People say college is the best time. Imagine, when you are a student, you have freedom, but are not burdened with adult responsibilities. However, your journey on campus is not always a beautiful one. College, friendships, and the boarding/boarding environment may tire you out. Therefore, try to handle everything since starting college.
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Method 1 of 5: Solving Academic Problems
Step 1. Take a class
In large first-year classes, absenteeism may not count, so you won't have the same high school attendance issues. However, that doesn't mean you can play truant at will, and some lecturers may apply minimum attendance standards. In addition, truancy will cause you to miss important knowledge. Don't trouble yourself by adopting an "overnight speeding system" before the test. Don't forget, too, that high tuition fees mean you're wasting a lot of money if you don't go to class, whether you're paying for the tuition yourself or your parents are paying for it.
- Read the assigned book, and don't forget to take notes. You will learn more if you read actively. Your notes will also help during the exam.
- Participate in class. Many students still don't like or are afraid of public speaking, but if you can overcome those fears or dislikes, you will learn more and enjoy your activities in class more. Don't be afraid to say the wrong thing, because your teacher just wants you to try. The questions asked by lecturers are generally not questions whose answers can be measured by "right" or "wrong".
Step 2. Prepare to spend a lot of time studying
Set aside 40 hours a week to study, just like working full time. Study two hours at home for every hour you spend in class. Your study time will be greatly affected by the course (for example, a laboratory course will require you to spend more time in class), but generally, you will have to study hard at home or in the library.
Step 3. Understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it
Some students do plagiarism because they believe they can do it without being caught, and others plagiarize unintentionally. Whatever the reason, students who do plagiarism must be held accountable, and every act of plagiarism will be caught. Many campuses apply strict sanctions for plagiarism, including thwarting courses or leaving special notes on transcripts.
- Obvious plagiarism includes copying other people's work and submitting it as if it were one's own work, and using citations without citing the source.
- Forgetting to put quotes around the quote and misquoting the source (especially if you falsify the source) are also acts of plagiarism.
- A bad summary also includes plagiarism. A summary is a summary of certain ideas in your own words, but a summary can be plagiarized if the summary still contains words from the source, especially if the sentence structure or length of the summary is similar to the source.
- Broadly speaking, academic cheating includes asking others to do your homework, working in groups to do personal work, and paying people to complete assignments.
Step 4. Get to know your lecturer
Generally, the lecturer is in his room, waiting for the students to consult. Therefore, they will feel happy when you visit their room. If you have a question, ask it in private in his room so that your face is recognized by the lecturer. However, you can also get acquainted with the lecturer at the beginning of the semester.
Do not expect grandiose when visiting the lecturer's room. Your lecturers won't review scientific papers or give essay topics, but generally they will share to develop your ideas
Step 5. Check your email
Students prefer texting or instant messaging over email, but you can't expect the teacher to give you their cell phone number. If you want to stay up-to-date with academic-related information, you should check your email address regularly. Announcements from lecturers, faculties, and so on will be sent via email.
If your class uses an online class system, such as Blackboard, don't forget to check your class online. Sometimes, assignments and grades will only be sent to those online classes, and if you don't check them, you'll lose grades
Step 6. Learn to use the library, both offline and online
Lecturers will often assign visits to the library, especially early in class, but you'll also have to learn how to do your own research. Consider scheduling an orientation meeting with the librarian, especially if you've never been to a library before. You're not alone, really. Don't feel ashamed.
Most libraries have reference librarians for specific areas, such as science, music, or languages. If you have a large assignment, consult a reference librarian about your course. Librarians are aware of the latest research results, and can help you find the best sources
Step 7. Be open to new thoughts
Whoever you are, you will most likely read something you don't agree with. This was intentional by your teacher. It asks you to read from a variety of sources, so they will definitely assign you to read material you don't agree with. You don't always have to agree with thoughts that contradict your beliefs, but try to find out the source of those thoughts and why they arise. Brainstorming may also be your coursework.
Step 8. Watch the progress of the study
The university requires you to spend a number of credits which are divided into several sections: general courses (which may be broken down by course), compulsory classes, and elective classes. Consult with your supervisor to make sure you pass, or you may be forced to stay on campus longer and pay more.
Step 9. Take a course outside your major
For example, if you're an engineering student, try taking a literature class. If you're a literature student, try taking a Biology class. By taking courses outside of your major, you will get to know new people, discover new thoughts, or even something that interests you.
Employers are usually attracted to candidates who can do a lot of things, such as write coherent sentences and analyze formulas, rather than people who are so focused on one thing that they don't fit into the demands of the vast modern world of work
Method 2 of 5: Organizing Social Life
Step 1. Know the lifestyle you want, and stick to it
For some people, campus life is freedom, and for others, campus is a place to seek knowledge. Many people were in the middle of the two. Whatever your views on the world of college, you will find a comrade in arms. Don't feel obligated to participate in social activities or anything else you don't want to do.
However, remember also that college life is your opportunity to learn to be an adult. Make decisions that are in accordance with your beliefs and that are pleasing to you. Keep in mind that sometimes you and your parent or other party may disagree, and that disagreement is not a problem
Step 2. Learn to live with roommates
Sharing a room can be challenging, especially if you've never done it before. Start sharing a room by managing the use of space, and respect the decisions that have been made.
- Also respect decisions regarding physical space and behavior. Would you agree if your roommate had a drink in your room, or asked a friend to stay over? Try to come to an agreement, or contact the superintendent if you're still having a disagreement.
- If a problem occurs, state your complaint. Being passive-aggressive or ignoring the problem won't help. Your roommates aren't doing things to disappoint you on purpose anyway, so think positively of them and try to work things out.
- Spend some time alone, even if you and your roommate get along very well. Make sure you don't stick with your roommate and don't hang out with other friends.
- Find an outdoor space, such as a nearby library or cafe, to study. The study room will help you study when you can't stand your roommate's behavior, or even become best friends until you have constant conversations with them.
- If your attempts to get along with your roommates always fail, know that you are learning to deal with other people, which will help you deal with stubborn people in the future.
- If you feel threatened by your roommate's presence, or that your roommate is doing something illegal, contact the dorm supervisor. You may choose to change rooms. If not, at least there's a record that you've reported a roommate's illegal behavior and weren't part of it.
Step 3. Associate safely
Being a student offers freedom, but also risks. Make sure the activities you do are not harmful.
- If you want to drink, drink in moderation, and ask someone else to drive. Your college may prohibit you from drinking on campus, even if you can legally drink.
- College students may have heard a lot of tips on preventing rape and other sexual assaults, such as drinking less, walking on the lighted streets, telling friends where you are, etc., but remember that no matter what you do, the rapist will always be at fault, and you can sue they take legal action. Report rape or sexual assault to the police, and consult a counselor for next steps.
Step 4. Don't force people to do things they don't want, including drinking, playing truancy, and having sex
Parents are no longer monitoring to punish you, but you are now an adult, so you must be responsible for all your actions.
Step 5. Explore the wealth of diversity on your campus
College may be a time when you have many opportunities to learn from people from different backgrounds. You are very lucky for that, so make sure you take advantage of the differences on campus.
Take classes with a focus on cultural richness. Take part in cultural activities and public lectures on campus. All of which will broaden your field of view and help you strengthen your values. Even if participating in cultural activities strengthens your beliefs, at least you know the things behind other people's beliefs
Step 6. Join a club, or join a group activity on campus
Apart from being a means of having fun, by joining a club or group activity, you will develop your ability to manage people, run an organization, etc. You may also be able to use the skills you have mastered from the club as a trigger for your future career.
The club is highly recommended for transfer students or commuting students, who may feel alienated from campus life
Method 3 of 5: Keeping Healthy
Step 1. Try to maintain a healthy diet, even if you live in a dorm
Busyness, the availability of junk food, limited funds, and difficulty organizing yourself for the first time may cause you to rely on food in the campus cafeteria, which is not always a good thing. Take care of yourself so you have the energy to complete your student obligations.
- Fill the stomach with breakfast. Not everyone gets hungry in the morning, but if you do, breakfast will make it easier for you to get to class in the morning. In the cafeteria, find foods rich in fiber or protein, such as whole-grain breakfast cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruit, yogurt, and eggs. Have a protein bar and preserved fruit in your room for breakfast when you're in a rush.
- Don't forget to eat lunch and dinner. A sandwich of whole grain bread and lettuce with low-fat protein will give you energy to get through the day. Pay attention to portion sizes, which may be difficult if you're in a "all you can eat" canteen. Eating too much, even if you eat healthy foods, will cause drowsiness.
- Provide healthy snacks. Even if you don't have a refrigerator or microwave, you can provide your room with whole wheat bread, peanut butter, granola bars, apples, bananas, beef jerky, and nuts. If your hostel has a refrigerator, you can store milk, yogurt, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, avoid frozen or canned foods, which generally have a high sodium content.
- Eat in balance. You may think you can control your food, but don't let yourself torture yourself. If desired, buy some fast food once in a while with friends. But when you feel the habit is starting to be dangerous, contact counseling for counseling about eating disorders.
Step 2. Deal with stress by exercising
Regular exercise is one way to deal with the stress you experience as a student. You may feel too tired and don't have time to exercise, but exercise can give you more energy, so you should consider adding exercise to your to-do list. Your campus may have a gym where you can exercise.
- Know when it's time to exercise. Crowded gyms may make you nervous, especially if you're a beginner. The gym will be full at the start of the semester, in the morning, and in the afternoon. If possible, come when the gym is quiet.
- Consider exercising with a trainer. The gym trainers at campus gyms are generally fellow students, who can gauge your health and suggest exercise patterns.
- Discover new types of sports. Gyms may offer a variety of sports, from aerobics to Zumba. Team up with friends to keep you motivated.
Step 3. Take care of your mental health
As a student, you may face depression, anxiety, eating disorders, drug abuse, relationship problems, and so on. Your on-campus health center will offer many resources to help you complete your studies even if you face any of the above distractions. Therefore, do not hesitate to take advantage of these resources.
- Many campuses provide private counseling sessions with practitioners or postgraduate students, which are generally free of charge for a certain number of sessions.
- You can also generally find support groups, especially for common problems faced by students.
- If you have a serious problem, call 112 or the suicide prevention hotline 500-454.
Method 4 of 5: Managing Finances
Step 1. Take only the required amount of college loans
You can study well anywhere, so make sure that your dream college actually offers an education that is worth the money. You may regret your choice of campus when you can't intern in a good place, can't continue to master's level, or live where you want because the debt burden is too high.
If you need to borrow money for college, make sure you apply for all available scholarships and grants before you start borrowing. Or, if you're in America, use a state loan before borrowing from a private lender. State loans generally have lower interest rates, have lighter repayment patterns, and even subsidized patterns, which cover interest while you are studying
Step 2. Use credit wisely
Part of being a student is learning to be an adult, and building a good credit history is one way. We recommend that you apply for a student credit card to help develop a credit history. That way, when you graduate, you will have a good credit history and a sufficient credit score to help you find a mortgage or mortgage.
- Don't think of a credit card as a blank check that you can use as you please. You must still have and stick to a financial plan.
- Don't use a credit card for more than you can afford to avoid accruing interest. By limiting yourself, you too can avoid costly mortal pleasures.
- Some student-only credit cards also offer rewards if you score well. No matter how small the gift, the gift is still useful!
Step 3. Consider working part time
Part-time jobs may take up your time, but social activities are expensive, and students generally pay for half or all of their education costs themselves. Find suitable part-time job opportunities for students with flexible schedules.
Step 4. Save money
Use your status as a student on campus. Apart from sports, you can find other activities on campus, such as poetry readings and plays, at lower ticket prices. Some local companies also provide student discounts.
Step 5. Calculate the cost of the meal
You may be able to save by buying catering meals, depending on how much you eat and how easy it is for you to cook at the boarding house/dormitory. Most caterers charge a daily or per serving fee. Watch your weekly meal costs, then consider cheaper dining options, either eating in the cafeteria or cooking your own.
If your scholarship includes catering meals, maximize your allowance by eating as much food on campus as possible if possible. This way, your money will be used for books and other purposes
Method 5 of 5: Getting Help If Needed
Step 1. Ask for help right away when you have difficulty following the material in a particular class
Most professors like to help students, so don't be afraid to ask them for help. However, don't wait until the end of the semester to ask for help. By the end of the semester, your grades may have become completely unsalvageable, and your professor will be busy with end-of-term activities.
- Keep in mind that not all classes provide additional value. Every task will mean to save your grades.
- If you really can't complete an assignment on time, contact your professor before the submission deadline. They'd rather give you extra time than ask why you're late in submitting assignments.
Step 2. Visit the campus writing center
One of the problems faced by lecturers is the students' writing ability. If you can write well, you will be viewed favorably by them. Many colleges have writing centers to help you with difficult assignments.
- Make sure you master not only EYD and grammar, but also the writing requirements of each course, both structure and citation style.
- Even if you can write well, just visit a writing center. The rereading and suggestions for developing the text will be useful to all students.
Step 3. Enroll in the on-campus support system for people with disabilities
Campuses generally offer adjustments for those who need it, both physically and mentally. The adjustments provided can be in the form of help doing tests, collecting assignments, and so on. However, you will have to seek such help yourself.
- Keep in mind that even if your professors are experts on the courses they teach, they cannot advise their students on adjustments. If you go to your professor at the end of the semester to let them know that mental problems are making it difficult for you to keep up with class, they may sympathize with you, but cannot help you.
- Instead of visiting professors, visit your campus support system for people with disabilities as soon as possible. You may need evidence from a mental health professional before getting an adjustment.
- Your professor will not know your diagnosis. They only know what adjustments you need to make for you to be successful (more time on exams, flexible attendance rules, etc).
