College tips from an average student
Background: I am fresh graduate with a degree in Accounting. I’m obviously not an A+ student, I’ve experienced failures and I have a short attention span. Here’s how I survived college (even if I got delayed)
How to stay motivated?
- Acknowledge that you cannot always be motivated. Inspirational quotes and simple cheers from you family and friends could help. But I tell you, it doesn’t work all the time.
-Motivation helps you to start studying but the true secret to keep going is DISCIPLINE.
-By developing a routine and strictly following it is a good start to build discipline. I won’t give a specific tip for this since everyone has a different life. You need to figure out this yourself.
For an example:
Majority of the classes I used to have were scheduled in the afternoon, so what I do is that I wake up very early (4-5AM). I eat my breakfast, do minor chores then off to study what I needed to for that day. How do I do it? I read and analyze the concept first. Then, if there’s some problems needed to solve, I try to do it (if I can) Whatever works for me may not work for you. Some people would say their best time to study is in the evening.
How to study when you can’t? (due to personal circumstances)
-There are a lot of factors for this one. It’s probably you have a part-time job, or you have other responsibilities like taking care of a family member, etc.
-The first thing you need to do when you can’t study (or you feel there are a lot of constraint to study) is to ACCEPT THE SITUATION WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW.
-The next thing you need to do is to think of a game plan. For an example, your whole morning to afternoon is occupied for other important things, you should make time in the evening to study.
-Since you have limited time to study, absorb everything you can in class so you can thoroughly focus on topics you don’t know (or those with difficulty) on your free time.
How to study a topic that you don’t like
-Make notes for it, make it pretty and colorful to boost motivation.
-Understand the concept thoroughly. You know you have understand the concept if you can explain it to another person.
-Do concept mapping; whatever it is that will help you: your own formula derived from what is given from the book, making charts, graphs, tables, etc. Story telling the topic helps too.
How to deal with professors
-Treat them the way you want them to treat you.
-They are usually older than you so give them respect.
-Try not to argue with your professors, but if you feel violated tell the higher authority.
-Ask questions if you need to since it’s their job to answer you.
How to deal with classmates
-Distinguish the people who are true to you and those who are fake (who are just using you)
-Remember that college is temporary and majority of the people you’ll meet there are not for long-term.
-Group works are pain in the a** but yeah, don’t be that a**hole group mate.
-Even if friendships are temporary in college, you should engage communications with your colleagues since you need each other to go throughout college.
How to save money in college
-Learn to say no when a friend asks you out to hang out (but don’t do it too often, you might lose friends)
-Get a part-time job if you can
-Bring your own snacks and lunch
-Bring your own water bottle.
-Maximize your resources. Always check first if you really need to buy a specific thing before actually purchasing it.
How to spend your time productively while commuting
-I like to divide my productivity into two parts: For studying and for leisure. Sometimes I study while commuting; I read e-books, power point presentations, PDFs or even watch Youtube videos that are relative to the topics I need to learn.
-Sometimes I do the things I want for leisure during the commute so that when I get home, I won’t be too burnout to study. I listen to music, watch random videos, checking out Tumblr, and whatever floats your boat.
Other tips:
-Don’t drink too much coffee. PLEASE! (Alternatives; but take it in moderation: hot chocolate, milk tea (it works too, but caution: too much sugar), candy, apple)
-Don’t drink energy drinks if your body is not used to it.
-Try to be-friend people from the Accounting department (or whoever processes promissory notes) just in case you can’t pay your tuition on time, they can help you with your promissory note.
-It’s okay to switch classes (if you can) especially if the professor is not that good.
-If the professor allows you to record the lecture, then do it. You can listen to it while commuting or re-writing your notes. (this will help you remember the lessons more)
-BE RESOURCEFUL. The internet is your friend.
I hope these tips will help you. I know it’s not enough but nevertheless, I want to tell you that you can do it! You’ll survive college, don’t worry!
