In my professional opinion, the one of a college student, I believe that these should be the 10 Commandments of surviving college that students should follow. Use them wisely to kick off your new semester with a bang.
10. Grab coffee
Coffee is a great way to get a jump start on your morning because it gives you that energy boost you need for those 7:45 a.m. classes. You know what they say, “Drink it black and loose the fat!” (OK, I just say that even though I don’t do that at all). Black coffee can aid weight loss, by acting as a temporary appetite suppressant, according to www.livestrong.com.
9. Brown nose your teacher
This is pretty straight forward but as you all know, some teachers like when students suck up to them. Yeah, they may be wrong and say a tomato is a vegetable, when it’s a fruit, but when it comes down to it, they are the ones who determine your grade.
8. Get off of Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr (limit social media)
By cutting the time you spend browsing the Internet, you can replace it with time designated to study. I probably sound like your mother saying this, a little will go a long way.
7. Check emails frequently
Many teachers email their pupils about things like last-minute class cancellations or simply, reminders about due dates. Stay on top of the ball and check your email at least once a day. Try adding it to your morning ritual to turn it into a routine.
6. Make friends in class
What happens if you get sick and miss your lecture? If you make a friend in class, you can always ask them for a copy of their notes to aid your missed day. By simply talking to your neighbor, you’ll both gain the feeling of camaraderie, giving you someone you can depend on.
5. Actually come to class
Most teachers grade on attendance, though some might not flat out say that. You paid for the classes right? Why waste your money and not show up? Please disregard if you are taking online classes.
4. Drop a class if you really need to
Under certain circumstances, dropping a class is your best option. If you can’t make it to class majority of the time and the teacher grades on attendance, how will you pass? My suggestion is to drop the class immediately to prevent failing. Drop a class before specific deadlines, and get part of your tuition back.
3. Learn how your teacher thinks
Take a moment and study your teacher’s behaviors. For example, a previous teacher of mine elaborated on the more important issues in his lectures. When I looked back at my notes, I reviewed the more lengthy sections, which had a bigger part in exams.
2. Ask for help ASAP
If you don’t understand a topic discussed in class, just ask your teacher for help. That is why they have office hours. If you don’t speak up right away that topic may be the basis of a much larger subject, and you will be screwed.
1. Do not procrastinate
The absolute number one piece of advice I have is, to just do it. If your teacher gives you an assignment ahead of time, get a jump start.