June 18, 2021
By Jason Swayze
Staff Writer
This article is part of The Lighthouse’s five-part in-depth reporting series dedicated to the Class of 2021.
So here we are! The supposed best four years of our lives are just around the corner. That said, it isn’t all fun and games in college. To set yourself off on the right foot, follow these eight tips:
1. Stay on top of your assignments. If you don’t complete your work in a timely fashion, your grades will drop, and you will have an increased chance of failing out of college and losing the money you spent on it.
2. Don’t worry about partying. There likely will be a party every night somewhere on campus, but don’t let that cause you to lose focus. Teenagers think going to college is all about partying when it’s not. Remember that you are in school to get a degree so you can be successful in life.
3. Get involved in activities that interest you. Joining extracurricular clubs and sports will make your college experience more enjoyable and help you make new friends. They are also great ways to meet people who can be a positive influence on your life.
4. Study days (or even weeks) in advance of your exams. Getting an early start on your studies will allow you to get more sleep and relieve stress. It will also increase your chances of success on assessments. A college-level exam covers a lot more material than a test in high school, so cramming is a bad idea.
5. Do not skip class. If you don’t go to class, you will fall behind and have an increased chance of failing. Not all professors take attendance in college, but it’s still important to attend all of your classes.
6. Get to know your professors. People don’t realize how much having a relationship with your professor can benefit your grade, your understanding of the course material and your prospects for getting an internship or job later on. The perfect time to get to know your professors one-on-one is during their office hours when you can ask questions and get extra help.
7. Go to sporting events. Consider attending sporting events because it’s a fun atmosphere where you can watch a sport that interests you and forge friendships with other students who are all cheering for the same team.
8. Be open-minded. Expand your horizons by registering for classes you never thought you would take, and consider making friends with people from different states and countries. Learn about their cultures and question your previously held ideas and values.
College is an exciting time that offers opportunities to learn and grow as a person. Follow these eight tips to ensure that you make the next four years both memorable and meaningful.
