Welcome to college! The textbooks are bigger, the expectations are higher and the coffee is definitely stronger. We get it, academics can feel like a lot to handle at first. Don檛 panic, with a little organization, some solid tips and a dash of humor, you檒l be navigating those lectures, assignments and exams like a senior. Remember, no one has it all figured out on day one.
Let get you on the right track.
Go to Class. Yes, Even That One.
We know. Mornings are hard. But showing up makes everything else easier. You檒l stay in the loop, hear hints about the next exam and maybe even make a good impression. A bonus, you won檛 need to rely entirely on group chats with blurry notes that all have a phone shadow and someone head blocking the screen.
Here are some tips if you do have to miss class:
- Email the professor ahead of time if possible. It shows responsibility, and they may send you helpful resources or any assignments you will miss.
- Be ready to have documentation if the professor requires it or potentially risk losing attendance points.
- Pair up with a 渓ecture buddy� to swap notes if one of you is absent.
- Then, kindly refer them to this guide, so that you can ensure they aren檛 completely unreliable.
Attend Office Hours Regularly
Office hours are one of the most criminally underrated tools in college. They're not just for when you're failing. Whether you have a question about the class material or want to discuss a past exam, pay a visit to your professor and have a discussion. They have office hours for a reason! No need to have something 'smart' to say. Just show up and be curious.
- Don檛 be intimidated. Most professors are chill and genuinely want you to succeed.
- What to ask:
- 淐an you walk me through this part again?�
- 淗ow can I better prepare for the next exam/assignment/paper?�
- 淒o you have any tips on how to study for your class specifically?�
- "Are there any additional resources you recommend?"
- 淲hat would you recommend as the most effective way to study for this class, especially for the upcoming exam?�
- 淚檓 working on [assignment/project]. Could you give me feedback on the direction I檓 going in?�
- Bonus: Professors tend to remember students who show up. That good news when it time for extra help... or recommendation letters (wink wink).
Use A Planner: Put All Your Deadlines in One Place
Your professors are not coordinating due dates with each other. That means three papers and a midterm can all hit the same week. Take 20 minutes to input all your important deadlines into a calendar or planner during the first week of school. Whether it's digital or on paper, keeping track of your deadlines in one place will save you from the "I forgot!" panic.
Bonus tip: Color-code your assignments by class. You檒l be amazed at how satisfying it is to cross something off your to-do list.
How to Study Smarter
(Cramming is Not a Strategy)
Let face it: Cramming the night before isn檛 a sustainable long-term strategy. While it might work in a pinch, studying over time is much more effective. Plus, regular study sessions help reinforce your memory, making things easier to recall during exams.
- Study in short, focused sessions.
- Find your best environment. Some people thrive in the library, others need background noise
and snacks.
- For background noise and snacks, we recommend the seating area by the Fresh Market on the second floor of St. Francis Hall.
- Take breaks, hydrate and don檛 pull all-nighters unless it unavoidable.
Want a deep dive on study hacks? Check out our guide on How To Study for more tips.
What to Do After a Poor Test Performance
Step 1: Don檛 panic. Step 2: Let fix it.
We檝e all been there. You studied, showed up and gave it your best shot only to get your test back with a lower score than you hoped for. It disappointing, maybe even overwhelming. Relax. Even geniuses have off-days (Einstein probably flunked a quiz or two).
Check out our guide on what to do When a Test Doesn檛 Go as Planned.
Ask for Help
No one expects you to know everything. If you檙e stuck, ask.
Use tutoring services, talk to your professor or join a study group. The most successful students are the ones who actually use the help that available.
Need tips on how to email your professor? Check out our full guide on How to Email Your Professor.
Divide and Conquer: How to Handle Big Assignments
The task 淲rite research paper� is extremely overwhelming. Breaking down the assignment into smaller tasks is much more manageable. Start early (or early-ish).
Break it down into steps like:
- Pick a topic
- Do some research
- Find sources, because they often give you a better idea on what you are writing about
- Create an outline
- Write the intro
- Edit and revise until you檙e happy with it
By starting early and tackling it bit by bit, you檒l feel way more in control.
How to Write a College-Level Paper
Good news: You don檛 have to be a literary genius to write an A+ paper.
- Here what helps:
- Start with a clear outline
- Use credible sources (Google Scholar > random blog)
- Cite everything, most classes will require MLA format.
- Don檛 wait until the night before (we know... but seriously)
- Use Grammarly and your school writing center.
- Avoid plagiarism. Your professors will check. Your conscience will too.
- Visit the Learning Resource Center
- Tutoring, writing help, academic coaching, use it!
It included in your tuition, and they檒l walk you through tough subjects or help polish your paper before it due. Plus, they don檛 judge if you come in panicked.
- Tutoring, writing help, academic coaching, use it!
Surviving Midterms/Finals Week
Here how to get through without crying in a stairwell (we檝e all been there):
- Start reviewing 1�2 weeks before exams.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Don檛 cram the night before, because it less effective than you think and will make you rethink your life choices.
- Sleep. Seriously. Your brain needs it to function.
- Take a break every 30 minutes and reward yourself (snacks, walks, TikToks, but set a timer).