Happy New Year and welcome back to campus! The new year is always exciting–creating opportunities for a fresh start and a chance to set new goals and create healthier habits. For some, 2025 may bring uncertainty, anxiety, and dread. Maybe 2024 was a year of challenges, loss, and heartache when you hoped it would be calm and quiet. You may be ready for new beginnings but are not sure where to start, and it all feels overwhelming. Below are some simple, actionable steps you can take to help you not just survive but thrive in college this year.
1. Set a schedule and stick to it.
College life is busy–between classes, extracurriculars, work, and personal commitments, it is easy to fall behind. Without a clear plan each week, you may find yourself cramming for tests or missing important deadlines. To avoid this extra stress, spend time writing in a planner or using Google Calendar each weekend to review all that you have to do in the upcoming week. Go through each course in Canvas and write out when you plan to get your assignments done. By building out your week, you can visualize when you can take breaks and when you need to focus. If it is not written down, chances are it might not get done!
2. Read your books.
I know this may seem obvious, but the books you buy for your classes are required for a reason. Often, these books expand on concepts mentioned in class, which may require extra study time for you to fully understand. Many books also have practice problems or scenarios that can be great study tools for upcoming exams. Try skimming through the chapter the day before you plan to cover it in class, then read the chapter in depth after you have the lecture. Take extra notes and write a list of questions you may still have while reading to discuss later with your professors and peers.
3. Get help early.
If you are struggling with a concept, do not wait until you are buried in work and exams to ask for help. We are blessed to be at a university where professors are easily accessible and willing to help. Go to their office hours and ask for clarification on topics you find challenging. You can also take advantage of our free Tutoring Center where student tutors can further guide you through assignments, tricky topics, or even assist in setting up personalized study plans.
4. Learn to adapt.
Often, the first exams of the semester are the hardest and grades are the lowest. Instead of dwelling on a low grade, see it as an opportunity to adjust and improve. Tweak your study strategies and figure out what you could do to improve for the next time. Focus on what you can control and seek advice from professors and fellow students on how to better prepare for the next exam. Remember, growth happens when you learn from setbacks!
5. Do your best.
Ultimately, there will be times this year when you fall short and feel like you failed. You may bomb a test, miss a deadline, or forget about an important event. Know that this happens to everyone–it is completely normal! We all make mistakes; it is part of being human. What matters most is how you respond to mistakes. Do not be too hard on yourself; instead, accept the mistake, learn from it, and focus on doing better next time. Even if you do not achieve every goal, trying your best is something to be proud of and is an accomplishment in itself.
By following these simple steps, you can have a year full of academic success where you do not just survive college but thrive in it. I pray that you have a great start to the spring semester and are ready for an awesome year ahead!