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As the summer days fly by and incoming Freshman become a step closer to moving away, I thought I would share some of my tips for how to succeed in college. My tips will be split into a series of posts, and while they are aimed at Freshman, these tips are useful to everyone. I was terrified the summer before college; terrified that high school had been so easy for me (since I didn't have to make much effort) and that college would be a rude awakening. Luckily, I had a great freshman year, with good grades and not too much stress, all because I followed the tips that I'm about to share with all of you! Since I didn't dorm, there aren't any tips about res life, but I'm sure that all the other tips can help you in one or more ways. If you're already in college, what are some tips that have helped you succeed? And if you're an incoming Freshman feel free to ask for tips about more specific topics in the comments below. Enjoy!
For the first week or two of classes, dress casual, but nice. You should not look like a ragamuffin, first impressions are important
Brush your hair
Wear makeup (not too much, just enough to enhance your natural beauty)
Make sure if you have a manicure, it is not chipped
Do not wear revealing clothes, stay away from big armhole muscle tanks, crop tops, low cut tops, and short shorts (at least for the first weeks)
Introduce yourself to the professor if you’re in a small or medium sized class
Smile, make eye contact, and give a firm handshake. Don’t be too weak or strong with the handshake.
If you go by a nickname, mention it to your professor. If they take attendance at the beginning of class, politely correct them if they call you your full first name. Not only will they eventually learn what you prefer to go by, they will note your confidence and remember you name & face!
Do not suck up to your professors, they hate that! Just be polite and genuine.
Sit in the middle or upfront in class
Try to avoid the back of the room, if you have to, be early to class
Sometimes you and your classmates will give yourselves assigned seats that you fall into for the whole semester, but other times the early bird gets the best seats!
Just in case your class falls into subconscious assigned seating, make sure you grab a great seat on the first day. I wish I’d sat near the windows in my Myth class in Spring Semester, but ended up in the middle of the hot classroom for the whole semester because I chose it the first day.
Sit next to someone you think you won’t get distracted by, but someone who could be an acquaintance for the semester.
Speaking of acquaintances, find at least one (preferably two) acquaintances in each class. If you’re absent or don’t understand something, you can talk to them. This also comes in handy for in class peer reviews, and if you’re allowed to choose class facilitation partners!
If you have a question or miss class, go to a peer first. If you need further information go to your professor. Always go to your peers first but don’t skip emailing your professor or going to office hours.
For bigger assignments or multiple absences, email your professor and/or go to office hours. While office hours are a scary thought, they aren’t too bad and you can get the help you need. Also brownie points if your professor sees that you care about your grades and doing your best!
Take advantage of Grade Buffers!! Grade buffers are anything from participation to assignments
Participate in class at least once a week, preferably once per class. This is a grade buffer, it is an easy way to bring your grade up!
Always do your assignments!! If you get a couple low test scores, assignments and participation will bring your grade up and keep you from failing!
Do your assignments (homework) and readings, but know how to do them right!
For readings, read the assigned reading but not every single word of it. Chances are you are given 50-300 pages due in two days (there are classes with intensive reading, but don’t worry some have barely any reading and others have light or medium reading) so you want to skim some parts.
Highlight words/sentences in bold
Take notes
Mark pages that are important
Use spark & cliff notes but do not completely depend on them! These are best to aid you but not replace reading. You can skim some pages and completely read the rest, then look up summaries online.
Spread your reading out and don’t read the whole assigned reading (especially not in one sitting). Read some in between classes, take breaks, read when you aren’t over tired. Take naps before doing assignments (tips on sleep are ahead)
More tips to come soon!
-Kat