So, you have done everything you could to get into college and succeeded. Now what? You may think about parties and socializing or, vice versa, be all about diving deep into mastering new skills and handling various assignments. The truth is, to get through your college years, you need to keep a balance between those options.
Relentlessly chasing good grades and teachers’ appreciation is as destructive as chasing fun and ditching your degree aspirations. And there is a lot of other stuff to deal with during the next years of studies. Read on to find out how to succeed in it.
Ask For Help When It’s Needed
The amount of workload you will face at college is really a matter of luck. It may be a total chill at the beginning or vice versa. It depends on the institution, your degree, and your skills. In the end, for another student, writing three essays in a week can be a piece of cake. They may even like that kind of assignment.
Yet, if you are not a fan of such or simply not ready to produce high-quality content at such a pace, there is still a way out. Look for a paper writing service like WritePaper, choose a professional who will handle your assignments, and there you have it! Just don’t forget to indicate all details from the beginning so as not to waste extra time on revisions.
It’s All Irrational
When you get to college, the first thing you would likely notice is that there are almost no straightforward rules. Grades don’t matter (you are here to get knowledge). Still, they do when it comes to scholarships, getting grants, and planning a spectacular career. Attendance matters, but some students just get away with skipping classes. How come?
Well, do not try to look for logical answers. There is always a context to mind. If all you really need is a pass and not a strong A, you may focus only on the most important aspects that will help you earn a D at least.
For example, some students start building their careers while still at college. For them, a diploma is the most precious thing they can get out of their learning institutions since they already have a place to gain experience. So, good grades are often not their goal.
Know Your Enemy
You can get along even with the worst teachers, just like cats and dogs get along sometimes. No, you do not have to butter them up or at each minor task just to meet their high criteria. Instead, ask other students about their grades and classes with this teacher – both straight A and D students will have something to say.
Also, you can try to ask the teacher for some tips regarding mastering the subject they teach or find an online educator you admire. The more you know, the bigger chances are you won’t have to sweat your guts out to get a pass.
Be Ready to Hate All of It
At college, you will have to go through numerous trials:
- arguing and getting along with your fellows;
- convincing your teacher to give you one more chance;
- struggling to pass the exams on the first try;
- working in a team;
- fighting for a scholarship or grant;
- passing exams.
In other words, you will have a finger in every pie. There will be ups and downs both in your personal life and studies. Some days, you will simply forget why you need that degree and think that you have made a grave mistake coming here – and that is okay. It will pass.
Yet, at some point, you may face burnout unless your basic needs are taken care of. So, before making rash decisions, letting your grades slide, and giving up on a goal, make sure you get some proper rest, socialize, and maybe get help from a counselor.
Mind Your Diet and Schedule
To take care of your basic needs, it is a must to get proper nutrition and sleep, exercise, and keep the balance to avoid overload. It doesn’t mean you must have full-scale drills every day or keep track of calories and go to bed at 10 pm sharp. Start with small things.
A balanced diet is one of the main sources of your strength, so don’t forget to include in your meals:
- light meat;
- fish and seafood;
- greens;
- legumes;
- seeds and nuts;
- fruits;
- berries;
- vegetables;
- spices.
Also, avoid caffeine and sneaky sugar you can find in snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, canned food, sushi, soy sauce, and so on. It’s always better to eat some chocolate or cookies if you have a sweet tooth rather than refuse to eat a cake and consume a lot of crisps and Cola instead.
Set Boundaries
Getting into a college presupposes adjusting to a new environment and meeting a lot of new people. Extraverts are not easy to get scared off by this, but if you are not one of them, you are going to need to establish some ground rules for your own sake.
To live in a dorm without too much stress (yup, stress is inevitable), you need to get on with your roommate(s). It doesn’t mean you have to become friends, but finding common ground to discuss some details of your co-residence is crucial. And this is not only about sharing a room with someone you barely know.
For instance, if you are not okay with someone copying off of your homework but are too shy to refuse, learning how to say ‘no’ is one of the most important steps. That and making your roommate observe some rules are the steps that will help you become a more confident and self-sufficient person.
Take Your Time
The desire to learn new things is a good thing, mostly. So, do not rush filling your schedule with numerous classes and extra projects. Spend at least one term without extra load to figure out what you are dealing with. Otherwise, your enthusiasm will become your enemy and the reason for poor grades and burnout.
Remember Why You Came Here in the First Place
Sometimes, it will be quite hard to concentrate on studies due to life circumstances, health issues, or just a lack of motivation after some failures, but that is what life is about actually.
To go through these hardships and not give up on your degree, always ask yourself why you decided to study there. Are you on your way towards meeting your goal? If so, then you have no reason to stop. Maybe you have a reason to take a break but not flush all your effort down the toilet. Think about it!
Takeaway
Here you have it, 8 tips on getting through the college years – maybe not without breaking a sweat but still with not so much stress to drop out or go crazy. The truth is, you won’t get clear answers from anyone – you need to come up with those yourself. However, the tips we have provided you with will make it easier for you to find those answers. Good luck!