of writing.

If you are unsure of your writing skills, it may be best to seek out assistance on campus. You’ll find writing tutors and academic help centers available for free. Use these resources to your advantage.

Exams

Exams are a fact of life in college. Use these tips to improve your test-taking performance.

  • Get plenty of sleep the night before and avoid alcohol.
  • Relax before the exam—listen to music, go for a run or walk, do some yoga or clear your head with some light pleasure reading.
  • Start studying for the exam well in advance so you are not cramming.
  • Try reviewing key concepts just before you go to sleep at night: some study experts suggest that this is a killer way to learn.
  • Take all the time you need for the exam. If it’s time-limited use the time. If you finish before the time has expired, review all your work.

It’s Okay to Have Fun

If you’re very academically motivated why not schedule some play-time for yourself?

Remember the old adage: “All work and no play makes Jane a dull girl”? You may find you perform even better when you let yourself off for good behavior.

Dealing With Dorm Life

Living in a dorm is a whole new experience as well. And just because you plan on studying hard doesn’t mean your roommate has the same plans. A little cooperation on both of your parts can make dorm living a little less stressful (and less annoying).

  • Develop clear lines of communication with your dorm mate right away.
  • Create a schedule that is amenable to you and your roommate: make time for study, socializing and sleeping. You might try using a joint calendar to note each other’s exam dates, important athletic competitions, crunch time for term papers, weekends you’ll be away, nights you have a date, etc.
  • Be mindful of each other’s personal space and possessions.
  • Communicate like adults. Screaming will get you nowhere.

Be sensible. You can get through college and retain your sanity. Establish good habits and keep your eye on the final goal.