MAJOR KEY ALERT!!! Throughout university, we have all figured out what works best for us and what we could have done better after we've left. Here are a few tips and tricks to succeed from your very first to your very last semester in college.
1. Choose a college major that is representative of your (or as close as you can get).
If you can, try to figure out what it is your passion is and then choose a major accordingly. There are some people whose parents force them into certain majors or there are some of us who do not find what we are passionate about until our senior year - which sucks- but when you do, go for it.
Fight tooth and nail to accomplish whatever it is that you want in your field of study. Seek internships and gain the experience. It might be late for those senior, but try to figure out how your current major can be tied to your passion. Find an internship or an entry-level job and do it solely for the experience. Be sure to inform your employer of your predicament and let them know that you are willing to put in the work to learn as much as you can and do just that. Work your ass off. Be not afraid to ask questions and ask for feedback on your work to learn how you can improve and in what areas you can do so.
2. Participate in Internships + Network.
Get ahead of your schedule. Use that planner that you have and write down everything (dates, times, locations, assignments, projects) so you know what your workload for the week is. Start assignments as soon as you get them and create a folder on your computer -with the name and due date - for those assignments alone. Attend your professors' office hours and talk with a classmate about the assignment and start compiling the research to effectively maximize your time and create a more productive space.
4. Your planner is your best friend.
You find that having a planner not only keeps your life organized but it also keeps you in check. You will know what your hourly to weekly responsibilities are, and you will better be able to manage your time. If you need even more control, you can add sticky notes or color code the planner to show what is a priority and needs to be done ASAP, and what can be done at a later date.
5. Get involved in something on campus.
This is the best way to learn as much about your university and possibly develop your leadership skills at the same time. Find an organization that aligns with your passions, dreams, goals or major and get involved. If you are unsure, you can attend a few meetings of various organizations and then figure out what is more your speed. You could possibly work your way up to becoming a member of the executive board and hold a leadership position. Not only will you gain invaluable experience, it will also look good on your resume for your future employers.
6. Surround yourself with the right people.
Granted, this is all subjective, because the people who are right for me may not be your company. But, when you do find your crowd, stick with those people and work on having a positive relationship with them. These are usually the individuals who become the family you create for yourself whom you would never trade for the world. Go out to that party, that networking event, the beach/quad or common space on your school's campus and meet those people. You honestly never know where you will meet them and the surprise is just a minor part of the reward of that friendship.
7. Utilize office hours to the max.
Professors have office hours for a reason. They (professors) are there to help you. Use them. There will be moments in classes when the professor is speaking and you ask yourself ' What the fuck is this person saying? What does that mean?' Often times, you might shy away from asking your questions in class because you don't want to sound stupid. Well, jot your questions down and seek answers when you go to your professor's office hours. Let them think you are annoying, they are getting paid to provide that service to you!
8. No procrastination.
Nah fam. This is definitely the attitude you want while you are in college. College is a lot of papers, group work, designing, filming and a lot of other things depending on your major. Major key alert!!! Never waste another person's time. You will just come off and annoying and that person will definitely never want to work with you again. This is even more important when it comes to group work. Nobody likes a lazy person. Get it done or let them know in advance that you have no interest in assisting and everything will be figured out with the professor thereafter. All in all, procrastination is ultimately you wasting your time.
9. Be selfish with your personal space and time.
MAJOR KEY ALERT!!!! : ALWAYS make time for yourself. Set aside time for yourself each day to do whatever it is that you wish. It could be minutes to hours, but dedicate time to your emotional well-being and mental health. You are not required to deal with anyone's problems but your own during that
10. Party!!
One of the major perks of being in college is that there is always a party or an event of that nature. Go out with your friends, dance, sing and drink responsibly. You never know who you'll meet or what you'll see so go for it and be merry!
11. Enjoy yourself.
Honestly, it all comes down to enjoying yourself in the end. Your college years are supposedly the best years of your life and it is up to you to make the most of it. Join that organization and put yourself out there. Make friends and acquaintances and get to building your network. The more people you know the more opportunities you will create for yourself now and in the future.
