51 Life-Changing Ways to Enjoy your College and Your Life
If you are about to go to college, are studying in it or are about to graduate, you might want to have a few things in mind that can steer your life in a better direction.
Get some advice from those, who have been there, and have gone way beyond college to share their advice with you.
To have a good start (or keep going well), you may want to learn how to:
- choose your profession and college
- enjoy your campus life
- study efficiently and effectively
- get into the real life after college and succeed
Prepare for Studying and Living in College
1. Learn What You’d Wish You’d Known *Before* Going to College
It may sound complicated, but practically you only need to ask experienced grown-ups about what they wish they knew before going to college. If you ask a bunch of different people, you should get a number of revelations that’ll help you a great deal in your life.
Learn:
- What You’ll Wish You’d Known and more things to know about high education from an experienced person, who’s been there
- Top ten things I wish I knew before college (read the comments: lots of advice there)
- 10 Things You’ll Wish You Knew Before College
- 39 Things You Wish You Knew Before Applying to College
2. Pick a Career You’ll Love
Before choosing a college, you’ll probably be focusing on your career. So pick your career wisely: do what you love.
You can get into any career: you can make money with anything you do, so do something you love and will enjoy doing.
Learn more from Guy Kawasaki’s hindsights.
3. Choose Your Career Smartly
Most students are not certain about their future career after they graduate college. There are some steps that will help you to solve this problem. You should find out what you are interested in, then learn career options and perspectives. You should also know that you don’t have to live with one career decision for all your life. You can change it, whenether you like.
Learn how to choose a career.
4. How to Choose the Right College
Choosing your future college is a difficult question. You should start thinking about it as early as possible, better in high school. There are many criteria to consider while choosing the college. Don’t ignore suggestions from your family and friends as well. To help you with your decision-making there are some vital steps you should take to choose the right college.
Learn how to choose the right college.
Learn more how to choose a college.
5. How to Pack for College
When you leave for college you should be quite sure what to take with you. You should know that closets in colleges aren’t as big as you can imagine. Don’t take many clothes with you. You can also take some practical things to equip your dorm study area. The main rule is after you have finished packing your bag- cut it in a half!
Learn how to pack for college.
6. Learn a Few Quick Recipes
College students are usually away from home for the first time. Certainly you won’t have much time to prepare various dishes. So you should learn several quick and tasty recipes beforehand to surprise your friends and not be hungry.
Learn a few quick recipes.
7. How to Spend a Summer Before College
There are many ways to spend the summer before college. You can spend more time with your family and friends or stay alone and think about your future, look for a job, travel or take some classes. The most important is to spend your “pre-college” days useful.
Learn how to spend a summer before college.
Learn How to Live Well as a Student
8. Use Credit Cards Moderately
When it comes to credit cards, you should know that banks are not offering you them out of the kindness of their hearts. If you use credit card be sure to pay your bills on time to save money on interest payments. Know the rule – no income, no cards, if you don’t have a job try to avoid using credit cards. Use credit cards for emergencies, not wants.
Learn why you should use credit cards carefully.
9. Track Your Spending
It’s really a valuable habit to track your spending. Start is as early as possible and it will help you much to save your money and plan your personal budget. Keeping a log of how much money you have coming in and how you are spending it can tell exactly where your money is going and make important conclusions from it.
Learn how to track your spending.
10. Bag the Right Student Bank Account
Students need a bank account for sure. Be aware that such accounts are only available to full time students who are over the age of 18. These accounts usually allow: interest-free overdrafts, additional borrowing, free banking, and some other benefits.
Learn how to bag the right student bank account.
11. Buy Used Textbooks
Buying used textbooks can save your money. Students need a lot of books for study and very often books become useless after the course is finished. It is more practical to find them on the web (Amazon, eBay etc), in your campus, in comparison shop and even get from your friends.
Learn why to buy used textbooks.
12. Ensure You and Your Stuff Are Insured
Students usually bring to campus a lot of different and sometimes rather expensive gadgets. Insurance is a good thing if you don’t want to waste money and buy a new laptop or mobile phone every time it is stolen. There are different kinds of polices for students: health insurance, medical insurance, car insurance, credit card protection etc.
Learn how to ensure you and your stuff’s insured.
13. Spend Money During the Holidays Wisely
How to spend money during the holiday season can be a hard question for a college student. Don’t forget that if you don’t have money, you shouldn’t buy a lot of gifts. It’s better to be creative in choosing gifts and spend money wisely instead of wasting it.
Learn how to spend your money during the holidays wisely.
14. Spend Your Time in the Campus
Get to know your campus quickly. It’s where you will spend a lot of your time and by acclimatizing yourself to it early, you will settle in much more quickly, making those first few weeks more pleasant.
Learn how to spend your time in the campus.
15. Befriend as Many People as Possible in Your Social Network
Even if you have a lot of friends at school in college you will have hundreds of new potential friends. On top of getting to know your campus, consider getting to know and befriend as many people as possible, whether it be other students or lecturers. It makes acclimatizing to university much more easy if you have people you can talk to and trust.
Learn why to befriend as many people as possible in your social network.
16. Become and Stay a Healthy Student
As a college student, you should take care of your health: this includes an 8-hour sleep, healthy breakfast, drinking lots of water, morning exercises and many other tips to keep your mind and body sound.
Learn some tips on how to be and stay healthy.
17. Get an Early Start to Each day
Getting early has a lot of benefits. Getting an early start each day will help you to get a lot more done, not just in the morning but throughout the day. Begin each day with a 25-minute run followed by a shower and breakfast. This simple morning routine will get you out the door feeling alert and energized.
Learn why to get an early start to each day.
Learn how to get up at 5.00AM from the Lifehacker.
18. Take Care of Food Safety
When students pack up for college, they take along the basics – TV, laptop, MP3 player and cell phone. Many students will also arrive to the college with a microwave oven, tabletop grill, mini-fridge and toaster-oven. Most students, however, don’t know there are food safety considerations when cooking with these appliances. It is also important to be aware of food storage and handling techniques.
Learn how to take care of food safety.
19. Buy a Used Car
First you may consider that you don’t need a car in college at all, but after some time you may realize that buses aren’t so convenient. Not many students have enough money to buy a new car. Most consider the best choice is a used one. You should look for a reliable and save car with reasonable insurance costs.
Learn why to buy a used car.
20. Find Ways to Make Extra Money
Creative students can find many ways to earn money in college. Extra money can help you to feel independent and confident. You can try yourself in retail, restaurants, call center, tutoring etc.
Learn how to make extra money.
21. Self Defense Tips
Self defense is extremely important for college students and everyone should be ready to protect oneself anytime it is needed. You should keep in mind simple but useful tips of self-defense that can help you in extreme situations.
Learn some tips on how to protect yourself.
22. Avoid Identity Theft
Students can easily become victims of identity theft. Providing too much information in the internet, using credit cards, laptops and smart phones can be dangerous. It’s essential that students take safeguards to avoid identity theft. You can use some tips when protecting yourself and your family.
Learn how to avoid identity theft.
23. Stress Management Tips
All students can be affected by stress. It can be healthy in the right dose, but when it becomes excessive it is harmful. It is important to know how to manage negative stress to stay healthy and happy. Be aware you know useful techniques to overcome stress.
Learn some tips on how to manage stress.
24. Motivational Tips for Students
Motivation can help students to become successful. You can be motivated by different things: real life role models, teachers, your parents, competition with other students etc. The most important is that you should have some kind of motivation at college. This will help you to find the inner power and move to success.
Learn some tips on how to motivate yourself.
25. Learn How to Do Your Laundry
In college you will have to learn to use laundry rooms and washers. Though it may not seem to be difficult there are some useful tips you should keep in mind before using it, such as, how to sort clothes, load the washer or dryer and how to choose the proper program for washing.
Learn how to use laundry rooms and washers.
26. Take a Summer Job
If you plan to find a summer or part time job, the first thing to decide is what kind of job it should be. Of course you may not find the position that will meet all you needs. But you should strive to find one that meets as many as possible. There are many places where you can find summer job: hotels, offices, stores, clubs, fast food restaurants etc.
Always remember that you are not only earning money but also gaining experience for future.
Learn how to find a summer or part time job.
27. Shop for Food Efficiently
Food shopping isn’t simple sometimes especially if you plan to save your money. For example, you can buy fruit and vegetables in the street markets instead of supermarkets. Be sure you have a shopping list with you every time you go to a supermarket. This will prevent you from buying useless foodstuff.
Learn some tips on how to go food shopping.
Learn How to Study Well
28. Take Tests Confidently
While taking a test, have a positive attitude, make a list of the most important topics to be covered in the test, before the test begins, make sure you have everything you’ll need, scan through the test quickly before starting, reread the question to make sure you understand it, and then try to solve it the best way you know how.
Learn some tips on how to take tests.
29. Find the Right time for Study
With all of the clubs, societies, informal social events in colleges it can be hard to find time for what you are actually there to do – study. Don’t wait until it is too late. First of all know your deadlines and then don’t study for a long period of time, make breaks.
Learn how to find the right time for study.
30. Keep Things in Perspective
Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it’s good to set high goals for yourself, be sure not to overdo it. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable. Remember that you will archive more if you set goals.
Learn why to keep things in perspective.
31. Take at Least One Extra Class Each Semester
If you feel that you have enough spare time besides studying and you don’t want to waste time in the college, you can take extra class each semester. Learn some time-saving tips and you will find out that it doesn’t take so much time. This will help you to graduate sooner.
Learn why to take at least one extra class each semester.
32. Set Clear Goals for Each Class
You should decide why you attend this or that class. Are you interested in the class or you just want an A grade? Set clear goals for each class and this will save your time and help you to achieve success.
Learn why to set clear goals for each class.
33. Attend All Your Classes
Now, you might think this was an obvious one. But many students skip classes for one reason or another. But if you want good grades, you should attend all your classes. Don’t forget to sit close to the front — historically, those who do are usually the best students.
Learn why to attend all your classes.
34. Choose a College Course Well
Choosing the courses in college can be a challenging question. Before choosing a course you should answer several questions and set goals you want to achieve. It is important to find a balance between easy and hard courses and between different subject areas.
Learn how to choose a course in a college.
35. Prepare an Effective Course Schedule
Don’t become stressed of your college schedule. No one should dictate you how to organize your schedule, because it’s your study. If you are a late riser, don’t take early classes.
Learn how to choose courses and prepare an effective schedule.
36. Learn Material the Very First Time it’s Presented
You waste a lot of study time because you fail to learn things the first time around. The key to reducing the amount of time you study is simple: learn things the first time you see them, instead of after dozens of repetitions.
Learn why you should learn material the very first time it’s presented..
37. Master Advanced Memory Techniques
To learn material better you should master your memory techniques. You will have a lot of names, numbers and facts to remember in college, so get your memory ready for this.
There are special techniques which allow you to memorize information rapidly and make your study more efficient.
Learn some tips on how to master advanced memory techniques.
38. Tips for Getting a Scholarship
When you’re young and just starting high school, you’re likely not thinking about how you’re going to be able to afford paying for college when you’re older. As you become a senior, you realize that you should start looking for students’ scholarships so that you can pay for your college education without having to owe too much money.
Learn some tips on how to get a scholarship.
39. Train Your Attention
Attention is very important for your successful study. Training attention will help you to determine better what you think and what emotions you feel. It affects your motivation as well. It will help you determine who you are, who you want to be, and how to get there.
Learn some tips on how to train your attention.
40. Improve Your Communications Skills
One of the key factors to mastering your life is to master your communication. Good communication skills in college will bring you many friends, relationships and useful contacts. It will also help you in your study while making speeches or presentations in the class.
Learn how to improve communications skills.
41. Learn Things Online
You can study not only in the class but also in the internet. But online study is different from the real one. If you take some course online you should be aware of some useful tips, such as: using different web resources or joining discussion forums.
Learn a few tips on how to take online courses.
42. Use Web Tools That Can Save Time
If you are a college student, you will certainly need some useful Web tools that can make the process of learning much easier. They will definitely save your time and efforts. And the most important thing is that they are absolutely free.
Learn why to use web tools.
43. Use iPhone Apps to Study Effectively
iPhone can help you both in your academic life, and in your social life. With the iPhone consistently coming out with new applications, you are able to find some that are entertaining and helpful.
Learn why you should use iPhone apps.
44. Learn How to Write an Essay
If you follow Paul Graham’s advice on writing an essay, your professors may not be pleased with you. But you really need to learn how to write down your thoughts coherently and precisely, as this will help you down the road with doing things right and being one of the few in your business, who can write well.
Learn how to write an essay well.
What to Do After College
45. Plan Your After-College Life
Graduation is a beginning of a new life. After you have finished college you should decide what to do next: continue studying or start working and earning money. First of all you have to decide: What do you want to do with your life? After deciding what career path you want to follow, put together a plan and get started!
Learn what to do after college.
46. Prepare for Your Job Interviews Well
Job interviewing never seems to get any easier. To make a good impression at the interview, follow these steps:
- Prepare yourself
- Develop your job interview techniques
- Evaluate your performance after the interview
Learn a few tips on how to take interview for a job.
47. Work Abroad After College, if You Want
After you have graduated from college, the first thing you must do to prepare for your work abroad experience is convince yourself that “nothing is impossible”. You should convince your parents as well that you have made the best choice and then find work abroad that can get you money. If you are open to it, working abroad after graduation can change your life.
Learn how to work abroad after college.
48. Considering Starting Your Own Company
When you finish college you have to decide what you are going to do next. You don’t have to join the first company that offers job for you. You may decide another variant for yourself: start your own business. Here are some reasons to start your own business:
- You are your own boss
- You get to do what you’re interested in
- It can be very profitable
Of course, you still might want to have a part-time job to get finances to run your business, but focusing on your own business might be better for you in the long run.
Learn whether to join a company or start your own.
49. Do Start Your Startup Mid-Years
If you start your startup at the summer, everyone will consider it to be your summer job and won’t consider it a big deal, if you fail.
As a student, you have five advantages: stamina, poverty, rootlessness, colleages and ignorance. Albeit, you will need to:
- work on something that solves a real life problem
- iterate to get closer to the better solution of the problem
- work intensively, because it’s your real life, not your class project
Learn everything about startups for students from a venture investor’s mouth.
50. Be Your Own Boss
Whether a startup or a solid business, you still need to be your own boss, because only this way you are not restricted by making decisions, influencing your life, based on their knowledge and expectations.
Learn why you aren’t meant to have a boss
51. Learn to Get Wealthy
Since wealth isn’t always the same as money, you might want to learn how to create wealth and get paid for (in your own company or not).
Learn more about creating wealth.
