“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm” (Winston Churchill)
If you are a college student then you’ve come across some tough final exams, papers, and other big assignments that will consume your life. You may think that the world is going to end if you don’t make a certain grade or accomplish a certain goal. Don’t stress! You’re not the only one in that position.
College puts a lot of pressure on you to keep your grades up and maintain a social life, all while juggling a job or internship. You may be wondering how exactly you are expected to fly when you just hatched?
Melanie Williams, a journalism graduate from Georgia State University, tells the following story about college …
“My freshman year, I decided to move to another town, on my own to start college. My parents didn’t agree with me moving and insisted that I stay home and go to school, but I knew it was time for me to leave the nest.
I was excited about starting my new journey, but quickly became overwhelmed with classes. The tests were extremely challenging and I couldn’t seem to make a good grade. I couldn’t help but doubt myself and my belonging in a college environment.
One day I talked to my Professor and expressed to him what was going on. He told me to simply take it one day at a time. One step at a time and not to panic about upcoming tests. Just study hard, do my best and then let it go. As a college student that was the best advice I could have received coming from my Professor.
His advice gave me motivation to think ahead and develop strategies that will help me survive college.
Guess what? I survived!
Sometimes, it takes faith and trusting in yourself to accomplish your goals.”
In college, mistakes will be made, things won’t always work in your favor, but most importantly we must take responsibility and learn from mistakes. Here are 11 survival tips that helped Melanie at college…
- Get Organized: Organization is important and can be a life saver! Mark your calendars of important events like class times, events, or even time for yourself. This is will make your life easier as a college student!
- Be familiar with your syllabus and due dates: There isn’t a more terrifying feeling than “realizing” that you have a 10-page paper due at midnight! Make sure to make note of all your due dates of the semester.
- Study Groups: Having a study partner can be helpful especially when taking a course with a lot of material. Two heads are better than one, right?
- Attendance: Sorry to do this to you! But yes, going to class is an important tip for surviving college. Rainy days or having those early classes can be tempting to miss, but you don’t want to miss out on anything important like extra credit and test material.
- Aim for excellent grades: You can do this! Nothing more fulfilling than a grade you worked hard for.
- Stay Ahead of the Game: Get to know your advisor. Don’t procrastinate. Map out all the classes you need to take for your major, and register as early as you can. Always know what classes your supposed to take.
- Take care of yourself: In college, it’s so easy to become consumed in studies that you may forget about yourself. It is important to stay in shape, eat healthy, and have fun!
- Know your college’s resources: Find out what resources your school offers like career centers, tutoring services, professional training courses, and advisors. Once you’re familiar, utilize them best way you can. You won’t regret it!
- Prepare for the Future: Make your plans your priorities. Prepare! Prepare! Prepare! It’s never too early. Get started on that resume so you can land that internship!
- Budget: What do we tend to spend money on? Food. Try to avoid eating out every day. This can be expensive, and become an unhealthy diet. Plan your meals and buy groceries. Make a budget for each week, this will help you save money also.
- Never dwell: Didn’t get the grade you wanted on a test? Learn from this and prepare for the next test. There is no need to stress about the past, that is something you can’t control. What’s done is done. You must prepare for the future.
This may be a lot to remember, but there is a lot to look forward to when you go to college.
With these tips, college will be easier and graduation will be here before you know it. Don’t forget to have fun and make friends. College is an experience of a lifetime
Melanie Williams not only survived, but thrived in Georgia State University’s school of journalism. She can be contacted at mwilliams266@student.gsu.edu