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College Tips?

What are some tips to get through my first years of college and maintaining good grades while managing stress? What are some studying tips to make sure I don't fail?

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Hannah’s Answer

You are already taking the first steps by wanting to be organized and on top of things so well done!
This is what helped me in college:
1. Only take 12-14 credits your first semester. It is a good idea to take the minimum amount of credits to keep you at full time student status at the beginning so you can get used to the workload.
2. I took 1 "fun" class every semester (yoga, music class, cooking class, etc.) It had nothing to do with my major, it was just a class I thought was fun and interesting. Even when the other classes were hard and frustrating, I still had one fun class to look forward to. It helped lower my stress because it was more of a hobby class and I could relax for an hour or two.
3. Plan out your schedule every week. Know when you will study, take tests, go to classes, and meet up with study groups. I would also plan to be social at least once a week. Have some fun with friends.
4. Get sleep! It is not worth it to stay up until 3 am studying. Every hour of sleep you get before midnight is worth 2 hours of sleep. If you stay up and pull all-nighters, you will not do as well as you hope. Your brain will be so tired it will not work correctly. I would recommend going to sleep earlier and waking up earlier (ex. wake up at 5:30) to study.
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Mohit’s Answer

Hello Rebecca,

I encourage you to:
1. Make an effort to attend all lectures (as often as you can)
2. Dedicate 2 hours in the library after lectures to review what you learned that day and gather additional information on the subjects
3. Aim to create comprehensive notes in one attempt (for example, while in lectures, jot down notes, leave gaps if you think you've missed something, and fill them in later)
4. Keep essential formulas and definitions on a separate sheet and review them whenever you have some spare time.

To handle stress, remember not to spend all your time solely on studying. When you're studying, concentrate on your study, and when you're with friends, simply unwind. Avoid mixing the two.

Following these suggestions should help you navigate through your studies with ease.
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Ban’s Answer

Hello Rebecca,

The first year is always a time for discovery. I encourage you to explore various interests, experiment with new ideas, and continue seeking out new experiences while making connections.

Here are a few tips for your first year in academics:
1. Stay focused during lectures. As a former teaching assistant during my master's program, I noticed that students who remained attentive for the entire hour of a lecture performed well on exams. Since most test materials and homework assignments come directly from lectures, maintaining focus will help you stay ahead of the curve.
2. Establish connections with your professors. Having a mentor during your college years is invaluable, and who better to guide you than the ones who teach you? Make it a habit to attend office hours regularly, even if you don't have specific questions. Building a strong relationship with the professors in your major will provide you with a wealth of valuable advice throughout your college journey.
3. Stay relaxed and don't stress over one or two exams or classes. It's okay to receive a C or even a D occasionally. Life is like a boat, with waves carrying you up and down. Embrace these ups and downs as learning experiences, helping you face future challenges after graduating from college.
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Emily’s Answer

Congratulations, and what an exciting time! The secret to success lies in building strong connections with your professors and making the most of office hours and additional study sessions before exams. As you become more comfortable and start meeting new people, you'll find friends or acquaintances in your classes. Forming study groups can be extremely helpful as well.

In summary, approach this new chapter with an open mind, befriend many people, show kindness, and actively participate in your college community.
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Trung’s Answer

Here are a few friendly tips to help you during your first year in college:
1) Be aware of the helpful resources available on campus. Instead of stressing over an issue, consider reaching out to campus resources for assistance. Advisors, peer tutors, mentors, and on-campus organizations are there to support you.
2) Make a few good friends - you don't need a huge group, just a handful of buddies to accompany you to events or take classes with. Having at least one familiar face can make things much easier. This personally made a big difference for me during my college years. If you want to make more friends, that's totally up to you!
3) Don't compare yourself to others - everyone has their own unique journey. Some people may get A's, while others may get F's, but remember, you're doing things at your own pace. Best of luck!
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Robert’s Answer

Hello Rebecca,

As a recent college graduate some tips I have for first years are as followed:

1. Attend all your classes without fail. Although you might not have much control over your class schedule initially, you'll eventually be able to select class timings that suit your preferences, such as morning, afternoon, or a mix of both. I found it easier to manage my time when I had all my classes scheduled back-to-back, leaving the rest of the day for homework and studying.

2. Be an active participant in class by sitting near the front, answering questions, and attending office hours as needed. This demonstrates your commitment and eagerness to learn.

3. Create a weekly and semester-wise schedule. For weekly planning, allocate time for classes and studying. For the semester, note down all the important deadlines mentioned in the syllabus to stay organized.

4. Prioritize sleep and self-care. Taking care of your body is crucial, and adhering to a schedule (like the one mentioned in tip 3) ensures you have ample time for self-care.

To manage stress effectively, don't hesitate to seek help from professors or advisors whenever needed. They are there to guide you in the right direction. Additionally, consider joining clubs and participating in campus activities to meet new people and pursue your interests. Lastly, stick to your study schedule and make adjustments as needed. This will help you stay on top of your workload, making it easier to manage stress since you'll be aware of upcoming deadlines and can allocate more time to subjects that require extra attention.
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Nika’s Answer

I had a great first year college experience, so I am more than happy to share the tips that best worked for me!

1. Do not overload your schedule. College courses will be different from high school and can be an adjustment, so give yourself time for that adjustment. I recommend taking no more than 12-15 units per semester your first year.
2. Have your priorities in place. College is the first time many students experience freedom like they never have. But do not lose focus because of this. My best tip is to still utilize that high school work ethic of getting homework and tasks done as soon as you are done with class. That then leaves you with the rest of your evening to enjoy time with your friends!
3. Study groups. Talk to people in your classes and collaborate. I found in college that there was always someone around me that knew something that I didn't and sometimes it can be intimidating to speak to professors, so speak to those in the same shoes as you.
4. Join clubs and extracurriculars. You will meet many lifelong friends in college, so why not meet ones that you will already have similar interests to. Socializing will alleviate a great amount of your stress!
5. Take care of yourself. We tend to lose sight of doing this, but do not in your first year or it will only get harder.
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Ana’s Answer

Hello! Mindset is critical, not just for your first year in college, but for the rest of your life. If you believe you can, you will! The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

Also - well-being, as some of the others have mentioned, is critical. Despite how it may seem, there is time to work AND play during college. Throughout the process, taking care of your physical and mental health will help you do both as best as you can.

Congratulations and good luck!
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Maimona’s Answer

Hi Rebecca!

I just finished college not too long ago, and I know it can be pretty stressful sometimes. But I also had some of the best moments of my life during that time. It's important to find a balance in everything you do. One thing that really helped me was setting realistic and achievable goals every day. I want to stress the "realistic and achievable" part because I saw many friends set goals that were just too hard to reach. When they couldn't complete those tasks, they ended up feeling even more stressed and anxious. So, try making a schedule, like 9:30am-11:30am for Calculus homework, 11:30am-1pm for Chemistry class, 1pm-1:30pm for a break, and so on. Having goals like these will help you stay focused and get through your daily tasks, which is a great way to manage stress.

When it comes to studying, it's all about finding what works best for you! Everyone has their own unique way of learning. For me, I didn't really benefit from group study sessions. Instead, I focused on paying attention in class, asking questions whenever I needed to, and working through my homework on my own. That's how I learned the most. But if you find that talking with others and teaching each other helps you understand better, then go for it! The key is to make sure you really grasp the concepts and ideas, and that's how you'll get good grades!

Best of luck, and don't forget to have fun during your college years!
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Brynn’s Answer

1) Stay organized - Whether you use the notes app on your phone or an actual planner, just make sure you keep track of your assignments and exams so you know what you have to work for what class every day.
2) Learn how you study the best - Are you an auditory learner, visual learner, hands-on learner? Do you prefer to create flashcards or highlight key parts of your notes? Etc.
3) Get ahead when you can - There were many times when I would have some time to get ahead on assignments. This can be helpful especially if you know you have a busier week coming up.
4) Take breaks - Take a nap, go for a walk, get lunch with a friend, make yourself dinner, watch your favorite show, etc.
5) Enjoy your time at college - College is stressful but also fun. Make sure to keep a good balance between learning and enjoying your time.
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Josh’s Answer

Hey Rebecca!

Here are my tips:
1. Plan to study a little bit every day. Cramming is stressful and also not as effective. I personally made a habit of going to the library every day and being in that space helped me to focus and be productive.

2. Communicate with your professors. Go to class and become a familiar face, go to office hours and ask questions. If you're struggling, don't be afraid to let them know and work together to come up with a plan.

3. Join a study group. Studying with others is helpful. See if you can join or create a study group with a few people in your class.

4. Go to your campus writing center/tutoring services. Don't be afraid to seek them out! They are super helpful and are often other students who took the same courses.

5. Remember that college is more than just grades. Of course getting good grades is why you're there, but I'd encourage you to take advantage of clubs, sports and other activities as well. Having other activities will help you feel connected to the larger campus community and will be a great break from studying when you need it.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Rebecca
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Riya’s Answer

Hello there!

Here are some fantastic study tips I've discovered during my time as a college student:

1. Choose a study spot that's new to you. I used to get easily distracted studying in my room, so I explored various buildings on campus to find places where I could truly concentrate on my work.

2. Form study groups! Even teaming up with just one or two classmates can be helpful, as you'll often find that your strengths complement their weaknesses, and vice versa. This not only helps you grasp concepts you're unsure about, but also allows you to teach your study partners, which can give you fresh perspectives on the material.

3. Create a study schedule. I personally enjoy crafting detailed plans. While it might seem daunting at first, it's comforting to know that I can always regroup if necessary, since I've spaced out my tasks to allow for some breathing room.

4. Study alongside friends! They don't need to be in the same courses as you, but being surrounded by others who are focused on their studies can boost your own concentration and motivation.

Happy studying!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Rebecca
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Bianca’s Answer

Hello there!
1. Discover a fun hobby or join a club to unwind and relax outside of school.
2. It's important to find a study method that suits you, even if it's different from your friends. You could create your own study guides, review notes after each class, use flashcards, attend office hours, or study with a buddy.
3. Do your best to attend all your classes, so you can ask questions and catch any important points your professor shares that might not be in the slides or notes.
4. Be prepared and always have all the necessary materials with you.
5. Keep open communication with both your professors and roommates.
6. Familiarize yourself with all the helpful resources available to you.
7. Explore the events happening around campus. You might find something that piques your interest or helps take your mind off school stress.
8. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
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Sam’s Answer

Hello Rebecca,

As a college student myself, I'd love to share some valuable tips and strategies that have helped me maintain an outstanding GPA.

1. Enroll in courses with friends. This is, without a doubt, the most crucial advice for achieving success in college. Having friends in your classes to discuss questions and study together can make a world of difference. When you're studying alone and find the material challenging, it can be frustrating, and professors may not always have time to address every question you have. So, when registering for courses in upcoming semesters, try to join the same classes as your friends. If you don't have any friends in your classes initially, make an effort to connect with new people! In my experience, college is full of friendly individuals, and simply reaching out to a classmate to ask if they'd like to review for a quiz can lead to lasting friendships.

2. Develop a calendar schedule. This has not only improved my academic success but also significantly reduced my stress and enhanced my overall organization. Using a calendar to plan your day, week, and month ensures you allocate sufficient time for various assignments and exams in your classes. I personally prefer Google Calendar and assign a different color to each class. However, there are numerous scheduling websites and apps available that offer similar features. The key to effective scheduling is thoroughness. Don't just schedule some of your commitments and try to remember the less important ones. Include everything on the calendar, such as coffee breaks, lunches, sports activities, and even haircuts. Let the calendar be the "keeper" of all these events, freeing your mind to focus on the task at hand and quickly refer to the calendar to see what the rest of your day entails.

The other answers to your question are also excellent, so I won't repeat their content. In summary, make the most of your friends and a calendar to navigate your classes, and I believe you'll experience positive academic and mental outcomes.

Best regards,

Sam
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Madeline’s Answer

All of the answers above are great - burnout is real, and you should 100% be mindful of your wellness and health.

I personally really want to give you advice around the studying aspect - work SMARTER, not HARDER. You can't make more hours in the day, but you CAN use your time more effectively and apply your efforts more strategically.

DO NOT text or multi-task during class or other academic engagement. If you're going to be there, BE THERE. Take copious notes, read ahead of the materials, get to know your professors, and have key takeaways from each class/session.

Also SUPER helpful to have distilled takeaways for class/material. E.g., at the end of class, have a sentence or two around what was discussed and what it MEANS to you/your learning/the broader material.
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Marissa’s Answer

Starting college can be an exciting and challenging time, but there are strategies you can employ to ensure a successful transition while maintaining good grades and managing stress. First and foremost, effective time management is crucial. Create a schedule or use a planner to organize your days, allocating specific time slots for studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and engaging in extracurricular activities. Prioritize tasks and avoid procrastination to stay on track. Developing a study routine is also essential. Find a routine that suits you best, identifying your most productive hours and creating a quiet, distraction-free environment. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks, taking short breaks to maintain focus. Embrace active learning techniques such as summarizing material in your own words, creating flashcards, or participating in study groups. Take advantage of the resources available on campus, such as libraries, tutoring centers, and academic support services. Stay organized by keeping study materials and assignments well-organized, and don't hesitate to seek help or clarification from professors or classmates. Remember to practice self-care, taking care of your physical and mental well-being through adequate sleep, balanced diet, exercise, and regular breaks for relaxation and hobbies. Set realistic goals, celebrate accomplishments, and develop effective study habits that work for you. Stay engaged in class, take thorough notes, and participate actively. Finally, find a healthy work-life balance by engaging in extracurricular activities and building a supportive social network. Embrace these strategies, seek support when needed, and remember to enjoy your college journey.
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Erin’s Answer

Hi! At the start of the semester, it's a great idea to make a calendar that includes all your deadlines and exam dates, allowing you to effectively manage your workload. There will always be so much going on in college, so I recommend trying to leave some buffer time in your planning for how long it will take to finish an assignment or prepare for an upcoming exam.

College is definitely a fun experience, but as you pointed out, it can also be stressful. If you find yourself struggling in a class or confused about lecture content, don't hesitate to arrange a meeting with your professor or Teaching Assistant (TA) during their office hours. This not only provides you with valuable one-on-one time but also demonstrates your commitment to succeeding in their class, helping to build a strong relationship with them (which can be beneficial for networking, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Additionally, consider joining a club or exploring wellness activities offered by your university. You might find yoga classes, fitness sessions, meditation practices, or even seminars on stress management. These activities can help you maintain a healthy balance during your time in college.