While going off to college is an exciting time, it is also one set with challenges. It is an opportunity to learn, grow and mature. It can seem tough to strike a balance between school and life, but this the best time to learn how to do it because the rest of your life comes with even more challenges.
Avoid waiting for the last minute: apply for grants and scholarships early enough. The more time spent planning for and securing funding can result in your having to borrow less money. Make sure that all documentation and fees are submitted in the proper time frame.
Set realistic goals when you schedule you work and classes. If you are not a morning person, then scheduling a challenging class as your first class of the day is a recipe for disaster. Learn your body’s natural rhythm and schedule around it.
Make sure you are prepared for tests with all the materials you will need. Forgetting an important item such as a calculator can leave you nervous and at a disadvantage. The teachers often don’t lend items out, so you have to bring everything with you.
Become involved with extracurricular activities while away at school. If you do a lot of activities, you will be able to use them on your resume. You should never spread yourself too thin and maintain a good GPA, that is the most important thing you can do.
Locate the admissions office of any college you wish to attend. This will allow you to find out if there are scholarships available that are school specific. Many colleges offer scholarships for their students. An admissions officer can help you get all the funds you need to make it through college.
Get plenty of rest. Many college students enjoy the freedom of going to bed whenever they want; therefore, they choose to stay up all night long and party, causing them to not get enough sleep. However, sleep is vital. If you don’t sleep enough, it will affect your mood and your performance and could ruin your experience of college.
On your first semester, make sure you take a minimum of one basic ed course so that you can get the class done. When there is a class you need in order to graduate, it is best to take it sooner rather than later. It would be a bummer to be the token senior in a gen-ed class of freshmen four years down the road.
Stay out of credit card trouble by paying off your balance each month. Late fees and interest can quickly add up and double what you originally owed. Generally speaking, credit cards should be reserved for emergency situations. You might want to go ahead and spend money on your credit card, but you should focus on school and not spend money on entertainment. Debt can cause you to lose focus.
Hopefully you know now what college is all about and how you can balance school and life together. Apply what you’ve learned here, and get the most out of your studies and college life.