1. Office hours
Although sitting with your professor one on one might be intimidating, professors have office hours so that you can come to them with concerns or questions. Not only will their clarification allow you to better understand their assignments, many professors will look your work over before you turn it in to warn you of any missteps. Professors love to see students being engaged, asking questions, taking initiative, and showing interest. The effort you put into seeing them outside of class might help you in the long run when they’re constructing your grade.
2. Use your absences well
Some professors never take attendance; others allow two or three absences without taking points off. In both cases it isn’t smart to skip class frequently. Sure there are plenty of things to do on a college campus such as eating with friends, watching movies, taking naps, etc. However, it’s important to attend class as frequently as possible. Even if the professor doesn’t take attendance, going to class is essential to receiving a good grade. The lectures, notes, and helpful instructions that you’ll miss will undoubtedly be necessary for doing well on exams, midterms, and finals. If you’re allowed to miss a certain number of classes save them until you really need them. You’ll regret wasting your absence on a trip to the beach when you need it because you’re sick.
3. Be Organized
On the first day of class you will receive a syllabus. This packet contains all the important dates, exam schedule, homework assignments, class policies, and contact information for your professor. Never lose this paper! It is the actual key to success. Not all professors will remind you when assignments are due and the worse feeling is when the professor says pass your papers forward and you’re the only one asking, “What paper?”
4. Find the library, and use it
Time management is a learned skill and without it college will destroy your nerves. Make time for social activities, but also carve out specific times for homework and studying. The library is the best place because anyone else in there has the same intentions as you do: to get work done. Sitting in your room or public spaces can be dangerous if you’re the type to get easily distracted or you can’t stop chatting with people you know that happen to walk by.
5. Conflict resolution is key
College is a lot like prison, in the sense that you now live in a room with a complete stranger. This can be really difficult, especially if you’re accustomed to having your own space. It’s not always easy to remember to be considerate of the other person when we’re stuck in our ways. Without a doubt conflict will arise. Whether your roommate has friends over until four in the morning while you try to sleep before your eight AM class or they refuse to take out the trash, the best way to approach the situation is calmly, directly, and respectfully. No one left home to be reprimanded by their roommate so take it easy on them. Bring the issue up when you’re alone and explain how their actions negatively affect you in your shared living space. Not only will this fix the problem, but it will also set the precedent for other future disputes.
