As the novelty of college wears off and old habits set in, many students may find themselves putting assignments off for "just one more day" or pressing snooze just once more before getting out of bed this morning. Everyone say hello to a student's biggest frenemy: procrastination.
Let's face it, being productive is the worst. It is so much easier to ignore that history essay and just binge watch The Office for the tenth time this year. But that lack of time management now will just lead to stress, long nights, and a caffeine overload a few weeks from now when that essay is due and you haven't started. Goodbye sleep, hello redbull.
It's college and my mother isn't here to stop me, so I'm just going to say it: procrastination is like masturbation. It may be fun while you're doing it, but in the end you've screwed yourself. It's time to leave your procrastination like its a bad ex.
So how can you avoid this destructive habit this semester? I was an avid procrastinator when I first started college, as many high school students can relate. The best way to embrace change and productivity is to adapt to your new environment. College is all about the pursuit of higher education, and believe it or not, universities are designed to help you embrace your academic career.
Step one: A steady study schedule.
This is probably the hardest step, so let's just get it out of the way. No matter how smart you were in high school or how long you have managed to make up long essay answers on the spot, at some point in your academic career, you will need to start studying the material.
Professors expect adult attitudes and responsibilities from their students, and that includes setting aside time outside of class to study. Even if its just glancing through your notes as you eat lunch between classes, looking over your material outside of the classroom a few times a week helps you remember your notes better when it comes down to test time.
You don't have to study for every class every day, but acknowledging which classes will require more outside attention from yourself and study accordingly can be the difference between passing and failing that bio lecture you have been stressing about.
Step Two: Study buddies.
Study groups are useful for so many reasons! There's power in numbers, and saving your GPA every semester is definitely a numbers game. Pooling your resources and intelligence, and not to mention your coffee, with a friend or two from your classes is a great way to not only make sure you're studying, but also to have someone there who may be able to answer your questions.
Step Three: Use your resources! ​
Speaking of someone with the answers to your questions, a sure way to help your GPA is to ask your professor questions! Sure, she may not give you any test answers, but she would be able to further explain any confusing concepts from class. Another great resource is your university library and tutoring programs!
Libraries are tragically under-used by many college students, but sometimes all it takes to really make the most of a study session is to have it in the right environment. Tutoring programs are way less embarrassing than they may sound. Besides, nothing is more satisfying than acing a difficult class, and tutoring is an awesome resource to help you achieve that!
