Starting college is a time of mixed emotions. Of course, you’re excited to be starting on a new, independent phase of your life, but you’re probably also a little nervous about how you’re going to cope. There are so many things to consider from staying on top of your studies to making new friends and simply getting to grips with feeding and looking after yourself. We look at seven basic things you should know before going to college – some of which you’ll probably have thought of and some which you may not have considered.
Don’t Skip Class
Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? After all, you’re at college to learn. But once you start missing classes, it’s easy to get on a downward spiral. Missing one or two classes may not affect your grades but miss a few in a row and it’s easy to get behind. Plus, you’ll have to take extra classes once the semester is over to catch up. And extra classes usually mean extra money.
Check if You Are Eligible for a Scholarship
Even if you don’t think you may be eligible, it’s easy to check with a free scholarship search and application platform. You just need to build your profile and check the results. Then you can simply apply directly through the platform. No matter if you have a small scholarship or grant, you can offset the remainder of your tuition balance by taking out a student loan, through either a federal or private lender.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is often one of the first things to be neglected when you’re thrown into a world of study, sports, parties, and activities. However, it’s very important to get adequate sleep. If you’re not getting at least 7 hours per night regularly, you’ll find that you won’t function at your best. If you’re really short on sleep, you can catch up with a daytime power nap. Create a sleep routine that makes sense for this stage of life. You can use CBD oil to promote better sleep if you find that you need that extra support. Things like proper pillows, lighting in your bedroom, and unplugging from electronics are also all ways to ensure your mind and body can rest.
Wait to Buy Your Textbooks
It’s tempting to have everything in order before you start. However, waiting to buy your textbooks can save you money and mean that you don’t have to stand in line in the bookstore for hours. If you can’t loan the book you need from a library, look at online forums. Many students sell their books once they have finished their courses, or you may be able to borrow them from them for a small fee.
Learn How to Manage Your Money
It’s easy to overspend, especially if you don’t have a budget in place. Having a budget will show you how much money you need for essentials and when you need it. It will also give you an idea of how much disposable income (the money you have left after all your bills have been paid) you have to spend on having fun.
Widen Your Circle of Friends
This is especially important if you’re going to college with high school friends or in your local area. While it’s great to have lifelong friends, you need to expand your horizons by meeting lots of different people. It gives you chance to figure out who you are and become the person you were meant to be as an adult rather than a child.
Get to Know Your Professors Outside of Class
Professors and tutors are just people. Getting to know them outside of class will help to strengthen your relationship. That means you’re less likely to miss their classes. Plus, they’ll be easier to approach should you need extra help or a reference.
About Post Author
