College is coming very fast. And with that comes the overwhelming process of packing, moving, and unpacking. You have to come to terms with summer being over, early mornings, and choosing caffeine over sleep. And as wonderful as all these things are, it’s stressful. The list of physical items you need to take with you to college can get pretty long. But there are a few nonmaterialistic things you should remember to bring.
1. Time management.
College can be stressful if you don’t manage your time. College students are best known for their lack of sleep, studying all night, and always being busy. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you remember time management, even after a long summer, your life will be so much easier. Once you figure out how to get your stuff done, have fun, take care of yourself, and sleep, you will know you have made it.
2. Determination.
In college, you either make it or break it. If you are determined and want to succeed, chances are you will. But if you let it get to you and never get your stuff done, you may not. The determination that got you to college should also be your determination to finish it. Without drive and motivation, you may just be wasting time and money. If you have a goal and want to succeed, then you definitely can.
3. Focus.
For every task you have to complete, there are at least two distractions. And I have learned that in college those distractions can and will take over if you let them. So you have to be focused in order to beat the desire to do things you want over things that you need. You have to remember why you are in college and what you are there for. And if you are there for the parties, you may not get very far.
4. Setting priorities.
Something you don’t really have to do over the summer is prioritize. But in college, if you don’t set priorities, you will drive yourself crazy. You can’t go have fun whenever you want, but it’s also unrealistic to think you will study all the time. You have to figure out what you need to do academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and mentally. You are in college to get an education, but it’s not about academics. It’s about you.
5. Flexibility.
No class, professor, assignment, test, or paper will be the same. There will always be curveballs thrown at you and you have to be flexible enough to dodge them. If you let it all get to you you will be way more stressed than you need to. You need to figure out what is important to be worried about and what you can afford to be a little flexible with.
6. Communication.
The term “communication” takes on a whole new form when you enter or return to college. You have to communicate with friends, family, professors, coaches, bosses, and other people important in your college life. You also have to communicate in several different ways from texting to emailing to face-to-face interaction. Communication is key in college because it allows you to stay updated. Knowing how to communicate quickly and effectively will not go unnoticed.
7. Engagement.
One of the best things you can do for yourself as a college student is get involved. Get involved in a club or organization, volunteer somewhere, or start something of your own. Regardless of what it is, helping out is beneficial to both the community you are a part of and yourself. It’s a great way to build character and have fun.
College is important. If you are there, you are there for a reason. The physical items you bring with you to college are important, but it’s also important to remember your mental checklist. These seven things will help you tremendously and you will be glad you remembered them. They will lead you down a successful college path.
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