College is the most productive and memorable time in a student's life. Students are young, energetic, and full of enthusiasm at this time. College life exposes students to the bright future they desire. The college acts as a career-building bridge. It is a transition period to prepare us to be more independent. In school, we were dependent on our parents and teachers. However, we become liberated in college regarding studying, traveling, decision-making, and finances after college. These are some tips to make your college life.
This is a blog for those fresh school graduates who look forward to their college days and want to make the most out of college life.
Choose your programs and majors wisely
College is the time to discover yourself and your true interests. You must be motivated to achieve your goals, so pick a major you truly enjoy. Take the time to research the faculty and subjects offered by the college. Your decisions determine your future during your first year of college. On that note, a major is a field of study, not a career path. Go ahead and take dance classes while also attending management college. If you want to study psychology and become an elementary school teacher, go for it. Understand the requirements for obtaining additional degrees, certifications, or licenses.
Grab scholarship opportunities
Colleges help deserving students with financial aid and scholarship candidates. Colleges have different kinds of academic scholarships. Be updated with college news boards or websites to get the news and apply in your category. Most colleges select students with strong and consistent GPAs. Many scholarships require at least a 3.0 or even a 3.5.
Scholarships include quotas for students in financial need. Students who would not otherwise be able to attend college due to economic conditions can apply for this scholarship. For applicants whose families' income falls below a certain amount, a standard guideline requires them to submit tax documents, income sources, etc.
Build study habits
College courses necessarily require a significant amount of studying. Because you'll most likely be taking 4-5 subjects at once, you'll need to devote a substantial amount of your time to working on assignments and studying for exams. You'll be able to make the most of your study time if you develop good study habits. Not only will you find that studying takes less time, but you will also likely retain more information. Consistency in studying is the first step toward developing good study habits. Your schedule may vary from one day to the next, but setting aside time each day to study will help you get into a routine. After college hours, talk to professors about the subject matters and ask questions you could not ask in a classroom.
Utilize available resources
A college wants the best for its students. Explore the facilities and use them for your benefit. College provides students with various facilities, and it is a student's right to utilize available resources as they have to pay a decent amount of fees.
Library
Almost every college has a library. After classes, you can use the library space to study. If you like to read books or newspapers, you can make a library card that allows you to issue books for a specific time, depending upon the college rules.
Computer labs
Colleges have subscriptions to various international sites that students can access for research and other purposes. Use Computer labs with the college's internet access to do your assignments, research, etc.
Infirmary
The infirmary is an infrastructure you should utilize when you fall sick during college hours, do not hesitate to rest in the infirmary with teachers' permission Students with sickness and injuries can be treated at the infirmary on college premises. The trained staff and nurses provide basic first aid.
College counselors
College counselors are professionals who provide guidance and support to students as they navigate the college admissions process. They help students choose the right college, apply for financial aid, and develop skills for academic success. They also provide counseling and support for personal and social issues that may arise during the college experience. College counselors can work in high schools, colleges, universities, or private practice. They may also be referred to as college advisors, college consultants, or college coaches. You can seek help from college counselors if you need any advice or want to talk about your problems regarding mental health, family life, etc.
College premises
Colleges have built-in paces for different purposes. Many colleges have big halls, conference rooms, and spacious grounds to organize intercollege programs. Participate in these activities to explore potentialities, and get into fun activities with friends playing Basketball, Table Tennis, Dance, badminton, etc.
Join different college clubs
A club or team can provide relief from your regular classes. Many colleges have niche groups. If you don't find a club that aligns with your interests, you can start your own. It will improve your leadership qualities.
Make friends
Networking is an essential skill that will help you connect with people from different walks of life. A college is where you can meet people and make friends from different cultures and backgrounds. Some students make friends to have fun and hang out, but while it is good to go partying once in a while, be friends with people who will help you grow personally and professionally. To be in a social setting and express themselves is tricky for some introverted people. Thus, choosing friends can be difficult.
Look for local networking opportunities or events tailored to your industry or the skills you want to learn. For example, you might come across an event that teaches digital marketing, a workshop on how to use LinkedIn for opportunities, or a photography class. All these events will introduce you to people who can help you advance your career later in life.
Grab internship opportunities
Find an internship that matches your interests or career objectives, whether paid or unpaid, local, national, or international. Internships help determine whether you genuinely want to work in a particular field and make you more marketable to potential employers. Training also provides you with professional contacts and references that you can use for years. Consider it as a side hustle to make some extra pocket money. Internships can be found through your school, an online search, or attending—career fairs.
Build your Resume
Create a resume with a few activities to round out the picture employers see when they read your resume. Include skills that demonstrate your ability to be a good employee. It could be in a student club or an activity. Volunteer or intern in an activity related to your field of study to gain contacts and experience that will prepare you for your first job.
Find a part-time job
Make use of office hours to do Part-time jobs. Working part-time will provide work experience and employability skills useful for later workplaces. It is a way to make money by which you can manage your budget and expenses. If you have college loans to pay, you should get a part-time job, as loans can be challenging to settle. A part-time job will also help you get chances to be hired post-college. Look for a job that is flexible with your college hours. Some part-time jobs are Tutors, Babysitting, Storekeeping, Front Desk Officers, and Freelancing. Though part-time jobs are unusual and scarce, networking can help you find them. Using online platforms to find one is a good idea.
Stress booster
College can become stressful. It's difficult to balance studies, work, and social life, especially when you live alone, housing, grocery shopping, budgeting, and everything else life throws at you. Take time for self-care. You balance this stress to improve your overall well-being. Deep breathing, going for walks, journaling going to the gym, listening to music, or watching videos on the internet are some stress boosters you can try. A healthy lifestyle is a must; eat a balanced diet and sleep well. Due to overwork and assignments, we often skip meals an.d stay up late at night. These are the stress-causing factors you should avoid.
Enjoy college life
At last, enjoy your college life. You will miss going to college after graduating. Have a good time. Yes, you are there to learn, but learning can be enjoyable regardless of how difficult the material is. You must also have fun to relieve some of the stress associated with midterms, finals, and getting your reading done on time. If you are dissatisfied with your college experience, consider changing majors or taking a break. Academic success isn't the only measurement of success in life. You should use your time to learn something new or hone skills that your other classes haven't covered.
Edusanjal: Free education counseling
Edusanjal offers expert guidance in various fields. The qualified counselor assists you in identifying problems and possible solutions and guides you through the process. Counselors at Edusanjal will help you accurately evaluate your career and course options while considering your educational background, strengths, and skills. Edusanjal will make your higher education journey easier and put you on the path to success by shortlisting the best colleges and tracking your entire admission process.
Also read: BASW: Everything I wish someone had told me
