How to Be Successful in College
College is a unique chapter in your life. You’ve gained newfound independence, are living in a new environment, and are slowly stepping into adulthood. With these changes come a lot of decisions that will shape your future. How to be successful in college is a question that many students ask, but there’s no universal answer—success in college is different for everyone, depending on personal styles and goals.
However, there are certain common traits that most successful students share. How to be successful in college often involves balancing independence with responsibility, managing your time wisely, and developing a strong work ethic. These habits help students thrive in their academic and personal lives.
Additionally, building strong connections, whether with professors, peers, or campus resources, is another key element. How to be successful in college means forming relationships that support your growth, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Ultimately, success in college isn’t just about grades or achieving high honors. It’s about personal development, exploring new opportunities, and navigating the challenges that come with independence and self-direction.
How to Succeed in College
To achieve success in college, developing effective study habits and avoiding procrastination are key. Stay organized, stick to deadlines, and break tasks into manageable chunks to keep yourself on track.
Seek Help When Needed
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors if you’re struggling with course material. Attending office hours is a great way to get additional support and clarification on difficult concepts.
Choose Classes You’re Passionate About
Select courses that genuinely interest you. When you’re engaged in a subject that excites you, learning becomes more enjoyable and meaningful, helping you stay motivated throughout the semester.
Studying
1. Avoid Procrastinating
College academics, especially during the first term, can be challenging because you’re dealing with material you’ve never encountered before. Plus, the expectations are higher, and you’re now fully responsible for your motivation and success. Unlike high school, college requires you to build your education from the ground up rather than simply memorizing facts from a teacher. This can mean more work than you’re used to.
To stay on track, give yourself incentives to study in advance. For example, hold off on cashing your paycheck until you’ve finished that term paper, or celebrate with friends after taking a test. Reward yourself for hitting study goals, like treating yourself to something you’ve wanted after completing an assignment.
Be realistic about your priorities. College life is a balancing act—it’s not possible to juggle all the same social, academic, and work responsibilities that you did in high school. Set aside enough time to meet academic obligations and consider how much you can afford to spend on social activities.
2. Get Passionate About Something
Take a moment to reflect on what excites you—whether that’s a particular field of study, a hobby, or a career goal. What do you truly enjoy doing? What are your aspirations? College is not just about passing courses; it’s an important step toward shaping your future. Think about what you want to do after graduation, and how your college experience can prepare you for that next chapter.
3. Work on Your General Education
Most colleges require students to complete general education or distribution requirements, even if you’ve already declared a major. These courses are designed to build essential skills such as written and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Even if you’re focused on your major, keep an open mind and apply these skills to your primary field of study. Another benefit of these courses is that they prepare you for a variety of career paths, especially since you’re likely to change careers several times over your lifetime. Even a class or two outside your major can give you valuable knowledge that may come in handy later on.
4. Learn to Separate Gossip from Genuine Information
In college, it’s easy to get caught up in gossip or hearsay. Instead, focus on using observations and evidence to form your own opinions. Attend campus events and seminars, join relevant clubs, and read reliable news sources daily. Form your own perspective, and don’t let others dictate your beliefs.
5. Talk to Your Professors
A common mistake many students make is failing to build a relationship with their professors. Developing a connection with your professors can enrich your learning experience and expand your professional network.
Use office hours to get help on course material, not just to “show your face” or seek a grade change. Come prepared with specific questions, class notes, and textbooks. Professors are there to help you, but it’s your responsibility to engage with the material and stay motivated.
Consider finding a mentor, such as a professor or staff member, who can offer advice and guidance based on your academic and career goals. While a mentor may not secure a job for you, they can provide invaluable insights and help you navigate your future.
6. Form Good Study Habits
Everyone has their own study style. Whether you prefer quiet or background noise, individual or group study, it’s important to find what works best for you. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How long does it take for an idea to stick? Do you need weeks or days to grasp a concept?
- What type of learner are you? Are you an auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learner?
Also, consider when you work best. Are you more productive in the morning, or do you do your best work late at night? Find your optimal study routine and stick with it.
7. Set an Academic Goal for Yourself
Without an academic goal, you might leave college questioning whether you did your best. Your goal doesn’t have to be the same as someone else’s. Be realistic and take into account your other personal goals. College isn’t just about achieving a 4.0 GPA or graduating summa cum laude—it’s about doing the best you can with the resources available to you.
Socializing
1. Establish as Many Friendships as Possible
When you’re at a larger school, the sheer number of new faces can feel overwhelming—but don’t worry, this is normal. Over time, as you get past the intimidation factor, you’ll meet dozens (or even hundreds) of people you connect with and learn from. Many students look back on their college years fondly, often because of the friendships they made.
The key is to be open to meeting new people. Push past the initial discomfort, and take the opportunity to form bonds with classmates, roommates, and peers from different backgrounds. These friendships can shape your college experience in ways you might not expect.
2. Get Involved in Clubs, Traditions, and Events
College events are different from the compulsory activities you might have experienced in high school. Since participation is voluntary, you’ll be surrounded by people who genuinely enjoy the activities they attend. Clubs and events are a great way to meet like-minded people, and you’ll likely encounter a diverse mix of personalities and backgrounds.
Make an effort to join clubs and attend events that aren’t just in your immediate social circle. While it’s fine to bring your friends along, doing so might limit your chances of meeting new people. Branch out and connect with others beyond your usual group, and you might discover new interests and friendships along the way.
3. Go to Parties
Parties are a common part of the college experience, and they offer a chance to meet new people in a fun, relaxed environment. However, it’s important to be smart and cautious when partying. Always go with friends, and use the buddy system to keep an eye out for each other.
Be a gracious guest by respecting the host’s space, and bring something to contribute, like drinks or snacks. Being polite and considerate can make you the kind of guest people remember fondly.
When it comes to drugs, be informed and careful. While moderate alcohol or marijuana use may not pose immediate risks, harder drugs like cocaine, meth, or hallucinogens can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Stick to what you’re comfortable with, and never take substances you’re unsure about.
4. Engage in Safe Sex, If You Choose to Be Active
Many college freshmen are still learning about sexual health. While it’s common for people to brag about their sexual experiences, the reality is that many students don’t have as much sexual activity as they claim.
If you choose to be sexually active, always use protection. Condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and are crucial in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Whether you’re a guy or a girl, keep condoms with you, and make sure they’re used every time.
Remember that alcohol can impair your judgment and decision-making skills. Even a small amount can lower your inhibitions, making it easier to engage in sexual activity you might not otherwise consider. Always be mindful of how alcohol affects your choices.
5. Never Eat Alone
The idea behind “never eat alone” is about making the most of every opportunity to network, connect, and build relationships—whether for personal or career development. College is the perfect time to meet people who could help shape your future, and lunch or dinner can be the ideal setting for casual networking.
If you prefer eating alone, that’s perfectly fine too. However, use meal times as an opportunity to make connections, learn about new perspectives, and broaden your social circle. You never know where one casual conversation might lead.
