Know These 15 Strategies For Succeeding Your First Year In Chiropractic College
Your first year in college will have both challenges and opportunities. While you strive to learn, you may also need to manage financial needs for yourself, and in some cases your family. To some students; this is their first time away from home while to others; and you may even be the first in your family to attend a college.
Succeeding at a college is definitely the dream of every student. However, only a few end up actualizing such a dream. College can be scary and overwhelming. However, knowing and developing some skills and strategies can help you succeed in college and make your dream come to reality.
1. Complete financial aid paperwork early.
Learn to prepare and complete your financial aid paperwork in advance. This will help you to eliminate any form of delay in the disbursement of your required academic finances. And, of course, once your funds are available, you will be able to register for your courses and purchase your accessories as early as possible. For more information click here.
2. Exhaust all financial aid options.
When seeking financial aid, make sure you consider all grants and scholarship opportunities. Contact your school adviser to see if they offer any financial aid in tuition or other aspects. Most institutions also offer scholarships for students with a particular minimum GPA.
3. Tour your campus before classes start.
If you are new to a college, you should try to take a tour around the university community. This can help you discover interesting and important locations that can aid your studies. Such locations include the library, bookshop, cafe, faculty offices, and classrooms. This can save you a lot of time and stress when you need to use these places.
4. Set up your apartment.
Set up and organize your room or apartment in advance in preparation for the semester/session. Arrange your provisions, study table, kitchen, and store. Purchase the important items you’d need for school and make sure everything is put in place. It will save you a lot of stress as the school commences proper.
5. Get a wall calendar or daily planner.
One of the major problems every student faces is time management. Keeping a calendar and to-do list will not only ensure that you manage your time effectively but also ensure that you execute the right tasks at the right time.
6. Purchase your books and school supplies before or during the first week of class.
Get a list of the books and supplies you will need for the session and buy or rent them ahead of them. Thus, you will have all the needed items before they become scarce and costly. In case of insufficient funds, create a list of the needed items in the order of the relative importance and get the ones at the top.
7. Attend all of your classes.
This is particularly important for first year students. Many students tend to miss classes with frivolous excuses since no one is there to drag or chase after you to attend a class. It is your duty as a student to be punctual to your classes, write notes, and finish assignments.
“It is your duty as a student to be punctual to your classes, write notes, and finish assignments.”
8. Complete all homework, assignments, and projects.
A syllabus or course is not complete without assignments, homework, and projects. You may miss some marks for missed assignments and projects or those that are turned in late. Note that a single low mark can make the difference between passing and failing a class.
9. Ask for help.
Don’t be scared to ask for help whenever you notice you have a difficulty in class. Many students attempt to tackle issues themselves without asking for assistance from their professors. Although to some this is not comfortable, it is important to ask for help when needed.
10. Form study groups.
One of the best ways to learn is to join or form a study group. Find students with the same classes as you and start finding those you enjoy being around. Exchange your contact information and organize regular in-person study meetings.
11. Use the Library
Most universities have well-equipped library facilities which offer a great resource for helping you in your studies. Find out the library hours and register to use the service. If your university doesn’t have a library, chances are that you will find public libraries around. E-libraries are another innovation for some colleges and universities. Check if your school has one and use it to your benefit.
12. Join a club or school organization.
Most colleges have a variety of clubs and organizations like sports and recreation, charity, and special interest. You may be thinking that these groups do not add to your studies but you will be amazed in the end at how much you gain/learn from other peers.
13. Network.
Studying in colleges and universities is not about reading and studying alone. It also involves networking with people that can help with your career after college. In fact, advanced education offers a great opportunity to network with people both on and off the campus. The friendships you develop in school may last for decades.
14. Balance.
Make sure you balance your school activities with other commitments. You will need to learn to balance your schooling with extra-curricular activities, such as family, friends, exercising , etc.
15. Don’t quit!!
Time will come when you will feel like quitting. Of course, all successful individuals have faced a hard period in one or more stages of their lives. In fact, your ability to overcome this difficulty is a key to unlocking the unending stream of success. Always discuss with your school counselor or advisor whenever you encounter any problems. Exhaust all available options before deciding to walk away from your college.
Success as a Student!
Every student wants to succeed in their academics. However, only a few of them end up achieving their goal. There is only a slim gap between success and failure. Your ability to plan and execute your plans effectively can make the difference. Adopt the above strategies for a successful life as a student. See you at the top!
