Finance Authority of Maine
FAME's 5 on the 5th
August 2011

 

5 Tips to Prepare for College Success 

 

It's an exciting time of year as students get ready for college. Often the focus is on finalizing class schedules or making purchases for a new living space. However, the following tips will help students arrive at college prepared to succeed.

 

 

1.  Manage your time. 

  • Make a schedule that includes class time, study time, work time (if applicable), and free time.
  • Plan to study approximately two hours for every hour of class.
  • If working, do you work a set schedule or does your schedule vary from week to week? Does your employer allow any flex time? If able, schedule a day off from work during an exam week to study or rest up.
  • Don't forget to set some time aside for activities that you enjoy such as exercise, hobbies, and time with friends and family.

 

2.  Make a college budget.

  • Be sure that you don't run out of money during the school year! Create a budget (spending plan) before you start classes.
  • Begin by identifying all of your sources of income, including financial aid, and then determine where you will spend your money.
  • Determine which expenses (spending) are fixed (not easily changed), flexible (amount may vary based on your choices), or optional (not needed).
  • If you find that your expenses are more than your income, find ways to either reduce your spending or earn more money.

 

 3.  Prepare yourself.

  • Take a study skills course or workshop to brush up on your skills and learn new techniques.
  • Make sure that your computer is in good working order. If you will be taking an online course, test out and resolve any connection issues before the class begins.
  • Organize your notebooks and folders and shop for textbooks. Buying used textbooks will save you money. Used textbooks are available online as well as at the school bookstore. Some schools allow you to rent textbooks. The key is to shop early to compare options and get the best price.

 

4.  Find a good place to study. 

  • Create a study space that has adequate lighting, heating/cooling, electricity, and computer connectivity.
  • Your study space should be free from distractions and appealing to you.
  • You may have to try a few different places before you find a study space that works well.

 

 5.  Know the resources available to you.

  • Find out who your advisor is and the process for meeting with him or her.
  • Determine the best way to communicate (phone or email) with your professors and when they hold office hours.
  • Find out if there are any tutoring and/or study groups and the process for signing up for these services.
  • Understand the process and timeframe for dropping a course.
  • Find out when the library and the computer lab are open.
  • Check to see what online resources are available to you as a student. Often students have access to expensive online resources for free. The school librarian should be able to provide more information.

 

Good luck! The transition to college can take some time, but do your best to enjoy this exciting and important time in your life!

 

Finance Authority of Maine
www.famemaine.com
 
Tel:      (207) 623-3263
           (800) 228-3734
Fax:     (207) 623-0095
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