The internet is full of articles with different tips and tricks on how to breeze through college. But here is the ultimate life hack: college is hard! There is no quick fix or study tip to make your course work any easier, trust me, I’ve tried it all. But now as a senior here at UNF I’ve found that by avoiding these bad habits you’ll be sure to stay on the right track during this semester.
- Don’t procrastinate
Waiting until the last minute is something that a lot of college students are guilty of without mom or dad breathing down their back about homework. Gathering your homework and study materials as soon as possible and devising a plan of attack is the best way to make sure you don’t leave assignments until right before the due date. You should begin studying 1-2 weeks before an exam. That way you can study a little of the material every day. Not only will this make your workload lighter, you’ll be so familiar with the material there’s no way you won’t make the grade!
- Don’t skip sleep to study
When it comes down to the night before a big exam do not give up precious sleep time to study. If you waited until the last minute to study you won’t be able to cram in a semester’s worth of information during one night. It isn’t worth skipping out on a good night’s rest when you want to make sure you are fresh and focused for class.
- Don’t schedule early classes if you won’t go
Part of the beauty of college is being able to create your own schedule. With that being said, you need to be realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish. Some of us just aren’t morning people, and scheduling yourself for an 8 a.m. class when you have never been up before 10 a.m. a day in your life, is not being honest with yourself. Half the battle of passing college courses is actually attending them, so create a schedule that will best fit your lifestyle.
- Don’t study with distractions
Studying with friends might seem like a good idea but that is not always the case. Make sure you are forming study groups with other students that work at a similar pace and are just as focused as you. Also, avoid the television, your cellphone and social media when studying. Turn your cellphone on silent or even better, turn it off and keep it out of sight. Maybe you can go somewhere like the library or a quiet coffee shop so that you won’t be tempted.
- Don’t avoid your professor
A lot of the time when we fall behind in a course or with our studies it is easy to get into an unhealthy routine of avoiding our responsibilities. The second that you feel yourself slipping, speak up! Email your professor, go to class and go to their office hours. Let them know that you need some extra attention to get back on the right track and always communicate. Your professors are there to help you pass, not fail, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
The University of North Florida is committed to making sure each student has the right resources to help lighten the load that comes with attending college. The Academic Center for Excellence offers flexible tutoring schedules for student’s that need extra assistance. Our academic advisors will help you plan your course schedule and are available to meet with you to track your academic progress while you prepare for graduation.
Good luck,
Ani Fraxedas
UNF Communication Major, 2016
Swoop Scoop 