Learn Study tips for college in the USA.

The start of a college degree can be a hugely stressful experience! If you’re travelling across the world to commence college in the US, you might be just a little bit nervous about all the unknown things this experience is going to introduce into your life. Let’s explore some key things below that will hopefully make your college experience more enjoyable from day 1.

Are you the type of person that struggles to stay organised and on top of your commitments? Well, don’t underestimate just how much staying organised is going to help as the semester progresses and work starts piling up. Right from day 1, try to keep a calendar of commitments of everything from homework and assignments to social and extracurricular events. Be mindful of what works best for you and go from there, e.g. if you’re not a morning person, don’t schedule in study time… You won’t stay on top of your schedule if it doesn’t work for you.

Whilst you might feel that you have to be studying constantly, if you don’t cut yourself time for breaks, you’re going to burn out before the semester is even half way done. A big part of looking after yourself is simply ensuring that you’re organised and not wasting time being stressed about the many things that you can’t control. For example, don’t let a bad grade get you down, if you’re stressing about your GPA, reach out to student services or your tutor for support. On campus services are there to help you when you’re doing it tough. Consider applying for study groups if you’re struggling with course material or your study load.

Have you considered keeping a notebook for each class where you exclusively take notes of material that your professors mention are going be in tests and exams? This is just one of many things that you can do to ease the stress that comes with exam time. If you’re the type of person that struggles with technology procrastination, consider unplugging. The internet is full of distractions and if you only have a few hours free to study each week, it’s really important that you use this time wisely. Have you tried mixing up your study spots? If you’ve been struggling to study at home, try setting yourself up in the library or at a cafe. Sometimes it takes a new environment and unfamiliar surrounds to unlock a productive study routine.

If you’re feeling exhausted and incapable of studying when you get home after a long day, don’t let yourself feel guilt! You’re only human, we all need to rest sometimes. Have you lost sight of all the things you used to love doing outside of college before you took on this busy study load? Cut yourself time and check back in with your favourite things so you can reenergize and get back into your best learning headspace. It’s all too easy to feel like you’re drowning in study when all you do is study – be sure to look after yourself!

It’s incredible just how much easier college can be to manage when you have a supportive community that’s there to support you. If you’re new to the US, make a conscious effort to make a new friend in each class. You never know when they may be able to help you catch up on missed notes or to help prepare for tests when the two of you can get together and exchange notes. Consider it this way, the more people you know around you, the more individuals that you have to help when you find yourself in need. Never be afraid to ask for help, you may be surprised by just how supportive your new community is when you ask for their assistance.

Have you struggled to get into a healthy study routine in the past? If you’re nervous about your future workload, remember that with both considered planning and practice, you’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve. Stay on top of your study commitments from day 1 and you’ll be free to enjoy the experience of college in the US.