Being a college student is increasingly frustrating, with many students choosing to terminate their studies before their sophomore year. According to statistics, about 30% of college students in the United States drop out of campus during the first year. Given the importance of college degrees in determining career progression and overall quality of life, such worrying stats deserve urgent intervention.
This article summarizes some tips on successfully navigating the first year in college.
Become More Organized
A college education is essential for personal and professional growth. The time you spend on campus prepares you to overcome life challenges. However, evidence suggests that a remarkable number of students drop out of college each year, pointing towards a diminishing ability to handle the challenges inherent in student life.
As a college student, you may likely find it hard adjusting to the increased freedom and responsibilities you are likely to encounter. It is crucial to be organized and work on your time management skills. Have your schedule in order, making sure you plan for the most critical tasks.
Don’t limit your organization to assignments and academic tasks. Your personal space also needs to be organized. Keep your room clean and clutter-free, which benefits your mental and physical health. Brilliant students master the art of using a planner to keep their assignments and classes organized.
At the start of each term, peruse through the syllabus and highlight project deadlines in your planner. This way, you will never submit a project later than required. If needed, hire a professional essay writing service to help with some assignments.
Be Open to New Experiences
Any college student will tell you how frustrating the freshman year can be. Students deal with new environments, different classes, and a considerably changed lifestyle. Being away from friends and loved ones can also be overwhelming. Faced with such challenges, there is always the temptation to give up. To survive, you need always to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that you have prepared for anything that life may throw in your direction.
An important insight to help you survive is venture outside your comfort zone. It is understandable that being far away from your loved ones and home can be frightening. However, it is also a chance to create new relationships, find new hobbies, and explore different cultures.
To enjoy the whole campus experience, you need to be willing to venture beyond your comfort zone. Be open to experience and seize opportunities that come in your direction.
Trying out new events and undertaking activities you may not typically engage in are excellent ways to enjoy life on campus. In the process, you may end up making new friends or finding new passions.
Attend Classes and Avoid Procrastinating
Evidence shows that college dropouts are likely to have considerably lower earnings than those who graduate with degrees. To succeed in college, you need to prioritize your studies. This means attending classes and working on projects. It would help if you took clear notes during lessons as these will help when preparing for tests.
Also, success in college means meeting all deadlines. Avoid procrastinating on things you can get started on right away.
Some tasks may seem tedious or complex, but getting started gives you the impetus to push through. When you start working on your assignments early, you will get adequate time to finalize impeccable work and revise that text before the due dates.
Participate in Campus Events
Another secret to successfully navigating your first year on campus is to get involved. This is particularly important if homesickness is an issue. Campus events get you attuned to the college spirit, allowing you to make friends while breaking the monotony of academics.
There are numerous entertainment events to help you relax and unwind after hectic days. The bottom line is that attending these events is a great way to meet new people and spend time with friends.
Schedule Breaks and Prioritize Sleep
One of the most important things to do when in college is to create time for sleep and rest or for entertainment. Although meeting deadlines is essential, your brain will need rest periods to recharge and unwind. The secret to success is starting early. Also, try not to stay on task for too long. For optimal effectiveness, schedule breaks between tasks. Most importantly, ensure you get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Dropping out of college can have some severe consequences. Unfortunately, most college dropouts terminate their studies in the first year due to challenges like homesickness and hectic schedules.
Follow the tips highlighted here to navigate the freshman year successfully.