College Student Survival Tips

August 20th, 2022

Attending college in Pocatello, or Chubbuck county Idaho? YourWay Storage has great tips and tricks to have a smooth transition.

YourWay Storage is here to help you balance everything during your transition to college life! College can be overwhelming with coursework, a job, and possibly moving to a new city. Our survival guide offers some helpful tips so you can enjoy your freshman year!

Prepare

College can be stressful before you even get there and begin your courses. Try to relax by registering for classes as early as possible, and avoid cramming all of your difficult subjects into only one semester. Combining your general education requirements with your degree-specific courses is likely to make it simpler to succeed academically and maintain a healthy GPA. To manage stress before the semester begins, map out your classes and visualize the buildings you need to go to each day. This will give you a better understanding of how long it will take to get to each class, or whether you'll need to park in a different location.

Attendance

We know you've probably heard it before, but make sure you attend all of your college classes during the semester. Do not fall into the trap of skipping classes; if you do, you will be behind in your classwork and have a poor relationship with your professors. If you are not an early riser, try to schedule your lessons during the afternoon or evening hours, which should reduce your chances of sleeping in.

Get to Know Your Professor

Get to know your professors during the first week of school. Not only for their class, but also for internships, job recommendations, and research possibilities, professors are great resources. Rate My Professors is a useful tool for learning more about your professors.

Participation

Although lectures may not be the most entertaining, make an effort to remain attentive during class. Sit near the front of the class so that you can participate and improve your grade. Take a look at some fantastic note-taking methods, such as utilizing your own language and employing color to retain information. Participating in class will keep you interested, allowing you to get to know your professors and classmates. If you have to miss a day, this will also make it simpler for you to obtain notes.

Syllabus

Before your first day of class, make sure you have everything you need: paper, pencils or pens, and a great attitude. Review the syllabus for each of your classes to check if there are any other materials required. After your first semester, you'll likely find that more is expected from you on day one in terms of assignments and readings specific to your degree choice. Your syllabus will list these assignments so get into the habit of checking before each class begins.

Study Smarter Not Harder

Cramming the night before a test is not an effective way to learn and retain information. Create a study schedule around your class times, and stick to it. Try adding extra activities to your schedule so you can plan your study time more effectively. Taking regular study breaks is essential to focus and concentration. Get up and move around, have a snack, or talk to a friend to stay refreshed.

Communication is Key

If you're a resident of a university campus and have a roommate, make sure you talk about your needs to one another. Many individuals are unfamiliar with the concept of establishing boundaries, it's a good idea to establish them for conflicts to be avoided. Roommates can be an exciting experience. You may decorate your room together and hang out, but it's suggested that you set noise levels for each day during the week. College is a time for socializing and making new friends, but it's also important to get enough rest. Plan study times around your class schedule and make sure to take advantage of any free time you have during the day. It can be tempting to sleep in or go out every night, but too much of either can lead to burnout.

Socialize

Tailgate parties at state schools may help you develop your skills and pursue a passion, hobby, or sport without having to pay for a class. College tailgating is a great way to unwind on weekends while also making new friends. University clubs might help you build your skills while also providing networking opportunities that will show in your CV. To avoid stressing about schoolwork, it is best to start slowly when getting involved on campus. By picking an activity that only requires your time once a week, you can later add more activities as needed.

Keep Things Organized

Organizational skills will make you more likely to succeed in college. Get a planner and write down important dates mentioned in your syllabus for each class, especially the ones that are most significant. If you want a digital planner, some schools provide one; however, if you prefer using Google Calendar or another mobile calendar app to create alarms and reminders, you may do so.

Finances

Get educated on your finances if this is your first time around the block. If you have a part-time job and some money, college is a good time to establish credit. Opt to rent as many of your school supplies as you can. When you're in college, saving money is a fantastic notion. If you have a meal plan, eating out every day is wasting money; eat at home or only go out to restaurants 1-2 times per week. If you can, look for an internship or part time job that relates to your major; experience will help your resume and make some extra cash.

Take Advantage of the Freebies

The most crucial thing to consider is what type of degree you wish to obtain. We recommend meeting with your college advisor at least once a semester. Take advantage of the expertise your counselor may provide while enrolled in school. If you want to stay linked with recent graduates, contact the career center, financial aid office, study center, and/or library at your university.Show up to any free campus events and student activities you have time for; at these events, you will most likely receive school supplies, free shirts, possibly meals and other goodies. The Student Resource Center is helpful for those in need of specialized help with subjects such as math. Check out the school's health center and counseling services for more personal support.

Broaden Your Horizons

Make the effort to see things from a global perspective, pledge to attend university in a different state than the one you grew up in, or do something that makes you leave your comfort zone. Get to know new people and explore novel opportunities. By broadening your horizons, you'll also be boosting your confidence. If possible, study abroad so that you can immerse yourself in another culture while still receiving credits toward your degree.

Have a Good Time

Time flies when you're in college! Make the most of your time by doing things you enjoy and that will help further your education, like mock interviews and resume reviews. But also don't forget to schedule some fun into your life too - go to school movie nights and concerts, for example. It's easy to get overwhelmed in college, so make a conscious effort to stay present and take care of yourself mentally and physically.

If you follow these tips we think college will be a breeze for you! College can be a tough transition for some students. YourWay Storage is here to help with a few tips on how to make the most of your college experience! If you need extra space for your belongings while attending college, look no further than YourWay Storage. We offer a variety of storage solutions and online rentals for your convenience.