Our Top Tips for Becoming Successful as a College Student

Heading off to college is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit daunting. There’s a lot to balance, from classes and exams to socializing and extracurriculars. If you are wondering how to be successful as a student in college, here are some top student tips for success:

Get Involved On Campus

Getting involved means more than just going to class and doing your homework; it means getting involved in the life of the university and building relationships with the people around you.

You can join a student club or organization, volunteer for a campus event or service project, or even start conversations with people you meet in your classes. Here are some ways that getting involved on campus can help you be successful as a college student:

1. Get to Know Your Professors

If you get involved in campus activities, you’ll have the chance to meet and build a good relationship with your professors. This can be helpful when you need advice or a letter of recommendation.

2. Connect With Other Students

Getting involved on campus can help you connect with other students who share your interests. These connections can be helpful when you need study partners or want to make new friends.

3. Learn New Things

Joining a campus club or organization can help you learn new things. You might learn about a new topic, develop new skills, or meet people from different backgrounds. Plus, when you’re involved on campus, you’ll feel more connected to your school and proud to be a part of it. This is what makes a successful student as your college experience becomes more enjoyable and helps you stay motivated to succeed.

4. Boost Your Resume

Involvement in campus activities can help you stand out to employers after graduation. Employers value qualities like leadership and participation, so being active on campus and doing internships can give you a competitive edge.

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Be Proactive in Your Learning

Being proactive in your learning means taking responsibility for your education. You don’t wait for things to happen to you; you make things happen.

Being proactive in your learning means that you:

• Understand that learning is an active process.
• Identify your learning goals.
• Seek out opportunities to learn.
• Use feedback to improve your learning.

Those students who take responsibility for their learning are more likely to get good grades, persist in college, and graduate.

To be proactive in your learning, here are some suggestions on how to be successful as a student:

• Get to know your learning style.
• Develop a study plan.
• Find a study buddy.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities.
• Use technology to your advantage.
• Take advantage of office hours.
• Keep a learning journal.

Being proactive in your learning is a habit that you can develop. The more you do it, the easier it will become. And the more successful you will be as a college student.

Enjoy Your College Experience

It can be easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind of college life and forget to take the time to enjoy oneself. But making an effort to do things that you enjoy – whether it’s exploring your campus, joining a club, or going out with friends – can make a big difference. Not only will it help you to relieve stress and stay balanced, but it will also give you some of the best memories of your college years.

In addition, enjoying your college experience can help you be more academically successful. When you’re having fun and feeling connected to your school, you’re more likely to be engaged in your studies and motivated to do well. So don’t be afraid to take a break from studying now and then to enjoy all that college has to offer. It just might be the key to your success.

Manage Your Time Wisely

The demands of college can be overwhelming, but there are ways how to succeed in college by managing your time wisely: Here are some tips:

• Make a schedule and stick to it. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to have a plan for your time. Write out what classes you have and when, and also include study time and any extracurriculars or work you may have. Then, put it somewhere you’ll see it often, like on your fridge or bed. Checking your schedule regularly will help you stay on track.
• Use a planner. A planner can be a great way to keep track of assignments and due dates. Write down what is due and when, and check it often. This will help you stay on top of your work and not fall behind.
• Set aside time for yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Make sure to schedule time for things you enjoy, such as reading, watching TV, or going for a walk. This will help you relax and de-stress.
• Don’t procrastinate. It can be tempting to put off assignments, but this will only make things harder in the long run. Start work as soon as possible so you’re not rushed and can do your best.
• Ask for help when need be. College can be challenging, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Talk to your professor, a tutor, or a friend if you’re struggling. They can offer advice and support.

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Final Thoughts

You can also manage your time by signing up for online classes or taking your whole degree online, such as at the University of the People. When taking classes online, you can often set your own schedule and work on your classes when it is most convenient for you. This can be a huge help for students who have trouble managing their time or other obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional classes.

Online classes also cost less than traditional classes, and in some cases, like UoPeople, it’s tuition free. You can often avoid other costs associated with traditional colleges, such as transportation and housing. 

UoPeople is a great program for students looking for an affordable and flexible way to earn a degree. Our program is self-paced, so you can take as long as you need to complete your degree. UoPeople is also accredited, meaning employers and other universities recognize our programs. Apply today to start your learning journey with UoPeople.