Whether you're an incoming freshman, or going into your last year, it always helps to have some tips and tricks on how to have a good year at college.
1. Discipline Yourself
Make sure to keep yourself in check. Don't spend more money than you have, don't skip your 8 a.m. every week and don't forget to study or do your homework.
2. Get Ahead
Whenever you have time, review and look over future material for classes. That way if you start to struggle, you're still caught up. This also ensures that you are familiar with the material that you're being taught in class instead of learning it for the first time.
3. Sleep
In college, you kind of make your own rules. It's very easy to ruin your sleep schedule. Make sure you're getting to bed at a good time so that you don't spend the entire day half asleep.
4. Eat
It's very easy to get in the habit of eating a Ramen every day in between classes, but make sure you also eat a salad or some healthy protein any time you have the chance. While the "freshman 15" doesn't apply to everyone, it's still very important to eat healthy.
5. Budget
Going along with the theme of making your own rules, no one is gonna be there to tell you that buying $30 of Christmas lights for your dorm room is a bad idea, so you have be conscious of your funds. You don't necessarily need to write out a full budget, but it's very helpful to know when and when not to spend money.
6. Discounts
Being a college student can get you lots of free and discounted things. Many food/clothing stores offer discounts when you present your student ID. Check out this site for some of the many companies that offer student discounts: http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/100-stores-...
7. Easy Way Out
When picking and scheduling your classes, try not to pick a class based on how easy the professor is. Do your research and find a professor that is very passionate about their subject. You're attending college for a reason, so do your best to succeed.
8. Book Buying
There are so many websites and stores that sell college textbooks so don't just settle for the first one you find. You can always find a lower price. You can even buy a book off of another student who may have taken the class the semester before.
9. Caffeine
While I am a firm believer in the powers of caffeine, remember that drinking a Starbucks Double Shot at 2 am the night before an exam is a bad idea. Take caution when consuming and go easy on your all-nighters.
10. Study Spot
While most dorm rooms can provide a comfy spot to study, there are so many more places to go. If you can't focus at the desk in your room, try moving to the library or even the cafeteria. Once you find your perfect spot, make sure to go there when you really need to focus.
With these tips and tricks in mind, have an amazing year!
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