EDUCATION
5 Rules for Students to Have a Successful Academic Year
Joining college is an amazing feeling. You are now free from the chains of high school and can finally be yourself. But college is not all fun and games. A lot of work goes into having a successful academic year. Unless you want to be stuck in summer school, here are five rules you should follow:
- Ask For Help When Stuck
When it comes to academic stuff, never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Your professors should be your first go-to people when you need help. They want you to succeed just as much as you do. If you’re ever feeling lost, talk to your professor during their office hours or after class.
Today, there are also online writing help platforms that can help with your dissertation or other assignments. I allow these professionals to do my assignment online when I feel the work is overwhelming. This way, I can focus on other things like my hobbies or family.
- Create A Schedule…And Stick To It!
Remember, school life has its own set of rules. It’s not like high school, where you could afford to be a little lax. College is more demanding, and the workload can sometimes be pretty heavy. This is why you must create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
I have always been an advocate of writing things down. So, my first step in creating a schedule is sitting down with a pen and paper (or opening up my Google Calendar). I plot out when all my classes are, exams, meetings, etc. Then I fill in other important stuff like eating and sleeping time, work, family obligations, and me-time. Doing this gives me a visual representation of how my week will look and helps me avoid overbooking myself.
- Read!
There is no shortcut to success. If you want good grades, you will have to put in the work and read. A lot of students think they can get away with not reading their assigned readings because they attend lectures. But this is a huge mistake!
Your professor will almost always base their lectures on the assigned readings. So, if you don’t read, you will be lost during the lecture. Even if you’re struggling to understand the readings, you must push through and finish them. Trust me, it’ll all be worth it in the end when you ace that exam.
- Eat Healthily
All your effort and late-night studying will be for nothing if you don’t take care of your health. Eating junk food might seem easier and cheaper, but it’s not worth it in the long run.
Whenever possible, try to eat home-cooked meals. If that’s not possible, plenty of healthy (and affordable) options are available at most college cafeterias. And when those late-night cravings hit, resist the urge to order greasy pizza and opt for something healthier.
The fact that you’re working on a tight budget is no excuse to let your health suffer. There are plenty of cheap and healthy foods that you can buy from the grocery store. So, make an effort to eat well, and your body will thank you.
- Get Enough Sleep
This one should be a no-brainer, but I’m still going to include it because it’s so important. Getting enough sleep is crucial for both your physical and mental health.
I know there are times when you’ll have to pull all-nighters to finish an assignment or study for an exam. But try not to make a habit out of it. Your body (and mind) need rest to function correctly. So, make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
Parting Shot
By following these simple rules, you can set yourself up for a successful academic year. Just remember to stay organized, study hard, and take care of yourself. Good luck!
