How to Make the Most of Your Time in College

For many students, the college years are the first time they’ve lived on their own and have had to be responsible for everything they do—or don’t do. For some, the sense of freedom is overwhelming and can lead to too much “partying” and other behavior that’s risky both for them and their college career. To make the most out of your time in college and stay on top of your work, follow these steps.

Don’t Forget to Take It Easy

It might sound like a contradiction to recommend resting as a way to make the most of college. But burning yourself out is not going to do your health or grades any good. This goes for both partying and studying: burning the midnight oil every night is not sustainable. You won’t retain any of the information that you are cramming and your body will suffer in the long run. Find the right balance between studying and taking a break to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Learn By Teaching

One of the most effective ways to learn something is to try teaching it to someone else. College places you in an environment with plenty of other students, so make the most of it by studying with other people. You can share knowledge, quiz each other and mix in some socializing all while you’re studying.

Make the Hard Stuff A Priority

It is human nature to postpone things that we perceive as hard. While you’re in college, you are definitely going to encounter some hard assignments. The trick is to give these assignments priority instead of putting them off. This will ensure that you can work on them while your mind is still fresh and that you can concentrate on the other stuff later without less worry and stress.

Get The Answers You Need

College provides you with all the resources you need to get the answers you want; all you have to do is make some effort. If in doubt, ask questions in class, meet with your professor or send her an e-mail. The key here is to make the most of the facilities and expertise available to you.

Try New Things

In this recommendation, trying new things doesn’t mean you should do anything irresponsible or dangerous to your health. The key is to step out of your comfort zone and take part in organizations or structured activities available on campus. You might learn some new skills, make a few friends and get a confidence boost. Your focus should still be on your studies, but you’ll find that there is a lot more to do in college than just going to classes.