5. Set a clear focus for each class, and picture the desired outcome of the class. A student who pictures a final grade of “C” may just get nothing better than that! Picture a successful outcome, but without an overly ambitious goal. Expecting an A+ in every class may set a student up for disappointment and failure. Choosing classes wisely and with an eye on the end goal will ensure successful completion of the class.
6. Take a fun class every semester! An exercise class can be a great choice for fun, an outlet for study breaks, and also for meeting exercise goals and improving health. An art or music class will expand a student’s creativity and provide an opportunity for artistic expression. A fun class is also a great way to meet new friends, develop new interests, and to provide regularly scheduled breaks from books and lectures.
7. Students will benefit greatly from prioritizing and scheduling activities – including social, academic, recreational and personal tasks. Are tennis matches turning into 4-hour marathons and cutting into study time? No clean clothes because there was no time to do laundry? Setting a simple schedule and sticking to it will reduce stress and late nights trying to catch up on academic needs and other tasks.
8. Students can jump-start each day by getting up just a little earlier in the mornings… though it takes some self-discipline, it’s a great way to gain a few extra minutes in the day! Setting an alarm for ten minutes earlier each morning can be an efficient way to slowly push a student towards an earlier daily routine. Choosing an early class schedule can be an instant way to quickly establish a routine of rising early in the morning.
9. The social and academic aspects of college life can pull a student in many directions at one time. Learn to multitask, never procrastinate, dive in and engage with the tasks at hand! Saving many tasks for “later” will simply result in a long, overwhelming to-do list. Do small tasks right away and schedule recurring tasks to take place on a regular basis. A student will find nothing more daunting than having the pressure of studying for a big exam while also finding him or herself out of groceries (put off the shopping!) and staring at a huge pile of dirty clothes (forgot to do the laundry!). Just get it done, as soon as possible, as efficiently as possible.
10. Work hard, play harder! School can be stressful, and the best way to counteract the pressure is with fun activities. Sports, outings with friends, and off-campus activities can recharge a student’s batteries and make the daily pressures of school feel less overwhelming. Outdoor seasonal sports, movies, volunteer work, spiritual awareness, museums, concerts, restaurant meals… there are many activities that will take a student off campus and into a world where academic pressures can be put on the back burner for a short time.
You will succeed in college! Be in each moment, for you will remember these days for the rest of your life.
Blessings on your journey.
