You have been accepted into college, and you are about to start your educational journey. In order to keep your head above water, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Check out these five ways to survive college in modern America.
Follow the Money
You will be unable to survive college if you are unable to pay for it. The finances behind student loans, government grants, and scholarships are incredibly complex. For example, if you take out student loans, make sure you understand you will be responsible for paying them back. Student loans often do not disappear in bankruptcy. Also, understand that many financial aid packages come with strings attached. For example, some college and government programs offer free tuition. However, if you drop below a certain number of credit hours, all of that money vanishes. You might even be forced to pay it back. Don’t let these financial topics blindside you.
Master the Simple Things
Much of the stress in college stems from many small challenges. For example, many college students struggle learning how to do laundry, cook simple meals, reading a bus route, opening a new bank account, and more. Individually, these problems aren’t terribly difficult. However, taken as a whole, they can feel crippling. Take the time to master the small and simple things before you go to college. If you do, you will be able to keep your head above water.
Manage Your Time
Colleges such as College America have high educational standards. Because of these standards, you simply must keep a schedule to keep your head above water. The first schedule you will need to keep is your class schedule. Attend all of your classes on time! If you don’t, you are throwing money away. The second schedule you will need to stick to is a bit trickier. For example, you will need to block out specific times to study and write any assigned papers. You will also need to block out time for work and socializing. You will even need to block out time to clean your dorm and do laundry. If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry. All you need to do is write down all of these items in a list. Get these items done, and note the time of day you did them. You can then make yourself a set schedule.
Social Life
The social part of college can quickly get out of hand for many people. For example, some people spend too much time socializing. Ultimately, their grades suffer, and they may drop out of college. However, other people sometimes have the opposite problem. These people may do well in class, but they feel isolated in college. They yearn to make new friends and have a social life. If the latter person is you, take the time to join clubs and organizations. You will be able to meet new people and make new friends. If you are someone who socializes too much, try limiting your socializing to one or two nights a week. You could also try studying at a great college with minimal social distractions. This will help you maintain a balance.
Meet the Professors
Finally, take the time to truly know your teachers and professors. This will help you succeed in class, but it will also lay the groundwork for your future. Your professors may be able to help you with future schooling and job prospects. Your final years of college can quickly become overwhelming without the help of trusted professors.
Make the most out of your opportunity to attend college in modern America. Use the above ideas to keep your head above water. After you have that diploma and a great job, you’ll be glad you did.