10 College Survival Tips

#1 Get enough Sleep

During my first semester of college, the lack of sleep was preventing me from meeting my academic potential. I could barely concentrate in my classes. I couldn’t focus on my writing assignments, and my mind would wander when I read. In math I would make silly mistakes: forget to multiply or bring down a sign. I would get frustrated quickly and doubt my abilities as a college student.

After speaking to a friend, a fourth year college student, I analyzed my day and recognized I was sleeping only 4 hours a day. After realizing this I adjusted my schedule to include 7 hours of continuous sleep. The next day after a full nights rest I was able to comprehend and focus on my classes and understand the material.

Our Brains need 6 ½ to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per day for some maybe even more, know how much sleep you need. Symptoms to look out for: Exhaustion, fatigue and lack of physical energy are common sleep deprivation symptoms. Exhaustion and fatigue affect our emotional moods, causing pessimism, sadness, stress and anger. Symptoms can interfere with memory, energy levels, mental abilities, and emotional mood.

#2 Stay Healthy

This summer I caught the flu/cold. It put me out of commission for an entire weekend. I had to study for a math test, and write an essay that was due that Monday, I couldn’t concentrate no matter how hard I tried, my brain and my body just wouldn’t let me, so I slept instead of studying. I was not prepared for my math test and I was a week late on my essay.

Stay healthy, take vitamins, take time to eat, get enough sleep, and exercise.

#3 Don’t Procrastinate

I was given an essay assignment two weekends before it was due. Since I believed I had plenty of time to get it done, I decided to write my paper the following weekend, but I couldn’t because that weekend I was sick. I was behind for the entire week following my sickness. If I had done my assignment sooner I wouldn’t have been behind the following week.

#4 Study smart Avoid Distractions

Identify the distractions that may cause you to lose focus when you’re studying. Try to avoid them, know that some distractions are not avoidable and develop ways to deal with them. Example, if you have children, try to get them involved, offer them a reward to see if they can do their chores or behave while your studying. Get your family involved.

When I was completing my writing assignments on my computer, I was occasionally distracted; I would do other things besides my writing assignment:  check my email, surf the internet, play music etc. I asked my English tutor what he did to avoid distractions. He told me that going back to pencil and paper was what he did. So I turn off my internet connection, and/or shut my computer off, and tell myself to stay focused.

#5 Get Help if you need it

Use the Academic Learning Center; they have tutors in every subject who are eager to help you. Do not be afraid to raise your hand in class if you need help. Ask for help; go to the Academic Learning Center.

I dropped out of high school 16 years ago, earned my GED ten years late and have not touched a text-book since. Help, yes I needed it, I went to the Academic Learning Center and got all the help I could handle.

I wouldn’t have survived my first college semester without the ALC. I have always had a positive experience there. The tutors are very helpful and encouraging. In the summer I studied at the Academic Learning Center everyday. The end result an A in English and a B in Math. If I can do it, so can you. Get Help, use the Academic Learning Center.

#6 Maintain a Positive Attitude

In my first semester of college I met a few students who told themselves and others that they were terrible in math, that no matter what they did they just didn’t get it. You see their choice to think negatively hindered their ability to be successful. We’ve got to be vigilant about our attitudes and remain positive, telling your self that you will do well in college, has a more positive impact that if you told your self you didn’t. Keep a positive attitude; don’t let negative thinking disable you. You can do it.

#7 Separate Yourself from the Results

After getting a low grade on one of my math test, I sought advice from a counselor. I told him about my test anxiety and how bad I performed on tests. His advice was Do not let the end result define me as a person. Do not take a bad test grade personally. I contemplated that thought for awhile and began to internalize it. Yes getting a low grade or failing a class is discouraging but it didn’t define me as a person. I was told to take advantage of the opportunity and learn from it, become better from the mistakes that I made. Look at it with a positive attitude, and separate myself from the result.

#8 Reward Yourself

Reward yourself, when you get a good grade on a test, show improvement on a subject, understand a topic, and/or complete an assignment on time. Rewarding yourself will keep you motivated.

A reward could be patting yourself on the back, telling yourself good job, treating your self to a movie, playing a game, buying yourself a gift, making your favorite snack. Rewarding yourself on a daily or weekly basis will empower you to do more

#9 Develop a Strong Why Statement

Why am I in college?

The answer to this question is your why statement. It could be to make more money, provide a better future for your family; your parents are making you. A personal
Why statement is very important, it is your reason, and purpose for attending college. Those with strong why statements tend to be more determined and complete college.

Developing a strong why statement is crucial to your success as a college student. Think about it and internalize your statement, it will help guide you when the going gets tough.

#10 See Your Schedule

It’s a good idea to map out your schedule so you can visually see it. That way you can see how much time you will have between your classes. Make sure you schedule your studying and sleep and work times.