Veronica
What is your best advice on how to stay motivated and sucessfull in your first years in college?
I will begin my freshman year of college this coming fall and I will be staying on campus. It's my first time away from home and I'm worried about getting lazy or procrastinating causing my grades to suffer. What's your best advice on how to stay on track while college bound? #college-bound #students #college-advice
5 answers
phillip rasy
phillip’s Answer
Stacy active with friends and classmate. Enjoy your new environment. Find people who will be good influence on you. Join a sorority.
Loida Otero ➢ Social Media Marketer
Loida Otero ➢’s Answer
Hello Veronica,
Excellent question! I always tell students to stay organized, be willing to ask for help when needed and focus your energy on one thing at a time. That said, joining a club can help you stay in the "know" of what's going on in the campus, while motivating you to stay on track and have fun all at once. Another tip, know where your Guidance counselor is located, the library and Student services. Also, find a medium that will help you stay organized, whether its a planner or web based program. I have used Asana, trello and Basecamp, but Google can work as well. I am a visual person, so having a sticky note with my targeted GPA (aka goal for the semester), helped me stay on track every time-sticky notes were truly my BFF. Another thing that could help is paying your counselor visits-this helps cement the importance of succeeding in school! Freshman year is crucial, so find/create rewards for incentivizing your academic success. Lastly, know your strengths and weaknesses on studying etc. For instance, I learned that I needed a secluded place when studying subjects I wasn't very fond of, so I would reserve a conference room at my school and friended the expert in the class. Be honest with yourself, assess your weaknesses and improve them every semester. Good luck!
Camryn Gaines
Camryn’s Answer
Moving to a new place can be scary and college is a different ballgame from high school, but as long as you have an adjustable plan/strategy, you should be fine!
In order to become successful and stay motivated, you will need to surround yourself with likeminded people and participate in clubs/organizations that will enhance and develop you as a person. Also, never be afraid to ask for help or offer your help. Professors will remember students who've extended themselves and often will be more likely to ensure yourself if they see that you care!
Callie Bless
Callie’s Answer
Grab a calendar and some sticky notes. Write down every single assignment, quiz, test in a specific color on it's due date. Use the sticky notes for daily to-do lists. My favorite thing to do in college was to go to school during the week and take lots of time to rest (classes and working can be exhausting) then using the weekends to do homework and study (just a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon). Also, take time to study before bed! Your brain retains the information better as it is processing and filing it while you're snoozing. Lastly, the more attentive you are in class, the less you will have to reteach yourself and study.
Kristin Kastner
Kristin’s Answer
Hi Veronica,
I second Loida about setting a goal. Like you, going to college was my first time away from home, and it was really weird for me. I fell into that trap that you're describing (losing motivation), and spent the better part of the end of my freshman year, beginning of my sophomore year, getting myself on the path I wanted to be. So I think setting a goal will be really helpful.
Also, don't be afraid to go to the library to get work done. It doesn't make you a nerd, or a bookworm. The quietness can really help you focus, and get your homework done. I remember our library also had spots to sit on the main floor, and where a lot of foot traffic was, so on the days I needed some noise, it helped me. Sometimes the dorms are just too loud, and the library is helpful. During the nice weather, try to sit outside and study as well. It will get you out, and you'll feel like you're enjoying the weather, while also accomplishing your academic tasks.
One final trick to stay motivated -- remember that you're going to college for you. You are taking the time and energy to invest in yourself by doing well. :-)