I started my college chapter three years ago, and I remember feeling so ready! I was so excited, and honestly wasn’t nervous at all. I felt prepared and ready to take on whatever was about to come!

However, a lot happens while you are at college that you don’t always consider when moving out for the first time.

These are a few things I’ve learned about how to succeed as a college student:

 

1) Get good grades – it pays off

Thankfully, someone somewhere told me that when they entered college, they ruined their GPA during their Freshman year and struggled the next four years of school trying to fix it for graduation, so I have been conscious about keeping my grades up from the start. However, not only is it important to get good grades so employers notice you after graduation, but you can actually get PAID for doing well in school! Every year, Universities give out scholarships for those who earn and keep a certain GPA. It was a pleasant surprise when I received a check in the mail for part of my tuition, just because I had good enough GPA. Had I known that my grades would literally pay off, I probably would have worked even harder!

2) Always prioritize “Me Time”

“Me Time” includes anything that makes YOU happy. Whether that’s working out, painting with watercolors, playing the ukulele, writing a blog post, reading, or anything else. This time is essential. I work out six days a week because I value time for myself. Running a mile or lifting some weights works wonders on my mental health.

Sometimes as a student, you may feel that school is everything and everything is school from the first day of classes until finals end. So taking time away from school and doing something for yourself every day will help you realize that you are in control.

3) You are a Student, but become a Learner

Once this is your mindset, your in-class experience will change. Soon, instead of rolling your eyes because you have to take this history class that has nothing to do with your major, you will become much more interested in what you can get out of each lecture from your highly skilled professor.

You are putting a huge investment into your education. Not only do you want to walk away with a diploma, but also with a new sense of enhanced knowledge of the world! Take it all in!

4) Do your dishes

I threw this one in because it will save you (and your roommates) a lot of unneeded tension. Helpful hint: Do your dishes as you use them and everyone will be happy!

5) Use a planner

Digital calendars are so convenient and you can carry it with you everywhere. Have an assignment due soon? Mark it red on your calendar. Want to go out on Friday night but have a test coming up? Create a reminder to study longer on Thursday night instead. I promise, planners are a game changer. As a college student, you have a lot on your plate. Take off some stress by making your phone remember everything for you!

6) Keep receipts

Keep all of your receipts in an envelope. Better yet, enter the totals on an excel spreadsheet each month so you have the amounts easily accessible. This way you have a simple budget to track your spending, PLUS you can use food / school supplies / tuition costs as tax deductions.

7) Join a club

My major extra-curricular activity was being a member of the cheer squad at my school. Now that I am at a different university, I am a member of the Women in Business Association where we have dinners once a month and listen to inspirational women speakers. I love it! Whatever your interests are, whether it’s athletic, academic, or anything else, clubs can help you connect with other people that share your interests.

8) Say hello to classmates you sit by

Some of my favorite friendships that I have made in college have started with a simple “hi, I’m Eliza” on the first day of class. You don’t have to be their best friend and hang out with them every weekend, but those classroom friendships are so fun and seem to last the longest!

9) Don’t let FOMO rule your life

FOMO stands for “Fear of Missing Out”, and trust me, this is something to avoid. The truth is, it’s okay to not go out every single night. It’s perfectly acceptable (and actually preferable a lot of the time) to get some chocolate ice cream, turn on some classical music, turn down the lighting, and spend a Saturday night studying for your test coming up. It’s nice feeling comfortable enough to say “no” and spending an evening home. That being said, some of my favorite college memories involve my friends and I getting dressed up and going out to parties, so get out and socialize, but don’t let it rule your life.

10) Get rid of social media on your phone

My opinion, and I will forever stand by this, is that social media in the hands of young adults is deteriorating. It ruins relationships, ruins self-esteem, and ruins study habits. Sitting on your bed for hours at a time searching through social media does not bring knowledge or light into your life. It is a good way to stay connected, but a bad way to spend time.

11) Set goals

Set academic goals, spiritual goals, and physical goals. You are on your own for the first time, so focus on who you are and who you want to be. Find role models. Create vision boards. This is a really amazing time for growth, and an amazing time to learn not only about your chosen field of study, but also about yourself. You chose to come to college because you care about yourself, and you are worth all the effort it takes to succeed!

 

ES