1. Learn to manage your time. Make sure that you allot enough time to study for each test. Keep current with your reading and homework assignments. Schedule moderate amounts of time for relaxation and fun.
2. Ask questions. In class, do not be afraid to ask for clarification when a professor says something that you do not understand. If you feel uncomfortable raising your hand in class, visit your professor during his office hours. If your class has a teaching assistant, take advantage of that resource. Schedule time with the TA for personal tutoring.
3. Form a study group. Ask 2-3 other students from your class to form a study group with you. Grill each other with questions about the assigned reading from the text. Review for exams. Critique each other’s term papers.
4. Take good notes in class. Use a graphic organizer to connect concepts and principles and explain new material.
5. Purchase a calendar or a day planner. Write down when your assignments are due. Keep track of when exams are. Review your calendar daily so you can stay on top of all of your assignments from all of your courses.
6. Seek out various on campus resources. Your university may have open labs for courses such as math and chemistry. There are advisement and counseling centers that can be of help.
7. If you have to work, limit your work to 20 hours per week. More than that takes away time that should be used for studying.
8. Take care of your health. Get plenty of sleep. Eat nutritious well-balanced meals. Drink lots 6-8 glasses water a day. Get lots of fresh air and regular exercise.
9. Make friends. They can be a support system to help you navigate your college experience.
10. Manage your money. Don’t add financial problems to the stress of studying, taking exams, and writing research papers.
11. Oh, and do go to class!