You have an idea of what the
perfect college student should be like: always early to class, the first to
contribute to a discussion, able to write papers with ease and using
color-coded notes to study for tests.
The mental image of this “perfect” college student
might have you intimidated as you prepare to embark on your college journey.
You’re worried you won’t be able to live up to those high expectations—what if
it turns out you don’t have what it takes to be a successful college student?
Figuring out how to be successful in college
doesn’t have to require a special skill set. You might be surprised to discover
you already have many of the traits it takes to find student success in
college! Calm your nerves by looking at our roundup of tips for how to be a
successful student. You might already have everything you need to start your
college career on the right foot.
What does it take to be
successful in college?
There isn’t one “right” way to achieve success as a
college student, but there are tried-and-true tips that can help you do your
best and make the most of your time in school. We enlisted help from Jason
Martinez, recent college graduate and marketing coordinator at Redefine
Marketing Group. Use this advice to start your student journey
with confidence!
1. Strong time-management skills
Having a solid time-management plan can help you
stay on top of your workload without feeling overwhelmed. “Time management will
grant you the ability to get as many assignments finished as possible with the
least amount of stress,” Martinez says. Remember that study sessions don’t have
to last all day (or night) to be effective!
“Use any little amount of free time you have to
chip away at assignments, even if it’s only 20 minutes,” Martinez advises.
While you might not be able to write an entire
paper in 30 minutes, you can take concrete steps that will make the longer
study and writing sessions go smoother. Organize your thoughts, make an
outline, review vocabulary terms—these little things add up.
2. Organization skills
Staying organized is another key ingredient to
balancing your responsibilities and finding success as a college student. That
doesn’t mean you have to have an immaculately color-coded organization system—taking
some basic organizational steps can go a long way.
Keeping close tabs on due dates for homework can
help you plan a schedule each week to make sure nothing falls through the
cracks. Having a planner dedicated to schoolwork can also help you plan ahead
so you have enough time to study for tests or complete larger projects.
3. The ability to work with
others
Collaborating with classmates is an important part
of college life, one that prepares you for the realities of the workplace.
Martinez admits that working in groups isn’t always easy, but brushing up on
your collaboration skills can make the process go more smoothly. “Figure out
ways to effectively work against adversity and get the job done.”
4. Friends to support you
Making friends within your degree program means
you’ll always have support and accountability, whether it’s studying for tests
or swapping stories about the highs and lows of college life. “You’ll always
have someone to rely on for help when needed, and it makes coursework more enjoyable
when you have someone to relate to,” Martinez says. “Plus who knows? You might
end up finding someone that’ll be a friend for life.”
5. Curiosity to learn more
Gaining new knowledge and skills is at the heart of
your college experience. You’ll gain more from your time in school if you come
with an open sense of curiosity and a desire to learn as much as possible. Try
new things and ask questions whenever you can. “During your college experience,
do as much as possible to learn and step outside of your comfort zone,”
Martinez says.
6. A positive mindset
It’s natural to feel a bit nervous before starting
school, but giving too much focus to those negative thoughts can actually
prevent you from reaching your potential. Negative thought patterns have been
linked to increased stress, as well as anxiety and other mental health
problems. Reframing your worries and embracing a more positive mindset can
increase your resilience and help you bring your best effort to your education.
7. Confidence in yourself
“Some advice I’d offer to new college students
feeling nervous about their role is to simply believe in yourself,” Martinez
says. You don’t have to be perfect to have a successful college experience. You
can persevere with determination and the confidence that you have what it takes
to earn your degree. “You deserve to be here, and you need to convince yourself
of that,” Martinez says.
Are you ready to be a successful
student?
Knowing how to be a successful student doesn’t have
to be daunting. With these skills and character traits, you have everything you
need to succeed as a college student.
Even with the right mindset, it always helps to
have support along the way. Find out how you can get help with our article, “9 Surprising Student Resources You Didn’t Know Rasmussen
University Offered.”
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