Going to college is both scary and exciting. The piece below provides great advice and tips on how to succeed in college and earn your degree.

Gather your funding for your education by learning about and applying for all applicable grants and scholarships. A lot of people don’t even know that they can get financial help because of a unique factor; even left handed people have their own scholarships in some places! You can also apply for federal or state grants or even take student loans.

Learn your schedule and the locations of your classes before school starts. Figure out how many minutes or hours you will need to make it each class to the next and plan accordingly. Make note of any places that you find helpful.

Learn what you can about the career you want before you select your college. You will know that the college that you are going to has the classes that will best prepare you for that career. Discuss this with your admissions counselor to make sure that the college offers the courses that you need.

If you have a test, be sure to eat breakfast that morning. You can even eat light; try some fruit or yogurt. Your brain cannot function as well on an empty stomach and its growling will distract you from your exam. Not enough energy often leads to low test scores.

You are away from home, and no one is going to clean and cook for you. Eat healthily, sleep enough, and keep your living area clean. Have a schedule for everything, including taking care of yourself. Poor eating habits and stress can make you ill.

Wait to buy your books until your classes begin in order to save as much money as possible. You may find that you don’t actually need the required books at all. Online classes rarely use books, so do not jump to buy the book for these. Many times, all you need to complete these classes is already online.

Register as early as you can for classes. If you wait until the very last moment, you may find that the classes you want are already filled. You will then have to put them off for later. The minute you know which classes you need, sign up!

If employment is necessary during college, seek out your school’s career center. This office can help you with both jobs after college and during college.

Frequent the library at your university. You will be amazed at all of the resources that are available to you. Get help from the librarian who can guide you in searching for materials that will be beneficial to your coursework. Most libraries will contain a bulletin board for posting offers regarding the buying and selling of particular textbooks.

Graduating from college is one of the best accomplishments that anyone can achieve in their lifetime. Therefore, even during the times that you feel overwhelmed during your college years, don’t give up. Keep this advice in mind and also advice from others who have gone before you. Although college is a very long road, it’s all worth it when you graduate!