Many students complain that college life is hard. Well, once you join college, you are expected to work harder and be more responsible, but this is something that should be manageable. Some students also feel overwhelmed when it comes to dealing with finances, friends, family, and life in general while in college. Some end up quitting college before graduation. You don’t have to go down that road, since most challenges are as a result of one’s choices, and thus it’s something that you can fix. This article highlights some of the habits that are making college harder and steps you can take to get rid of them.
1. Procrastinating
One of the habits that can make college life harder for you are postponing your assignments. Yes, college assignments can be tough at times, but if you put them off until the deadline, you won’t have time to research and life will get stressful. The same applies to exams. If you haven’t been reading throughout the semester and studying frequently, exams will be hard for you. The best way to avoid procrastination is to have a plan. Have a reading timetable and follow through. Also, set specific deadlines for your assignments. You can design and print a timetable or use an online calendar. Assembling all the resources you need at the beginning of the semester can also help in avoiding procrastination. And don’t forget to get a serene study space.
2. Not Caring for Yourself
It’s probably the first time you are living alone. You will have to make your own decisions on what to eat, and how to spend your time. That independence is a good thing because it teaches you how to be responsible. Sadly, some college students misuse that and make choices that are not good for their health and wellbeing. The junk diets, late-night movies on weekdays, and sedentary lifestyles may seem fun at first, but they only end up making college life harder. When you are not feeding your body well, sleeping well and exercising, you may start to feel tired and/or get sick. Your concentration in class can also be affected. Break this habit by planning your meals in advance, having an exercise schedule, and getting seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
3. Compromising on Quality to Save Money
As a student, you probably don’t have a lot of money to spend on shopping. However, this doesn’t mean that you should overlook the quality of the product you are buying just to save on money. This is especially important for items that are meant to serve you for longer periods. Other than longevity, quality products also meet their need optimally. For example, when you find the perfect mattress for your sleep needs, you can sleep comfortably throughout the night and your day at school will be more productive. To overcome this habit, don’t look at the price only when you are making a purchase. Check the product description, do some research on the product, and read reviews by people who have used the product before.
5. Spending Money without a Plan
One of the things you should learn while in college is how to spend your money wisely. And the best way to do this is to operate on a budget. Start by identifying how much money you are getting each month or semester then divide that among your expenses. If you don’t have enough to cover expenses, you may need to think about finding a part-time job. However, not every student can work and study, and thus you should only do it if it’s viable for you.
Finally, don’t forget to have a good study-life balance. Hanging with friends and family, getting a hobby, traveling, volunteering and getting a mentor or mentoring someone, can also make college life much easier for you.
For more great college tips, check out the other blogs on College Basics.
