Last Updated on July 23, 2023 by Bharat Saini
College is a big and intense part of any student’s life, but there’s more to the experience than attending lectures and doing coursework. While you’re grappling with how to get into Ivy League schools and preparing for your SATs, you might forget to think about some of the other aspects of college life that lie in wait.
Here are some of the biggest ways that you can make the most of your college years and ensure that you truly benefit from every aspect of the experience.
Get Involved on Campus
First of all, remember that your college campus is more than just a place where you have to go to classes. It’s also a place where people socialize, and there are countless activities and organizations.
Take advantage of this by joining clubs, sports teams, or volunteer groups that you think you might enjoy partaking in. This will help you to make new friends, and add an extra sense of purpose to your days as a college student. This also provides leadership opportunities that will look great on your CV for your future career.
Prioritize Academics
While there are a lot of fun and games to be had in college, it is a period of study and a time that you need to focus. Even though it’s important to indulge in other interests, you need to prioritize your academics if you want to truly succeed in your courses.
Make a habit of attending your classes, and make sure that you create a useful study schedule that you’ll actually stick to for the hours you’re not in class. Keep up with your assignments and prepare well for any tests that come up. Showing commitment to your studies will put you in good standing with your professors and help you to reap the benefits of the education you’re really there for.
Seek Out Mentorship
Whether you’re in school, college, or the workforce (or even a combination), having a mentor to guide you can be massively beneficial. However, finding the right mentor is a task on its own and can be tricky. This is why you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help where you need it.
Having a great mentor can help offer you guidance, support, extra knowledge or insights into your field, and even present post-graduate opportunities in the future.
Practice Self-Care
Finally, remember not to ruin your college experience by burning yourself out. Tertiary education requires a lot of hard work, time, and dedication, but this doesn’t mean that you need to completely neglect your own needs as a person.
Make time for self-care by taking care of your physical and mental health. Implement an exercise routine and follow a nutritious and balanced diet. Prioritize sleep as much as possible, and schedule time for socializing and rest in whatever ways you might need it. Sometimes, you’ll just need to stay in bed and catch up on your favorite show, and that’s okay!