How Can I Survive College Classes?
You either came across this blog post because you heard the horror stories from college and want to be prepared or you’re in the middle of your first semester of classes. Either way you’re doing a great job, and I hope these tips help you accomplish your academic goals!
Look at Your Syllabus!
Listen, the syllabus is the most important thing for your college career success. All deadlines, exams, grading scales, and extra credit opportunities are located in this massive document. This document is your guide to success. Everything you need to know is here, and please don’t take it for granted. I recommend the first thing you do is go through your syllabus for each class and put all of the deadlines and exam dates in a planner of some sorts, which leads me to tip number two.
2. Use Google Calendar
This was a MAJOR factor in my college success. For some people, a written planner is just fine; however, let me sell you on this before you skip this section. Google Calendar can do one thing that a written planner can never do. Send reminders! You get notifications for your to do list, for what class is next, your work schedule, and more. You want to know what else is great about Google Calendar? When you put in your class schedule, you can also write where your class is. There are some classes that change classrooms throughout the week, so you can prevent showing up to the wrong class by having a reminder tell you where it’s going to be. Lastly, going back to why you should read your syllabus, there are certain professors that have select class dates where there won’t be any class. So, you can also utilize Google Calendar to let you know to stay in bed for that day 😴.
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3. Create Study Groups
I know a couple of you read that and rolled your eyes but hear me out. Sometimes it’s helpful to bounce off ideas with others. Some people find different ways to remember certain things (like formulas or certain parts of anatomy). This is also a great way to build friendships in your classes. Don’t be afraid to get to know people in your classes!
4. Office Hours
If you are feeling lost in your classes, go to office hours. It’s just that simple. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t understand. You’ll not only get your questions answered and helpful study tips, but you’ll also meet other people from class (potential study group) and build a connection with your professor (potential rec letter). Also, if there are others there asking questions, try to linger there and listen. Even if you didn’t have that question, it’s helpful to hear your professor or TA explain certain concepts.
5. Quizlet
Sadly, this tool isn’t helpful for all classes; however, for some, this is game changing. One thing I’ve learned from my two years of school is that active learning is the key to studying for my classes. What’s active learning? It’s basically the process of your studying through recalling information. Quizlet is basically our generation's environmentally friendly version of flashcards. The free version is what I personally use (because... college budget), and I think is sufficient enough. If you need to, you can private your flashcard sets as well.
6. Move Away From Distractions
Your phone is potentially your biggest distraction. One notification can lead to an hour meant for studying being used scrolling on social media or chatting with friends. If you set out time to study, try to implement interval working. Set a timer on your phone and place it out of your sight. Focus on your work for maybe twenty or thirty minutes at a time until your timer goes off. This is an easier way to get accustomed to removing distractions.
7. Take Care of Yourself
Please, please, please make sure to give yourself time to rest. It’s a common practice for many college students to cram and pull all-nighters just to study for exams or complete an assignment. Now granted, I understand that you will probably stay up until 2 am a couple times in your college career, but don’t make this a daily habit. Take care of your health! Set out time to eat, get rest, be active, and just do something fun. You can’t deliver your best work if you aren’t feeling your best.
College is a learning curve. You have to learn how to balance a lot of things. I know that sounds scary, but you’ll get used to it. If you’re in need of extra guidance, reach out to friends, older mentors (like FAM), family, or even the many counselors on campus. We are here to help you gain success, and you can and will get through this.