College Survival Skills

Network/Contacts
Always get the contact information of at least three other people in your class.
If you do not form study groups, you might need to contact someone to catch up on work you missed because of an absence or late arrival/early departure

Prompt Arrival
Approach class like you would your professional life—because this will lead to a profession or career.
Respect others’ desire to learn, try to avoid being a distraction to the learning experience

Manage Time/Study
You made the commitment when you enrolled to meet the objectives of the class, so make sure you do everything you possibly can to stick with it and succeed.
It is imperative for students juggling work, family and school to set aside time to study.
Most instructors teach as if their class is priority—isn’t it? You are taking the class because you want to or you were told you have to take it to get what you want, so make sure you give the course the needed time and attention in order to successfully complete.

Ask Questions
Nobody likes looking foolish in front of the class, right? Would you rather look foolish (even though you really are being brave), or would you rather remain confused?
The classroom is a learning environment where you are allowed to make mistakes and most of all ask questions.
The student who asks questions is really doing the class a favor because usually someone else has the same question, but just isn’t brave enough.

Communicate with Instructor
Your ability to communicate with your instructor is vital
You should never take a class and not talk to the instructor during his/her office hours
Some students drop a class when they feel overwhelmed or if they don’t like an instructor, when it could actually be avoided by communicating with the instructor

Use Student Services
When you pay tuition, you pay for access to all that the campus has to offer
Take advantage of the services like the library, learning center, free tutoring, computer lab, counseling, health services, etc.
Some of the services offered can also help if you get discouraged and want to drop a class or drop out of school

Take Responsibility for your actions
It’s so easy to blame others for the difficulties we experience in our lives, try to make it a habit to examine what you contribute to a situation
Your thoughts and behavior become real—if you say to yourself, “This is going to be hard.” It will in fact be difficult. But if you tell yourself that this is a challenge that you are going to give your best, then your best will follow.

Keep your goals within focus
No matter what happens in your life—because life continues to happen, never give up on your goals.
Let no one take you off course
Eliminate negative thoughts, negative people, and any other negative influences from your sphere in order to reach your goals

For older students
Be proud of yourself for having the courage and consciousness to educate yourselves
Take your time, just because you started later does not mean you have to rush to catch up—savor the experience
Whether you have an instructor half your age or twice your age, there is something to be learned from everyone—let your wisdom guide you
Try to find ways of incorporating the wealth of knowledge and experience you have acquired over the years in your academic pursuits—this way others may benefit from your wisdom
Rebuke shame—it has no place in what you are trying to accomplish
Look at your coming back to school as returning to your youth but smarter
Have fun!!! Meet the challenges head on!!! Love to grow!!!

For young students
Study abroad or at least in another state for a year at least
Know that the contacts you make can be vital to your professional success
Get as much free money as you can: scholarships, grants, etc.
Get as much experience as you can through internships, volunteering, etc.
Try not to get burdened with debt i.e. new cars, credit cards, designer clothes, loans—be free as long as you can because once the debt accrues, you have to focus on paying it
Travel as much as you can, not just to party but to see the world you live in
If you have no children or spouses, make school your major priority—older students will tell you once you turn your focus on other things, it’s virtually impossible to get it back to school. If you do make it back, there is never enough time to study and fully focus on school the way you might like to.


Fall 2002