The Most Important College Hacks You Need to Know About

Starting college this fall? Here’s all the NEED to know college hacks

Starting college this fall? Here’s all the NEED to know college hacks whether it’s your first, second, or fifteenth semester! Written by a real American college graduate who learned the hard way (so you don’t have to!) how to study, live and enjoy life as a college student!

Start Networking From Day 1

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Introduce yourself during the first week of class, either in person or through email. This sets the stage for a personal relationship throughout the semester, and can even score you points for a potential letter of recommendation! Who knows, you may even meet a new mentor!

Don’t forget about friendships! You will meet people from all around the world, especially if you are doing an online degree. They may have connections for your future job or internship. It’s never too early to start building those relationships!

Be at University for Free

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I repeat, * free * college education is possible! Some universities such as UoPeople offer tuition-free degrees. In fact, joining any online university will save you money on accommodation, transportation and other expenses. The quality can be just as good if not better than physical universities!

Rent, Don’t Buy! There are so many resources online for textbook rental, purchasing hard copies may become a thing of the past! Try Chegg.com, or textbookrentals.com. Barnes and Noble and Amazon even have rental options! Or check out online universities that offer digital copies for free.

Never pay full price as a student! Many restaurants and companies offer discounts to students. Always ask if they have a student discount at checkout or online! And free student trials are everywhere! Make sure to check out these free applications as well for all your studying needs!

1. Openoffice.org is your go –to for all office applications for word-processing, presentations and more!

2. GIMP is a full-service photo editor, and again, all for free!

3. With KeyNote, create professional and eye-catching presentations. Available for download on a Mac, PC or iPhone.

Score free wifi with social media check ins such as Foursquare!

Eat Smarter

Here are some useful student food hacks that will come in handy during those late night crams.

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Don’t forget the microwave. The microwave can be your handy, all-in-one cooking tool. Learn how to make mug muffins, scrambled eggs, and even risotto with these college food recipes!

In a pinch, use your coffee pot

Source: YouTube

Make coffee using just a saucepan, and other improvised ways here.

Study Smarter

Here’s some quick hacks to help you get those A’s you’ve been dreaming of!

1. Chew gum – Research has shown that chewing gum while studying may help with memory retrieval during a test. Just pop that bad boy in before an exam, and you will become a memory bank instantly

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2. Use a program such as SelfControl that blocks time-guzzling and distracting sites on your computer or phone for a set period of time while you study

Photo: SelfControl

3. Write down all your formulas or key facts at the beginning of a test so you have a reference point for them during any potential moments of potential panic you may have further along in the test!

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4. When reading put on instrumental background music to help you focus through any boredom

5. Use this snack incentive while studying

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6. Learn speed reading: Cut down on time spent studying, while increasing your comprehension of the subject!

7. Use color coding for notes and notebooks

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Whether you’re a digital note-taker, or prefer the old pen-and-paper, color coding your notes makes it easier to identify and find important information later!

Bonus: If you haven’t already gone digital, it might be time to do so! Taking notes on a computer makes it easier to search through your notes or online textbooks for important keywords. It also reduces clutter, and helps the environment!

Make your things smarter

Hacks to help you get more use out of what you already have!

1. Laptop overheating during long study sessions? Try an egg carton for a quick fix to cool down the comp!

Source: YouTube

2. Set your phone into a glass cup, or toilet paper roll for an impromptu music speaker while studying

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3. Get a better Wi-Fi signal from your router with this beer can trick

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4. Save space in your tiny closet by hanging multiple garments with soda pop tabs

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5. Invest in a water bottle and travel coffee mug, and start bringing them with you everywhere. You’ll save on dishes at home and save money when you’re out!

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All in all, don’t forget to network, hack your food, hack your things, hack your study habits, and most importantly, have fun!