There are many things that can help you in college that you won't find in textbooks. Some things you will learn through experience, perhaps by being on your own for the first time. Some things you will learn from your classmates: which cafeteria has the best food, which professors have the best classes, which professors are stern, which clubs are the most fun, and where a lot of students like to hang out. Other things you can learn right here. Helpful Hints includes the following: the ins and outs of college, study skills, time management, goal setting, how to handle stress, and how to stay motivated. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you.

Ins and Outs of College

There are a lot of expectations that go along with college. People are confident you are going to succeed. Unless you ask them for help, they will take it for granted that you are doing well. Here are some key concepts to remember:

• You need to schedule time to meet with the instructor
• Lecture is often the main way instructors teach in college
• You have to work hard to get a good grade
• You have to write a lot of papers and essays.
• You MUST be sure you are getting good notes
• You MUST pay attention in class.

"Teachers are harder here at college. It's a lot of work. You have to take a lot of notes and you really have to listen." -- Fabiola Faustin, 19

• Studying is VERY important.
• There are a lot of students and many social activities.
• Behavior problems are NOT tolerated.
• Workloads are big and, before long, assignments are due.
• Students are expected to be independent.
• Students are expected to be independent.

Study Skills

Everyone learns differently. Perhaps you've had the chance to take a learning style test or to find out what study skills would be best for you. If not, you could try one or both of these websites listed here:

A Learning Style Survey for College

VARK: A Guide to Learning Styles

In addition, here are some study tips to help you out:

• Get a copy of the syllabus before the class starts so you can see the class requirements.
• Buy your textbooks early.
• Schedule time to study and to take breaks
• Buy a calendar and write down all your class assignments.
• Try not to fall behind in your assignments.

"I sprained my ankle and I missed a few classes. It was my responsibility to make up the work so I didn't go on academic probation." -- Martha

• Don't skip class! Write short phrases when taking notes, they're easier to remember.
• If you need help, talk to the instructor right away. Don't wait until you are failing.
• Contact the disability support office on your campus.
• Color-code your textbooks and notes to make important information stand out.
• Make flash cards of key concepts and points.
• Translate words into pictures and symbols to help you remember.
• Sit near the front of the class to help you stay focused.
• When studying, read the information out loud.
• Record the lecture and listen again
• Recopy the notes
• Study with a friend.

Time Management

Time management skills will come in handy throughout your college career and your adult life. If you can keep yourself organized, keep track of when everything is due, and do it on time, you will be successful. Here are some basic tips to manage your time successfully. It does take practice to be an efficient manager of time.

• Make a "to do" list every day.
• Use your free time wisely.
• It's ok to say "No" to extra projects and activities.
• Do most of your work when you work best (i.e., if you are a morning person work in the morning).
• Review your notes after each class or meeting.
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Tell others your schedule and stick to it.
• Budget your time (e.g., two hours a day for TV).
• Don't waste time worrying or procrastinating.
• Keep things in perspective by setting realistic goals.

Goal Setting

While we are talking about goals, do you know what a goal is? Goals are something you would like to do. It might be something as simple as to walk a mile a day or to run a marathon. There are rules to goal setting. If you follow the rules chances are you will be more successful at reaching your goals.

You might wonder why would people want to set goals? Well, people want challenge in their lives. They want to improve their lives; they want their lives to be different. Why do you want to go to college? Is that a goal you have set for yourself? Believe it or not, just by looking at this website you are following one of the rules of goal setting. Let's take a look at those rules now.

• Put your goals in writing. Be specific. Be sure to have measurable outcomes for your goals.
• Make a list of challenges. Decide how you can minimize their influence on your goals.
• List the benefits of reaching your goal.
• Identify Sub-goals. If you need to, break the goal into smaller goals. "I will run a marathon," for example, can be broken down to, By the end of the week, "I will run a mile."
• Learn what you need to learn. Do research, study, and learn what you need to know to reach your goal.
• Ask for help meeting your goals.

"Education coach assisting student at college with computer assignment."

• Visualize yourself having achieved your goals. Picture yourself with your goal a reality. Place pictures of yourself around the house to remind you of your goal.
• Get and stay organized.
• Reward yourself each step of the way.

Stress Management

Believe it or not stress management has a lot to do with both time management and goal setting. How? you may ask. Well, in order to manage stress successfully, you need to manage your goals and your time successfully. You can reach your goals and accomplish everything you NEED to do without being stressed out. Lots of students get stressed out because college puts lots of new demands on you. There are lots of assignments, jobs, social obligations. How can you manage it all? Sometimes you can't, which is why you need to prioritize. So here are some essential things you might do to keep stress from getting to you.

• Take time for relaxation. It may sound simple but really relax. Do nothing but relax. YOU are your first priority.
• Watch what is happening with your body. The more stressed out we get the more we tend to smoke, drink, overeat, etc. This is the time to cut back on caffeine or alcohol and to increase sleep and nutritious eating.
• Time Management. Need we say more? Don't take on extra projects. Tell people NO. Don't be "guilted" into things. Stick to your schedule. You will find time where you didn't know it existed.
• Bolster your support system. Talk to friends. Vent. Have some laughs. You will feel better. Just make sure you are doing it when you have the time.
• Exercise. It will increase your ability to face things physically and mentally. You will burn your stress off.

Staying Motivated

It is difficult to be constantly motivated. Not all students have a support system by their side cheering them on from day one. Sometimes even the most focused and motivated students feel like they want to quit and just be done with school. There are ways to stay motivated that you can make part of your everyday routine. If you still find that you're having trouble staying motivated, you may want to talk to someone about it. Sometimes, lack of motivation can be a physical or emotional issue. Lack of motivation can be caused by poor health, by excessive eating, drinking, drug use, or other health issues. Depression and anxiety can also cause a lack of motivation. If you feel you are doing everything you can to stay motivated you may want to get a check-up. First, let's take a look at this list and see if it helps.

• Place what you're trying to stay motivated about at the top of your "to do" list everyday.
• Don't let others distract you from accomplishing your task.
• Find friends who will help motivate you or will work with you in your class and keep you motivated.

"Ms. Trevedi was my first college professor. She was excellent. When I didn't want to finish the class, she just kept telling me to come back." -- Adrian Martir, 20

• Set smaller, achievable goals when trying to reach the big goal that you find challenging.
• When choosing things to pursue make them interesting and fun.
• Reward yourself for the progress you make.
• Tell yourself how much you are enjoying what you are doing everyday. Even if you are not, eventually you will start to believe it.

Helpful Links

Going to College: Campus Life

A Learning Style Survey for College

VARK: A Guide to Learning Styles

College Survival Skills: Tips for Students with Disabilities to Increase College Success

Succeeding in College: College Survival Tips