8 Helpful Tips To Surviving Your College Years | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

8 Helpful Tips To Surviving Your College Years

We could all use someone's advice from time to time.

16
8 Helpful Tips To Surviving Your College Years
Campus Riot

College isn't my favorite thing in the world, but staying organized and on top of things makes it a little easier to get through. Going into college as a freshman, you honestly have no idea what you're getting yourself into. You realize rather quickly that things move pretty fast and excuses aren't a thing your teachers allow. If you don't do your work, then there are immediate consequences. Skipping too many classes directly effects your final grade, not to mention you get even more behind than you would if you were still in high school. Snow days are never a thing unless it snows 15 feet. 8 a.m. classes will get the best of you even if you think you can take that challenge on, (Ha but then again...you shouldn't ever want your first class of the day before at least 9:30 or 10am...) Take it from someone who is about to enter her fourth year: College is a serious thing. If you want to make a decent living and find your dream job, 99% of the time you'll need some sort of degree for that. So against all odds, the key to surviving the next four years of your life are as follows:

1. Stay Organized. Always.

Keep your desk and backpack neat at all times. File things away into categories, and keep a planner or notebook by your computer for writing down assignments or crossing out ones you've finished. Having everything neatly organized makes it way easier to find what you may need and you'll be able to sit down and get started right away with no hassle.

2. Get A Planner - And Use It.

I love writing in a planner. I'm definitely a person who has to be organized at all times, so writing down my to do's or homework assignments day to day makes things a whole lot easier. Take your planner with you everywhere you go, and use only one. Take it to class, to meetings, work, the grocery store, etc. Always write your homework assignments and when they are due in your planner before getting up to leave class, and cross them out once you've finished them. It will help you keep things organized and you wont't forget to do certain things because it's all written down. There are so many fun and cute planners out now that it's oddly exciting to sit down and plan out your week.

3. Stay Motivated.

It's too easy to lose motivation during the school year, especially when you get closer and closer to graduating. When it feels like your drowning with work and school and trying to have time for yourself to relax and do fun things, having something to remind you things are ok ok is a must. Write motivational or fun notes on sticky notes and attach it over your desk -- or make a whole wall. Do something that you can look at when you're feeling discouraged and know that it will motivate you or cheer you up.

4. Make Your Bed. Eat Breakfast.

Start your day the same as much as you can. Have a routine. Make your bed in the morning -- having that area neat and tidy helps start you off on the right organizational foot for the day. Make sure you eat something before class. You have a much better chance at paying more attention and remembering things if your belly is full and you aren't distracted by how hungry you are. Your brain needs food too, remember? Having simple routines keeps you on track and on a schedule.

5. Keep it Neat!


This one is a given. Keep your class notes clean and easy to read. How are you going to study and go over terms/ideas if you can't even read your own writing? Color code important terms. I personally enjoy using colorful pens which look pretty but also serve a purpose of keeping things in order. Use orange for vocabulary, purple for places or events, green for chapter overview, etc. Having a color coding system or even just keeping your notes legible, helps you retain the information as you write it and follow it when you need to study it. When studying, rewrite your notes -- the more you do this, the more you'll remember each time and eventually you will be able to rewrite your notes without looking at the original paper.

6. Folders/Binders.


Whether you did this in high school or not, you will have to get in the habit of keeping things organized in folders or binders for each of your classes. Don't put it all in one giant one unless you organize it to the max. Label your folders or have different colors for each class, and put all your required supplies in your backpack before bed the night before. The last thing you want is to get to class and realize you have nothing you need. You get a lot of material in your classes, so you need to have a spot to keep it all for reference and to take back and forth between class and home. Most of your professors will require a folder or binder anyways, so you might as well get used to using them sooner rather than later.

7. Time.

Manage your time. Get your work done before going to the park or a ball game or out with your friends. Start on projects early to avoid rushing to finish last minute. Writing when things are due will help you keep track and rewrite them a few times along the way to remind you "this week work on history project for a bit". Getting a little done at a time is better than procrastinating and stressing yourself out at the last minute. Write down time for appointments, classes, meetings, games, etc. Know exactly what you have to do and when and you'll always be on track.

8. Take Time For Yourself


Go easy on yourself. No one is perfect, and it can be incredibly difficult to stay on top of everything in your life. Do your best, but remember if you mess up, it is okay to make mistakes. All that matters is that you are trying. Take time for yourself. Stay home and watch your favorite Lifetime movies, paint your nails, play video games, make yourself a yummy dinner, go on a walk, write in your journal, go work out, etc. Making time for yourself is a good way to wind down and keep yourself going. College isn't easy and neither is living on your own. It can get the best of you at times, so make sure you allow time to take care of yourself. Enjoy life and step back from all the obligations you have. Taking care of yourself above all else is the #1 key to succeeding in anything. When you're happy and healthy, then you can conquer the world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189861
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14689
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457689
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26541
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments