A new school year is just right around the corner! Just like other college students, you may have a lot on your mind. You want to stay on track, keep your grades up, manage your money, and still have time for yourself. You want to make sure that your time and effort will pay off so your future self won’t be mad at the decisions you’re making now.
Sure, some college students may have experienced surface-level responsibilities in taking care of themselves financially, social-emotionally, etc. when they were in high school. Though, in college, you’re going to have to do all of that regularly since you’re going to be participating in making the adult decision as to where your life is going.
That’s a lot to handle—but don’t worry. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help.
In this post, we’ll talk about how to get ready for college, especially when it comes to classes and being a smart, responsible student.
1. Check Your Financial Well-Being
Being a college student isn’t just about buying books and attending lectures. It’s also about making adult decisions – and that includes managing your money.
You are making an adult decision to attend school. In making this decision, you need to see how much you’re willing to invest in yourself and how much you’re willing to sacrifice.
That may sound dramatic, but it’s true.
Think about the situation you’re in now. The majority of college students are legal adults that are responsible for:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Food
- Transportation
- Rent
If you don’t already have a budget, now is the perfect time to make one. It helps you see how much money you’ll need and where it’s going.
After you get a number of how much your expenses are now and your projected expenses during your time in school, think about how much money you’re going to need and how you’ll get that money.
Some students are blessed with having a family member putting aside money for them in an education fund while others have to scrape whatever dollar they earned to fund themselves.
If you are responsible for yourself, as a college student, you have mainly 3 options as far as paying for everything: working a job, applying for scholarships, or getting a loan.
Think of how much you’re willing to do and what you’re willing to sacrifice.
Working a Job
You’re trading your time consistently for money. It means less free time, but it helps you in getting your want later without having to burden financially your future self.
Applying for Scholarships
You’re getting free money, but you’re sacrificing a moment of your time and effort. This means you’re willing to put in the work to convince other people and yourself that you are worthy in going to school. You’re convincing others that you are going to be a valuable member into society.
Getting a Loan
Your are going to sacrifice a portion of your time and money in the future.
Before you pick this route, think about how seriously you want your desired career, how much money you’ll realistically earn, and the cost of living in the places you want to live in.
This money must be paid back – with interest. No matter if you complete your education or not.
Remember, not all college students decide to do just one route. Many college students use a mix of the three or just chose two. Whatever you choose is what you decided is best for you.
2. Check Your Class Syllabus and Make a Schedule
Once you’re signed up for classes, you’re officially a college student – congrats!
Usually a week before the semester starts, all college students will receive a syllabus from their teacher.
A syllabus is a document that acts as a guide for the class. It includes:
- The teacher’s name and contact info
- When and where class will take place
- Required books or supplies
- Assignment and test dates
- Rules and grading info
It may seem a lot, especially when you’re a full-time college student, but it can be done.
After getting your syllabi from all of your classes, write down you class times on a calendar app or a planner. Then, mark when the assignments and tests are due. This helps you stay on top of of your classes and plan ahead.
College students have to manage their own time, so building a routine early is a smart move. Want help building a school routine? Click here.
3. Check For School Supplies
It’s time to get what you need for your classes. You checked your syllabi from all your classes and know what you need to get.
You may already have some of the supplies you needed for class from you high school days. While you don’t need to ditch your favorite backpack from high school for a new backpack, assess what is needed and think about what is worth replacing.
Normally, most college students would need:
- A working laptop
- Notebooks or a note-taking app
- Pens and pencils
- A backpack
- Textbooks
While you followed step 1, you may be blown away by the price of how much your supplies would cost.
Before paying for everything at your school’s store, check around online and other places that can give you a student discount.
For example: textbooks can be VERY expensive to buy. Many college students would rather rent their textbooks online or buy used copies. Websites like SlugBooks often have better deals than your campus bookstore.
Also, know that there are other websites that let you save money on tech, car insurance, music, clothes, and more just by being a college student. Here are a few examples:
- Apple: They cut cost of many of their products year round. To see what’s eligible, make sure youre shopping within the education store.
- Amazon: They provide Prime benefits for nearly half the normal cost to young adults that are 18-25, regardless of if you’re attending school or not. If you’re an older college student, this benefit will still be extended to you until you’re no longer enrolled in school.
- Spotify + Hulu: College students can enjoy both streaming services at the cost of $5.99.
Remember, in taking advantage of the student discount, many of these businesses may require you to show verification by presenting your student ID while others may require you to submit your student email.
4. Be Ready to Take Notes
You have your supplies and your syllabi. Now, you can prepare yourself for class by reading the information ahead of time. Try different note-taking styles and see what works best for you. The goal is to make your notes helpful for you—not just to write everything down.
In doing this, you can focus more on the following during class:
- Important facts that were not in the reading material
- Things you find interesting
- Any questions you have
5. Be Ready to Work with Other College Students
Just like a regular high school, you’re going to have to work with other students in college. Sure, not all of your classes may be in-person or have assignments that require to collaborate with the other students. However, you may come upon a time that either you or someone else needs your help.
Your goal in being a college student IS to get the work done on time and to the best of your ability. However, usually the stage that comes after being a “college student” is a “working member of society.”
When you’re to the point where you are either working for someone or someone is working for you, one of the things that most businesses will look at how you interact with your fellow colleagues and your target audience or customer.
In essence, building good relationships can help you now and in the future. Many college students find jobs or internships through the people they met in school. Being friendly, helpful, and respectful makes a big difference.
Whether this is your first time in college or your first being back in a while, deciding to attend college is a big step and a big opportunity.
College isn’t always easy, but it is a place where you can grow, learn, and build a better future for yourself. Obviously, if you made it to the end, you’re putting in effort to set yourself up for success.
Remember: being a college student is more than just showing up to class and getting good grades. It’s about learning how to take care of yourself, speaking up for yourself, and staying focused on your goals.
You’ve made it this far. Keep going!
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’ve got this!
Let’s make this school year your best one yet.
