1001 Things Every College Student Needs to Know

1. Prepare for college success: Beat the odds and embrace the challenge

You need to know you'll have to beat the odds. According to American College Testing (ACT), one in every four college students leaves before completing their sophomore year. And nearly half of all freshmen will either drop out before obtaining a degree, or they'll leave to complete their degree elsewhere.

College is a significant challenge. Many students underestimate the difficulty of college and fail to prepare adequately. To succeed, you must develop a mindset of determination and resilience. This means:

• Taking challenging courses in high school to build academic skills
• Developing strong study habits and time management skills
• Setting clear goals for your college education and future career
• Cultivating a growth mindset and embracing challenges as opportunities to learn

Remember that college is not just about intelligence, but also about perseverance, self-discipline, and adaptability. Be prepared to work harder than you ever have before, and don't be discouraged by initial setbacks. Your success in college will largely depend on your attitude and willingness to put in the effort required.

2. Master time management and study skills to thrive academically

You need to know that if you study at least two hours for every one hour you're in class, your skin will clear up, you'll be infinitely more attractive to the opposite sex, and fame and fortune await.

Effective time management is crucial. College requires a significant increase in independent study compared to high school. To succeed:

• Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific times for studying, attending classes, and extracurricular activities
• Use tools like planners, calendars, or digital apps to track assignments and deadlines
• Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency
• Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks
• Eliminate or minimize distractions during study time

Develop effective study techniques:

• Active reading: Take notes, highlight key points, and summarize information in your own words
• Practice regular review: Revisit material frequently to reinforce learning
• Utilize campus resources: Attend study groups, visit tutoring centers, and seek help from professors during office hours
• Experiment with different study methods to find what works best for you (e.g., flashcards, mind maps, practice tests)

3. Navigate campus life: Build relationships and make smart choices

You need to know the first semester is the hardest.

Adjusting to campus life can be challenging. The transition to college involves significant changes in your social environment and personal responsibilities. To navigate this successfully:

• Attend orientation events and join campus clubs or organizations to meet new people
• Be open to forming friendships with diverse groups of people
• Maintain a balance between socializing and academics
• Learn to communicate effectively with roommates and resolve conflicts maturely
• Make responsible choices regarding alcohol and drug use

Avoid common pitfalls:

• Don't isolate yourself in your dorm room
• Be cautious about overcommitting to extracurricular activities
• Learn to say no to excessive partying or other activities that may interfere with your studies
• Seek help from campus resources (counseling services, academic advisors) if you're struggling to adjust

Remember that most students face similar challenges during their first semester. Reach out for support when needed, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to build new relationships and experiences.

4. Choose your major wisely: It impacts your future more than college selection

You need to know choosing the right major is often the key to getting the preferred internships, gaining admittance into the highest-rated graduate programs, and landing the highest starting salary in your field.

Your major significantly influences your career path. While it's okay to be undecided initially, it's important to explore your options and make an informed decision. Consider:

• Your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals
• Job market trends and potential earning power in different fields
• Required skills and coursework for various majors
• Talking to professors, career counselors, and professionals in fields you're interested in

Take advantage of:

• Career assessments offered by your college's career center
• Introductory courses in different disciplines to explore your interests
• Internships or job shadowing opportunities to gain real-world experience

Remember that it's possible to change your major, but doing so may extend your time in college and increase costs. Be thoughtful in your decision-making process, but also be open to discovering new passions and opportunities as you progress through your studies.

5. Develop critical thinking and writing skills for academic excellence

You need to know how to write papers and lab reports well. Really, really well.

Strong writing and critical thinking skills are essential. These skills are crucial not only for academic success but also for future career prospects. To improve:

• Practice writing regularly, even outside of class assignments
• Utilize your college's writing center for feedback and guidance
• Read widely across different genres and subjects to expand your vocabulary and expose yourself to various writing styles
• Learn to analyze and evaluate information critically, questioning assumptions and seeking evidence

Enhance your academic writing:

• Understand the specific requirements for different types of academic writing (essays, research papers, lab reports)
• Learn proper citation methods and avoid plagiarism
• Develop a clear thesis and support it with well-organized arguments and evidence
• Revise and edit your work thoroughly, focusing on clarity, coherence, and grammar

Remember that developing these skills takes time and practice. Seek feedback from professors and peers, and be willing to revise and improve your work continuously.

6. Stay healthy and balanced: Manage stress, relationships, and personal well-being

You need to know that if you're feeling pressure to have sex, it's time to get dressed and go visit the mental health counselor.

Maintaining physical and mental health is crucial. College can be stressful, and many students struggle with balancing academics, social life, and personal well-being. To stay healthy:

• Prioritize sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly
• Learn stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Seek help from campus mental health services if you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or other issues

Navigate relationships responsibly:

• Set boundaries in romantic and platonic relationships
• Communicate openly and honestly with partners
• Practice safe sex and make informed decisions about sexual activity
• Be aware of campus resources for sexual health and relationship counseling

Remember that your health and well-being should always be a priority. Don't hesitate to seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling with any aspect of college life. Taking care of yourself will ultimately contribute to your academic success and overall college experience.

7. Handle finances responsibly to avoid dropping out

You need to know to create and live by a budget. You need to know why you're always overdrawn.

Financial management is a crucial skill. Many students drop out of college due to financial difficulties. To avoid this:

• Create a detailed budget, tracking all income and expenses
• Understand the full cost of your education, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses
• Explore all financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans
• Consider part-time work, but limit hours to avoid negatively impacting your studies
• Learn to distinguish between needs and wants, prioritizing essential expenses

Avoid common financial pitfalls:

• Don't rely on credit cards for everyday expenses
• Be cautious about taking on excessive student loan debt
• Avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary luxuries
• Take advantage of student discounts and free campus resources

Remember that financial stress can significantly impact your academic performance and overall well-being. Developing good financial habits now will not only help you stay in college but also set you up for future financial success.

8. Cultivate professionalism and integrity for long-term success

You need to know to not spend time worrying about whether or not you're at the right college when you have semester exams to deal with.

Professionalism and integrity matter. College is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's also about developing the skills and character traits that will serve you in your future career. Focus on:

• Developing a strong work ethic and meeting deadlines consistently
• Communicating professionally with professors, peers, and college staff
• Building a network of professional contacts through internships, campus events, and alumni connections
• Maintaining academic integrity by avoiding cheating and plagiarism

Prepare for your future career:

• Participate in internships or co-op programs to gain real-world experience
• Develop a professional online presence, being mindful of your social media activity
• Attend career fairs and networking events
• Start building your resume early, highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and experiences

Remember that your actions and choices in college can have long-lasting impacts on your future. Approach your education with a professional mindset, and always strive to maintain your integrity, even when faced with challenges or temptations.

Last updated: November 19, 2024