The beginning of college is exciting in a student’s life, but the first step in college can many the stressful or scary at times. For those awaiting your turn, here are some tips on how to make the most out of your first year at university.
There are tips to keep in mind once you start classes, but more importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way!
There are things you need to consider in your college life and you should also be careful about them. The prime factor in choosing the university.
The universities in India are of types depending on the manner they were initially set up. These are central universities, state universities, deemed universities, and private universities.
State universities are set up by the state legislature there are 215 state universities in India. The oldest amongst these are the University of Calcutta, the University of Madras, and the University of Mumbai. If you wish to select a central Indian university, they have better orientation and higher funds from the government for effective teaching.
Nevertheless, college life is always filled with a lot of fun and it will ultimately help you shape your career.
Below 25 tips are listed that every college student like you should know. Let us have a look at these tips one by one:
- Know your campus well
It is always advisable that you get to know your campus well. The more you find your way around your campus, the more you will be relaxed and better prepared for any situation.
- Manage your budget well
You should set limits and boundaries around yourself when spending money is considered. Make a habit of keeping a record of all your savings and expenses. Try to avoid unnecessary expenses. You can use books from the college library instead of buying them every time. Learn to cut down on your expenses.
- Get to know your roommates well
Roommates are your best partners in your college life and hostel life. As you all will be sailing in the same boat, most of you will go through similar experiences and emotions. Roommates can be your lifetime friends and not just mates for a few semesters or just for four years. Initially, you all will just need to spend some time getting to know each other.
- Teach yourself organization
Till now, you are habitual of teachers guiding you through all your due dates for assignments and homework. But this will not be the case when you enter college. In college, the professors will just post the assignments which may be often for the entire semester. Study for Exams well and be prepared.
- Choose your favorite and ideal place to study
The place where you study plays a very important role in your study. The place can be anything, your dorm room or a cozy corner of the library, or just a bench on the campus but that place should work best for you to get your work done and it should be such that it will avoid as many distractions as possible.
- Attend classes regularly
Now you may feel why we are telling this so obvious thing. You may be tempted to sleep in and skip that 8 am classes in the winter and rainy seasons. But, you need to avoid the temptation. In classes, you will receive important information from the professors about what to expect on upcoming tests, changes in due dates, etc.
- Meet with your professors
Speak with your professors, and try to take advantage of their knowledge. Utilize the time allotted to you to meet them.
- Maintain a balance
As you know, college life is a mixture of social and academic things. So, you need to be active in both things. Don’t let its imbalance. Show your part in social things as well along with the regular studies.
- Show your involvement on campus
A big problem for a lot of students like you is a combination of homesickness and a feeling of not quite belonging when they choose to study abroad. Hence, the solution to this problem is to join any group of student organizations, sports teams, or clubs. With this, you will make new friends, feel more connected to your school, and learn new skills.
- Learn Time Management Skills
While studying abroad time management is going to play an important part as it is very crucial. Learn to manage your time well between your classes, part-time jobs (if any), and other extracurricular activities. Be regular and disciplined in classrooms. Take notes always. Take part in discussions. And believe us, you will thank yourself later on!
- Learn to ignore people and things
Along with lifetime batchmates and roommates, you may face times when some people will dislike you. At such times, do not get bothered by them nor by the rumors spread by them. Avoid taking comments personally and to heart. Be within your limits when you live a social life.
- Try to get internships
If you don’t have an internship already, then plan for one such. Because practical experience always looks good on a resume. By doing an internship, you will be one step ahead of your peers when you start job hunting after you graduate.
- Make use of Research facilities available at the college
You should get to know the research facilities available at your college and utilize them. Keep an eye on every program available at your college campus and find out how it is beneficial for you.
- Set Goals and priorities
College is the place where the most mind-opening learning of your life will happen. Thus, it is important that you should set clear goals for each subject and class you wish to take.
Along with your goals also set some priorities for yourself, so that your studies and other things will be done in an organized way. At the same time, you should take care of the fact that you are not overburdening yourself.
- Stay fit and healthy
According to research, physical exercises result in increased blood flow to the brain which indirectly improves mood and sleep; and it reduces stress and anxiety too. So, you must exercise a few hours every week which will help you increase alertness and attentiveness. This will definitely help you to learn faster. Thus, it’s very important that you eat right, exercise regularly, and stay fit.
- Keep in mind, Change your major on time
You can change your chosen major subject if you want to. For instance, some engineering colleges allow this change after a year of study or so. As a fresher student, you should take enough time to explore and think carefully about the possibilities which are there and then make a decision regarding the department you want to major in.
- Always try to get good grades
You should always try to be punctual and sincere towards your studies, and your goal and try your best to get good grades. It was a bit easier in school days to get good grades, but you will have to earn them in college. That means you would need to make sure that you work as hard as you can to achieve them.
- Spend some time for yourself
Find some time for yourself through all these busy activities throughout the day. Make sure you set aside some time for activities that help you relax and take the stress out of your day or week. It can be anything such as yoga techniques, writing, reading, watching your favorite movies or television shows, etc.
- Make friends
You always need a good friend in every phase of your life to share your happiness, sorrows, and secrets too! They will help you in your studies too and if you miss a class some time then you have a ready point of contact in front of you.
- Learn money management skills
You will need to learn how to keep track of your money. If you have never created a budget so far, then now is the time to do so. Try to minimize your expenses, and avoid credit card use as much as you can. Avoid unnecessary shopping, eating outside food, and all other things to save your money.
- Give deadlines to yourself
You may have a habit of doing things at the eleventh hour of your school days, but this will not work in college life. Put deadlines to yourself and follow them strictly.
- Cope up with your homesickness
There will be times when you miss your family, and it is very obvious. But try to overcome those feelings, by making a phone call or sending some letters, or emails to your family and friends.
- Career Guidance
Try to make optimum usage of services provided by your college including career guidance services.
- Use all the resources provided to you on campus.
- Do not hesitate to take help from your professors regarding anything.
So, let’s hope with all these tips and tricks your journey of college life will become easier and more enjoyable..!!
