1. Constant Study
College is a lot different than high school. When I
had a test in high school, I would study one or two days before, take the exam,
and then be done. It is said that in college, for every hour spent in the
classroom, you need to spend three outside the classroom on your own. This
sounds like an overwhelming number, but if the correct approach is taken, it
can be very manageable. So, instead of binge studying, taking a break, then
repeating the cycle, it is much easier and more useful to consistently study.
By preparing little by little, your grades will reflect dependable study habits.
2. Go to Office Hours Before Your Grade
Depends on It
Go to office hours before you need to. If something
in class does not make sense: Go to office hours. If you think you understand a
new concept: Go to office hours. If you have a question: Go to office hours.
Professors can be intimidating and it is very easy to get lazy and not go after
class, but your GPA will reflect the effort and your professor will notice it
as well. Do not wait until there is a poor exam grade on your report card to
make this decision. Often times, while doing homework the night before it was
due, I would email my professor to say I was coming in the next day because I
did not understand the material. This way I could not get out of it and I had
no choice but to go.
3. You Will Learn What Activities Actually
Matter to You
When I was starting college, there were
so many activities with which I wanted to get involved. I signed up for a lot
then could not attend most of the meetings. Yet, the ones that I did go to
turned out to be the clubs that I truly wanted to be a part of or the friends
that I really did want to see. It’s better to be active in a few clubs than
just a member of ten.
4. Budget Your Money
There are various shops around State
College and spending money on frivolous items is tempting. Going shopping or to
dinner with friends is totally acceptable, just make sure that it does not
happen too many times per week. Stay on top of the amount of money in your bank
account and your last few weeks of school won’t be spent alone in the room,
while everyone else is out enjoying themselves on College Ave.
5. Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself
There will be plenty of times that you will fall
down or fail. The key to this is to get up and do it right the next time the
situation comes around. But then you get back up and study harder or maybe use
a different method this time. Mistakes are how you learn. You try and try until
you find what works for you. College is not only about learning in the
classroom, but in life.
6. Confidence is Just as Important as Studying
When Taking an Exam
When a big exam comes around, it may seem
like the material is impossible to understand or never-ending. Taking the time
to study is definitely significant but once that is done, have confidence in
yourself! You did the work, so be proud of it and showcase what you know.
7. Some of the Best Friends You Will Make Are
the Ones With Which You Study
For some reason, I kept my studies and my
friends separate. Studying with friends
can actually be enjoyable and studying with others is much more productive. There
is a lot of studying to do but you do not have to go it alone. Your friends are
in the same situation and they would love to help you as much as you would
them. Other people help put certain concepts into perspective. Also, teaching
your classmates is an awesome way to learn since it solidifies the information
for you! Once I started studying with friends I knew the material so much
better and made some irreplaceable friends in the process.
8. Parents are Great People to Talk To
Whenever
There were many times that I would lose
track of time or get caught up in everything going on at school that I would
forget to talk to my parents. Other times I would dread calling my parents
because I had some bad news to share. Yet, every time I took just a few minutes
to catch up with what is going on at home, I felt grounded and refreshed. My
parents became my cheerleaders. Whenever I felt upset, frustrated, or worried
my parents calmed me down, provided necessary encouragement, and helped me see
that things are not as bad as they seem.
9. Take Advantage of Free Tutoring
LionTutors, PSU KnowHow, and similar
tutoring places are great and can definitely help but do not forget to check
out Penn State Learning and your professors’ office hours. These are two great
sources offered by PSU that won’t hurt your wallet and could help just as much.
College can be very tiring and draining. When
a small piece of free time comes around, it is really easy to lay down on your bed
and watch Netflix until you fall asleep to the sweet sound of someone’s voice
other than your professors’. I promise you will get more out of making plans
with friends, taking a walk through the Arboretum, checking out some free
activities, volunteering, etc. Really the possibilities are endless! (That
being said, do not forget to relax either.)
Aleksa Susinskas is a sophomore in Civil Engineering, and she is a Rover for WEPO '14!
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