College is, obviously, a learning experience. In this way, one could argue that going to college is all about making mistakes. Thankfully, if you mess up and learn from your missteps, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them in the “real world.” Still, college students don’t have to learn every lesson the hard way. Rather, by reviewing four common mistakes many new college students make now, they can successfully prevent and avoid them and save themselves quite a bit of trouble. (Not to mention quite a few headaches!)
Don’t be Afraid to Drop a Class
Perseverance is key to success in any venture. Yet, some college students take this principle too seriously. Indeed, all college students should know that it’s okay to drop a class if they find it particularly difficult, if they don’t have enough time to complete it, or if it won’t provide them with valuable information. After all, a student with an interest in biology should take college courses that teach them how to use equipment like a 96 well plate –– not conjugate verbs in French. Bottom line: there’s no shame in opting out of a class that doesn’t suit you!
Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin
To be sure, there’s a lot to do while living at a university. Between classes, social gatherings, job responsibilities, and special, one-off events, though, it’s easy for a college student to spread themselves too thin. Time management is key in this regard. Know when to turn down an invitation, and prioritize what’s most important on your schedule. Otherwise, you could end up in a massive jam.
Be Flexible & Open-Minded
While it’s great to have an idea for what you want out of a college experience, you shouldn’t miss out on great opportunities just because they seem strange or unfamiliar to you. Getting out of your comfort zone is a tremendous way to push yourself and to develop very useful skills that you may use down the line. So be willing to try out an online course or to join a new club if you get the chance. Who knows, doing so could be the best decision you make in college!
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
While many college students (rightly) enjoy their independence, it doesn’t mean they should never ask others for help. Just the opposite is true! Instead of trying and failing to deal with a problem on your own, make it a point to ask others for assistance when you’re stuck, confused, or overwhelmed. Remember, professors and administrators are there to give you a hand when you need it! Plus, forming a study group with fellow students will allow you to tackle problems together and form meaningful relationships at the same time. Talk about a win-win!
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