Going to college can be an exciting time because it might be the first time you are living on your own. However, it also means you will have more responsibility for yourself, and it can be challenging. To make the transition as easy as possible, the trick is to make sure you are prepared, whether in or out of the classroom.
Managing Your Finances Well
You want to make sure you are staying within budget, so you don’t have to worry about running out of money partway through the semester. Your parents can help you come up with a realistic budget. Have a bank account you can access to withdraw funds to pay for things like books, food, and other necessary expenses. These funds can be used for emergency expenses as well, such as emergency medical bills or repairs to your car. They should be easily accessible. It is also a good idea to make sure you know how you will be paying for college. Taking out a student loan from a private lender lets you cover the cost of college. Having Earnest private student loans available allow you to cover your educational expenses without the need for you to work.
Prepare to Work Hard
The work in college is harder than in high school, and it’s easy to get caught up in classes, jobs, extracurriculars, and time with friends. This might leave you feeling that you do not have enough time to do your work right. It’s a good idea to get a bit of practice in managing your time. Learn what works for you. Perhaps you need to become a morning person and try to get up earlier to do your homework. Or you might need to set aside a couple of nights each week to work on projects. Prioritise what you need to get done so you can accomplish them on time.
The freedom of college might overwhelm you, and it is easy to get behind if you are not careful. That’s why it’s so important to keep working hard, even once you feel you have gotten into the swing of things a little more. While you should be challenged academically, if you are struggling in something, get help sooner rather than later. There are often resources on campus, such as tutors and writing centres, where you can receive guidance.
Staying Safe and Well
You need to make sure you are spending enough time on your work to learn the material, but that does not mean you should run yourself into the ground. Make sure you are taking time for yourself and managing ways to reduce anxiety and stress, whether that is eating well, getting enough exercise, or attending your doctor appointments. As soon as you feel you may be sick, visit the doctor to receive care. Safety should also be a priority, especially if this is the first time you are living on your own. Make sure you are observant of your surroundings at all time, and consider only going to isolate places at night with a buddy.
