1. Take General Education courses as upperclassmen

a. Try getting your major classes out of the way as a freshman or sophomore and enjoy junior and senior year. Try to save some of your general education courses for higher level grades because you will want some “easier classes” when you are overwhelmed with every other classes.

2. 2. Map out schedule accordingly

a. It is important to stay on top of classes and not fall behind. It is important to know when you are set to graduate and map out your schedule accordingly. You do not want to be going into your senior year and learn that you are a class short of graduating. You want to make sure you know everything that is going on and that you are set to graduate on time.

3. 3. Schedule naps

a. It is important to take naps. Some people may not think that adults should take naps but others swear naps are how they get through the day. Some of my friends make an effort to nap daily. Whether their naps are 20 minutes, an hour, or they just sleep until they wake up: naps are a must. Napping is the body’s way of “checking out” for a set amount of time and relaxing. Some people say that they cannot nap during the day because they have to keep busy and have a lot to do.

4. 4. Know how to manage stress

a. Know how to schedule times to work on assignments. Some people can sit down for hours at a time and knock out all of their work. Others can only work an hour or two at a time. Learn how you work best and utilize it. Understand how long you can sit down and work on something before you're mentally exhausted.

5. 5. Do not procrastinate

a. Sure waiting until the last possible second sounds like a great idea, but do not do it. Make sure you stay on top of your assignments, maybe even work ahead.

6. 6. Work ahead

a. You never know when your classes are going to pick up. Work ahead and try to

7. 7. Pay attention to deadlines

a. Deadlines come up fast. Pay close attention to them and stay on top of them.

8. 8. Have a planner/agenda.

a. Have a set place where you can write down all of your assignments and what is due on what day. It is best to have one place, preferably with dates, to be able to write down then you need to do certain projects. If you have a long-term project, write it in your planner frequently and try to work on it a little every week.

9. 9. Bigger schools aren’t always better

a. Some people believe that going to a big school will be the best thing possible. Going to a smaller school, I have learned is better for my learning style. I like being able to have group discussions in my class of 40 people rather than a lecture hall of 200. I learned in high school that I rather go to a smaller school because I get to know my professors better and they get to know me better. I like knowing if I pass one of my professors, I can say hi to them in the hallway and they will know my name and face.

10.10. Find a healthy lifestyle

a. Find a healthy balance between physical, mental, and emotional. Find a way to cope with stress in the healthiest way for your body. Your body is your indicator to what is going on. If you are tired all the time, you could either be getting sick or mentally worn out.

11. 11. Check school e-mail daily

a. It is best to check your emails when you wake up, around lunchtime, and in the evening. It is best to check your email when you wake up so you can see if there are any last minute things you need to know, including if class is canceled. It is best to check around lunchtime in case your professor’s office hours have changed for the day.