How To Survive College

Hello everyone,

So, you are done with high school and going into college. When you were in high school you probably heard that college is so much fun and relaxing than high school. Well, I am sorry to break your heart, it is much harder than you expected, if you want good grades. Here is what I don't like about college and how I am surviving.

1. Making new friends can be difficult for new students. It is very difficult to come to a whole new different place and make a whole new group of friends. You go from high school; you got all these “friends forever” to no friends. Some advice I can give you on that is, join a club, sports or some organization in your college. Get involved and meet new friends that have same interest as you. J
2. Another thing about college that I don’t like is having to pay so much on textbooks from university bookstore. Like seriously, $158 for ONE textbook? That’s just ridonculous! And if you need books for 4 more classes, it adds up. The way I save money on textbooks is renting or buying from my local city bookstore call “Textbooks for Less”. You could rent it or buy it for cheaper price on Amazon, eBay, slugbooks and there are many other websites. The thing about buying books is you are not guaranteed that the bookstores will buy it back from you, so always ask the price they will take it back for and if they will accept that edition. 
3. When you were in high school, your teachers or your parents always asks you to do your homework and study. When you come to college, you are independent and instructors won’t take late works. If your assignment is due @11:59pm and you turn in at 12:00am, you will get a 0. To avoid that, do your assignments before hand than go enjoy yourself. You always have to balance between school and party; you don’t want to be that kid that stays in their room for 24hrs typing away… I need A and study all the time (I am guilty of that). Have fun and study well!

P.S/ Read my college tips on how to keep your grades up and be organized. (Take advantage of Supplemental Instructions and free tutoring programs on campus)

College Tips

Hello everyone, 

I was thinking what I should blog about today, and first thing came to my mind was college. I start back classes next week, I am excited and nervous at the same time. I’ll be a junior and will be taking all 300 level courses. Last semester was definitely the hardest semester for me because instead of taking 12 credits like usual I took 16 for the first semester. I had tones of assignments, lab work, group project, individual project, being involved in my major’s club… you name it. I spend most of my time in the university library. It was very stressful semester, but I was very happy with my grades. Cheers to another 16 credits!

Here is 5 simple steps to keep your grades up and be organized:

1.    1.  Most important thing in college is getting your assignments done on time. Doing your assignments head of time will help you not get too stress last minute. Maybe work on it on the weekends. Keep either Saturday or Sunday for “fun day” with friends and another day for catching up. 

2.   2.  Be on time and go to class. I know that sound so cliche, but sometimes it can be very hard to get up in the morning especially if you studied all night the night before. Drink coffee or energy drinks to keep yourself stay awake. (Make sure you take breakfast) to fuel your brain. After you get done with class, you would feel like you achieved something for the day ha-ha (At least that’s how I felt). 

3.     3. When you are going to study for an exam or quiz, be prepare before the day of the exam. Do the study guide that is provided and take notes in class. One of the things I like to do is record my lectures and listen to it at home. Since I am not that fast of a writer. Make flash cards and ASK question from your professors. They will be more than happy to help you. 

4.    4. Keep your planners with you at all times. Write down all the assignments you have to do that week and cross out when you are done. Planners never really worked for me, I usually write down in a piece of paper titled “week1” and list all the things that has to be done. Having a planner or writing down things will keep you on track and be organized. 

5.  5. Take power naps in between classes. You don’t want to over stress yourself studying and cramming. Take coffee or ice cream breaks with your friends. Do group study, take advantage of booking rooms to yourself or with your groups in the library. 

“You can develop any habit or thought or behavior that you consider desirable or necessary.” –Brian Tracy

Good luck, everyone! :)