Going to college is an exiting time for students and their parents. However, it may also seem a bit overwhelming. There is a lot of work that goes into applying and going to college. Use the tips in this article to help ease the stress of going to college.
When you enter college, try to reduce the amount of starches that you eat during your freshman year. Typically, you will put on a lot of weight in the initial stages of college, as this will help you to counter that. Try to incorporate a lot of fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Go visit several potential colleges to help you decide where you want to go to college. By visiting universities, private colleges and community colleges, you can decide what environment you really want to be in. Most colleges offer several tours throughout the school year. Many also offer an opportunity to shadow a student to see what a normal day is like.
Take a bottle of water with you to class. Hydration is vital to stay alert and focused during classes. It is especially helpful if your classes are right after one another. Drinking during the day frequently allows you to keep focused on what you’re doing. There are always a number of different water fountains on campus to refill a water bottle when you need to.
Be realistic when you set your college class schedule, especially if you are working while attending. Don’t schedule a challenging class early in the day, if you aren’t a real morning person. Pay attention to when you feel the most energetic, and schedule your classes around that when you can.
Leave no stone unturned when looking for financial assistance. A lot of people do not think about the extra help they can get! State and federal grants also exist that do not require repayment.
If you find yourself falling behind in a class, do not hesitate to consult your professor. Check with your school’s faculty directory to find out his or her office hours. Make time to stop by an express your concerns. Your professor wants you to succeed and can direct you to the best resources.
Socialize in moderation. Socialization is an important part of the college experience. Just remember to balance visiting friends and keeping your grades up. It can be easy to lose track of time and procrastinate. Save late night outings for nights when you do not have class the very next day.
Keep in touch with your family. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s hard sometimes to keep in touch with your siblings and parents when you have so much going on in your college life. Make time for at least one call or Skype session every week, and you’ll make them happy.
Watch the carbs you’re eating to keep your weight in check. Avoid eating unhealthy foods. Eat fresh produce and whole grains to maintain energy levels and stay healthy. Avoid eating too much protein since it could cause health issues.
If possible try to live for your first year in campus housing. By taking advantage of room and board you can give yourself more of a chance to focus on getting accustomed to the campus and community. Then in following years you will have a better idea of where you might prefer to live on your own.
Never submit the first draft of a paper. Make sure you have time to edit it. Don’t just proofread your original draft. Rewrite the paper to the best of your ability. You can proofread your second draft and make it crisp. This will allow you to be sure that all of the important information has been included.
Take short breaks when you study for exams. You need to take breaks to let your mind rest, but you don’t want them to be brief. Taking long breaks can thwart the best of studying efforts. They make it harder to get back to work, and they make it hard to work up the needed momentum. Keeping breaks short is the way to go.
If money is tight, and your choice is to either take out a loan or leave school, the smart choice is always to get a loan. Even though this may put you in the lurch temporarily and add to your current burdens, if you have chosen your major wisely, it will increase your earning power. You should be able to pay your loan back with your increased earnings. Leaving school is a sure way to guarantee low earning power for life.
Keep a few things in your room or apartment that are healthy, cheap and easy to eat. This will significantly cut down on late-night fast food runs and will save you money as a result. Peanut butter, yogurt and bagels are all good choices. They also do not have as many calories as fried chicken or hamburgers.
If you do not like the roommate that you are stuck with on the first day of school, speak with someone to get this changed. Remember that you are going to be living with this person for a long time, so nip the problem in the bud before it becomes an issue in the future.
Remember that your college is more than just academics. Check out dorm events, clubs, concerts, hang out spots, campus rallies and even the school sporting events. Your four years can fly by faster than you think. These are all wonderful opportunities you only get once. Use them for stress relief, or to make lifelong friends!
As stated above, going to college is both an exiting and overwhelming time for the student and their family. For the best chance at success in applying for and attending college, it is important to take it seriously, yet enjoy the experience at the same time. Use the tips in the article above to do both.
