Jeff Logue Ph.D.
Get to know your Prof.
Your Prof is just a person. They put on their pants one leg at a time just like you do. Yes, they may hold your academic destiny in the palm of their hand, but you have no reason to fear them. Instead, show respect by showing up to class on time and engaging in any open discussion that comes up.
Say hello between classes. Make eye contact with them, initiate a conversation and be friendly. Ask questions about their college experience and pay careful attention to how they succeeded. Most Profs are more than willing to share their experiences with students, and it will make you more memorable to them.
Don’t be shy.
Introduce yourself to the people around you. Initiate conversations with people in your class and get to know them. Sit up front and resist the temptation to plant yourself in the back row. Students who sit up front tend to make better grades – not because their nerds or the teacher’s pet – but because there are fewer distractions in the front. Ask questions and lots of them! There are no stupid questions, just stupid people that refuse to ask questions.
Stop being a wallflower. Step out and talk to others! Be the person in the room that makes friends with those around you. Be encouraging and lift others up verbally and non-verbally. Be the one who makes others feel good about themselves.
Root for the home team.
Show your spirit. Get out there and root for the team. It prevents depression by helping you stay engaged with the world around you. It can strengthen relationships by creating a stronger bond between you and your peers. Watching the home game with your friends and classmates can actually lead to longevity, stronger support systems and a more active lifestyle.
Get some sleep.
Use the 3x5 rule that we talked about in Part 1 of this series to take control of your schedule. Study 3 hours a day, 5 days a week and fit everything else in around that block of time. Guard that 15 hours a week and make it a priority.
Don’t cram for exams. You won’t be able to retain the information after the test. Save the all-nighters for your little sister’s slumber party. Your brain cannot function optimally at 3 am. Believe me, I can tell who wrote their term paper last week and who wrote it last night. One has an “A+” at the top of the page, while the other has a “D” at the top of the page.
Sleep in your dorm room not in the classroom. Nothing angers a Prof more than having a student sleep during their lecture. It is one of the most disrespectful things you can do during class. Most Profs worked while getting their education and know what it’s like to be sleep deprived. That’s why we smile and laugh when we see students napping and sleeping in the common areas. Sleep in your dorm, under a tree, on a park bench or in your car, but never sleep in class.
Schedule a consistent bed time for yourself. I know, I sound like your mother, but she’s right! If you’ve got an 8 am class, make sure you’re in bed by midnight so you can get at least 6-7 hours of sleep before class. Let your roommate know ahead of time, so they can go to someone else’s room to hang out.
Pop the bubble.
Get off campus and explore the world around you. Most college towns cater to students by offering great entertainment, restaurants, and local sites to see. Take a weekend road trip to the beach or the mountains. Go camping, fishing or hiking with your classmates. See the closest big city or go outside the country if possible. College should be a time of exploration and broadening of your horizons both academically and in the experiences you open yourself up to.
Let loose of the past.
Resist the temptation to run home every weekend. Learn to do your own laundry at the laundromat. Try your hand at cooking your own “home cooked” meal. Embrace your new adulthood by being more independent and self-reliant. Also, respect your parent’s new found privacy. They’ve waited 18 years for this second honeymoon.
Embrace your weight.
Everyone gains a little weight in college and this should be expected as a normal. Your body is transitioning from adolescents into adulthood and you’re going to put on weight as your body makes that transition. Eating right and exercising regularly can ensure that the weight gained is muscle mass and not fat. Many schools offer student league sports, exercise clubs and groups that can be very beneficial to students.
Some parental guidance suggested.
Keep your parents’ guidance in mind, but learn to trust your own instincts. This is a time of self-exploration and growth so go ahead and try new things. That being said, use parents as consultants to help you make your own decisions. Most parents look forward to a time when their children are less dependent and able to make healthy choices independently. Allow them the opportunity to become your friend, consultant, and mentor. Help them help you take off the training wheels.
Finally, I love the quote, “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.”
Everything in life worth having will take effort and work to achieve or acquire. Understand that college is a cool time in your life! Some parts will be difficult and other parts will be easy and fun. However, YOU are the only one who can create the college experience that you desire. Make a decision to not only achieve that coveted degree but to also have fun! Work hard, play hard and enjoy this amazing time in your life!
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