To every student, getting the best out of their college years means something different. For some, it is going out with friends and partying every night, while for others it means locking themselves in their dorms or spending all night at the library and study. While everyone is different, though, there are ways for every person to get the best out of their college years, without them having to compensate on one thing for another. If you’re already a student or if you’re about to start the next school year, here’s how you can prepare for college and ensure you have the best time possible.
Living Arrangements
For many students, their accommodation can be less than ideal. If you’re living on site, then halls of residence are so-so. They give you the basics and it’s an ideal ground for you to make friends and transition into college life. However, living in a dorm isn’t for everyone, and moving into a stereotypical college house share after your first year can also give rise to new challenges. Before you settle into college life, make sure you explore all your options. If you’re going to Southampton University in the UK, for instance, then there’s luxury Southampton student accommodation at collegiate-ac.com. By ensuring you have the correct living facilities, your college years will become much more enjoyable.
Study
You’re heading to college for one reason: to study and to get a degree by the end of it. While this doesn’t mean you can’t have a social life, it also doesn’t mean you can pull an all-nighter the night before in the hopes of just getting by. Rather than cram at the last minute, you should study consistently throughout your college years. After all, you’ve made it this far and you’ve (hopefully) selected a subject you enjoy.
The temptation to go out rather than study one night, or to sleep in instead of finding a space at the library can be mighty, though. While you shouldn’t compromise on your social life or burn yourself out by studying too much, you should try to find a happy balance and have a routine in place. To help improve your studying habits you should:
- Find your study space.
- Take advantage of tutoring opportunities.
- Attend extra credit seminars, lectures or groups.
- Attend all classes.
- Actively take notes.
Social Life
Getting the most out of your social life isn’t difficult. Usually, most freshmen will be in dorms, and because they’re all in the same boat as you, everyone will want to open a dialogue with you. You should be as talkative as possible and introduce yourself to those who are staying in the same dorms as you. You should also introduce yourself to classmates. For introverts or those who are shy or who suffer from anxiety, starting a conversation can be extremely difficult, however, remember that everyone there is in the same position as you. You shouldn’t let any anxiety or shyness hinder your chances of making potential lifelong friends.
Throughout your college years you’ll be exposed to many new experiences. Whether they’re good or bad, embrace them. They’ll make for great stories later on in life, and college will usually form your ideals, opinions and even career aspects. Keep an open mind, live well, be healthy, study and make friends you’re not likely to forget.
