10 Tips & Tricks Every College Student Should Know

As a senior, I learned a thing or two about school and academics in my 3 years here. That said, here is my list of the most important things I've learned, and some things that I wish I knew earlier on in my college career. 

1. Go! To! Class! 

Trust me when I say this will seriously help you out at the end of the semester if and when you need a boost in your grade. Going to every class means that your professor 1. will know your face and recognize you and 2. they will also know that you do care. If you have a good attendance record your professors will be more inclined to help you out if you need it.

2. Color coding your notes is actually really important. 

Have you ever taken notes and then never looked over them again because they were too disorganized? Same. Color coding your notes is a huge way to avoid this issue and create more organization and order to your notes, which will be a huge help when you study for an exam.

3. Use Google Docs and Google Drive.

In my college experience I've heard so many horror stories of people losing important documents and assignments on their computer due to it breaking or crashing. Do yourself a favor ahead of time and give yourself access to your documents on any computer through Google Drive. 

4. Get to know your professors. 

Not only can this benefit you in the long run, but networking is a HUGE part of college. You're in the classroom with your professor for a long period of time, which allows you to get to know them a lot better. These are the people who can and will help you out with letters of rec for jobs or graduate programs. Get to know them, it's easy and starts with a simple hello after class or in their office hours. 

5. Find somewhere other than your room to study.

This is a big one for me. I get so distracted by roommates and just the comfort of my own room. If I don't study somewhere in a quiet but public area, it's almost guaranteed that I will fall asleep in my room. For me, this place is the quiet section of the library so I don't end up watching Netflix. 

6. Join clubs and get involved.

Getting involved and joining clubs makes your resume very competitive. It's also just a great networking tool. You will have a lot more to talk about in job interviews in the future as well. This can also help you find what you love to do and what you are passionate about.

7. Get a planner...and actually use it. 

Yes, you do need a planner. I don't know where I would be without one! If anything, use your Google Calendar to keep track of upcoming assignments and test dates so you can make sure you won't forget anything and can get a head start. 

8. Connect with the Career Center early on. 

The career center is an outstanding resource that many people wish they had access to. The people working here will help you tremendously with anything and everything career related. You can get information on job openings, scouters/recruiters, networking, internship opportunities, resume workshops, and more. Set yourself up for success! 

9. Go to the career fair. 

It sounds scary but whether you're graduating or need practice being in a professional environment, go. Build relationships with recruiters, you'll never know who you may meet or what kind of connections you will receive. 

10. Practice public speaking every chance you get. 

Everyone has at least some trouble or fear of  public speaking. But you will most likely have to do a lot of this once you enter the professional world. In order to conquer this fear, practice now while you can! Speak out in class, do the extra credit class presentation, and speak for your group when you're in a group project or activity. The more practice you get, the more comfortable you will become. 

Written by: Danielle Glanz 

Danielle GlanzComment