Going to college is a big deal. It symbolizes a pseudo entrance into adulthood and is a training ground for practicing real world skills and managing life on your own. It can be exciting of course, but more often overwhelming. If you’re a fresh-faced kid headed into the new chapter of academia and NCAA football tailgates and games, here are few college tips and tricks to make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience of a college life.
1. Save money on college textbooks.
As if tuition weren’t enough, the high cost of college textbooks is even more outrageous. You’ll find that saving here and there where you can do your school budget good in the long term, and it can start with taking advantage of cheaper alternatives to buying books for class. Instead of heading straight to the university bookstore to buy brand new books that you will likely only open once, check out sites like Chegg.com. It has a plethora of used textbooks and eTextbooks and additionally is a platform for students to sell their old books for others to use. Plus, there’s an option to rent books, which is perfect for when you only need to reference materials for a short period of time.
2. Find a place to live.
If you’re looking to live off campus, there are a bunch of resources out there that’ll help you find a place. Tools like ForRent.com have extensive listings, so you aren’t just stuck Googling something like “Los Angeles apartments” when searching, and gives you the ability to take a virtual tour of a place and filter your living requirements, which comes extra handy if you’re moving from afar. And to lower rent costs, consider getting a roommate or two. You can use social networking resources like Roomsurf.com, a platform that identifies other college students who are also in need of roommates and matches your compatibilities based on major, interests and living habits.
3. Exercise time management.
This may be the first time you’ve ever had the freedom to pick and choose to do whatever you want whenever you want. Enjoy the truly liberating feeling, but remember that with freedom comes responsibility. Time managing your classes, perhaps a part-time job and social life, be it keggers, rushing for a fraternity or sorority, or joining an extracurricular activity, is an inevitable skill you’ll need to learn quickly. To hone time management expertise, start by considering all the balls you’re juggling and prioritizing what is most important for your future. Be realistic in what you can commit to and stick to those commitments once you make them so that you don’t throw your schedule out of whack. The more you make an effort to keep a balanced schedule, the better you’ll be able to cruise through school, easy breezy.
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4. Practice self-control.
When there’s loads of distractions around you, people messing around in the study room, loud music blaring all night in the dorm room, procrastination brewing in the library via Facebooking and Snapchatting, it’s hard to stay disciplined and focused on studying. Practicing self-control and avoiding the temptation to have fun when you need to buckle down is way harder said than done. Luckily, there’s an app for everything these days, so why not download SelfControl. It’s free and lets you block your own access to websites and email servers you deem a distraction for a set period of time. It’ll come clutch during finals week when you’re constantly on your computer and try to study 24/7 without going on a Netflix binge.
5. Make extra cash.
The cool thing about college is that it gives you access to a lot of things that would normally not be an option in the outside world. For example, some of the most exclusive research facilities are based on university campuses. If you’re looking to make extra spending cash (because who isn’t when you’re a college student?), check if there are any research studies or surveys you can participate in and get paid for at school. More times than not, research students are looking for participants that college students tend to fit the bill for.
Make the transition into college a smooth one by trying out the aforementioned college tips and tricks. They’ll set up a strong foundation for your new life at college to really take off and become the best time ever.
