Ten Tips for College Students

Six years ago, hundreds of thousands of students entered college with high hopes and great expectations.

Unfortunately, more than a third of those students have not yet earned a degree and close to 30% never will. To avoid having your college experience end in disappointment, consider the following ten tips for college students.

1. If possible, begin college by taking a single summer course. Doing so will give you an idea of the time and quality of work required to be successful in college. It will also enable you to lighten your academic load during your initial full semester. This tip applies to both traditional college and online college students.
    

2. Do not work more than twenty hours a week if you are a full time student. Students carrying a full academic load are 3-4 times more likely to drop out of college than students working fewer than 20 hours a week.
    

3. If you plan to live with a roommate, you and he/she should put together a written contract outlining who is responsible for which expenses, your policies on overnight guests, cleanup and neatness expectations, agreed upon quiet hours, and other important issues. Eliminating potential "roommate drama" will make college life much more enjoyable and far less stressful.
    

4. Put together a budget, including a reasonable amount for unexpected expenses. Then, stick to it.
    

5. Avoid credit card use except in emergencies. Do not charge vacation expenses, meals, entertainment, or luxury items.
    

6. Do not miss classes. Cutting classes is among the biggest mistakes students make. Studies prove that there is a very high correlation between attendance and grades in college.
    

7. Organize your major papers, projects, and exams on a calendar so you can see how to manage your time and track your progress. Leave nothing to the last minute.
    

8. Except for Friday and Saturday evenings, do not go out until your assignments are completed to the best of your ability.
    

9. Limit alcohol consumption, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and otherwise take care of your health. You'll feel better and you'll accomplish more.
    

10. Whether you are a traditional student or you are enrolled in an online degree program, form or join a study group in the classes you find most challenging. By working together in study groups, students generally learn more and earn substantially higher grades.

Nationally, fewer than 50% of college students earn a degree within four years. If you follow the advice above, you are likely to be among them. Good luck.