How to Be a Successful College Student

It’s Official! You are a College Student

Going to college is not the same as being successful in college and completing a college degree – it’s very important that students who ‘get in’ and ‘go’ have a very good idea from the start of what will be expected of them and what steps they will need to take to persist…

Dedication and Determination !

Know What You Have to Do

The accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Do you have a purpose for being here? Being successful means the achievement of

desired visions and planned goals. Do you have a vision for your life? Have you planned out your goals?

What is the meaning of Success?

Students are accustomed to their structured high school experience, and sometimes students may struggle to balance college’s new-found independence to juggle classes, study time and extracurricular activities.

Set priorities and stick to a Schedule!

Establish Priorities

You’re entering a brand new world filled with lecture halls, student centers and a range of research and support resources. One of the first things you should do is find your comfort zones. You know, those places where you can eat, study, meet friends, exercise and have moments of general solitude. It’s time to explore! Look for places where you can unwind. Don’t just come and go!

It’s a New World-Really

Life is all about balance — particularly in college. You may think you have the perfect course schedule until the day when suddenly, out of nowhere, you’re bombarded by multiple projects, papers and exams.

Have a plan!

Balance Your Load

Some people do their best work in coffee shops. Some demand 100% peace and quiet and find libraries and out of the way nooks in buildings on campus. Some need the comfort of their rooms. Wherever you choose to study, it’s important you find a space that’s right for you.

TIP: Be sure to keep a good supply of materials like paper, pens, printer cartridges, flash drives, note cards, calendars, highlighters, etc. on hand. 

Have a Study Space

It takes time to do the job of learning properly at the college level. If you make college your highest priority, it will be easier to do the work necessary to succeed and graduate.

Learn how to organize and manage your time.

Make College a #1 Priority

The toughest challenge for many college students is organizing and managing the time needed for college success. Very helpful tools are a weekly calendar book and a large semester planner used to plan each week's activities: class attendance, studying, appointments, meetings, jobs, free time, etc. Record all due dates for exams, quizzes, assignments and projects in your phone.

Organize and Manage- Keys to Success

Things to Do

Are you Ready?

Read all of your syllabi carefully. The syllabus is your contract for the course. There's no excuse for not being aware of essential information that has been provided to you.

Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. "Plan ahead" should be your mantra for your academic life. Nobody ever says "Oh shit, I started on that too early," but plenty of students regret waiting until the last minute to begin studying or working on a project. Avoid pulling all-nighters.

Stay Ahead of the Game

Turn in all assignments. It's better to hand something in late than not at all; a zero can really hurt your course grade. If you're struggling with an assignment or you fall behind, talk to your instructor.

Turn in all Assignments

Work on improving your writing. Take advantage of the writing center and tutors at your school. You won't regret it. Learn how to use proper grammar and mechanics in your writing.

Work on Being a Better Writer

Always do the assigned readings, even if there isn't a quiz. We know when you haven't read, even if they don't call you out on it; you're not fooling anyone. Do the readings even when the professor is not grading them.

Be Accountable to Yourself

Be aware of each instructor's attendance policy; missing class can adversely affect your grade.

When you miss class, get the notes from a classmate. The instructor does re-teach what you missed.

The Attendance Policy- Very Important

. Choose your friends carefully. Your friends are can be very helpful in a college classroom. Avoid people who are not interested in doing well in college—you become who you hang around. Build good relationships that will help you succeed.

Choose Friends Carefully

Be kind. To everyone. Not much in this world matters more. And you never know what a difference your kindness might make.

Be Kind and Respectful

As college students there are plenty things that take place in your mind, taking notes is the key essential of memorizing lectures. Take notes when your instructors start talking or lecturing.

Take Notes!

Organize each goal to the level of importance it has. Take time for your self to do whatever you want to do.

School and Study Work Home and Family Leisure

Organize Your Time

Set time to study, Study when it is best for you. Study with a clear mind that is free from distractions. Take breaks when study, or start a study group.

Study!

Adhere to important university dates and deadlines.

Contrary to popular opinion, university deadlines, policies, and procedures exist to smooth and speed your progress to graduation.

As many students have discovered, success in college is mostly a matter of following directions and meeting deadlines.

Stick to Deadlines

Attend classes regularly and do not arrive late.

In class, most professors cover at least half of the possible exam material. It can be difficult to learn from another’s notes, so attend class to listen and take your own notes.

Frequent absences or repeatedly arriving late communicates to the professor that you are not that concerned about the class.

Attend Class and Be on Time

Becoming a college student isn't just about good grades. It is about your mindset. If you do not take anything else I said remember it is all about what you decide to put into college. You get what you put out. Having a positive mindset and applying your positive mindset will help you become a successful college student.

It’s About Your Mindset

I wish you a successful semester! You can do it!

Professor Hudson