The College Life Crisis: Handling Issues Outside Of The Lecture Room

The beginning of college is undeniably one of the most exciting times in any young person’s life. For the vast majority, though, it’s also a time where you will quickly grow up. In truth, the need to take on increased responsibility during lectures is just the start.
 
College life requires maturity in many different areas, especially if you want to achieve greatness. Gaining control over those external matters is what will make all the difference to the success of these crucial years.

Here’s how to adopt winning routines from the very start.

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#1. Feel Comfortable At Home
If your living situation is unsuitable during college, it will take its toll on your studies and your general happiness. Therefore, this must be the first element that you look to perfect.   
 
Living in shared accommodation may be fun for the first few weeks, but it could soon stop you from working. Finding a studio apartment for rent is often the far better solution. It provides you with far greater control over your study-leisure balance, which enables you to seek more joy from both aspects.
 
Moreover, having a space that’s all yours makes it far easier to keep clean and organized. There’s nothing worse than living with overly messy roommates. For the sake of your happiness as well as your studies, creating a positive living space is essential. ​

#2. Work Out A Study Strategy 
They say that college is about more than gaining qualifications. While this may be true, it’s imperative that you remember the main purpose is to get the grades needed for a successful career. As such, those studies should always be at the heart of your activities.   
 
Lectures give you a foundation of knowledge, but college relies heavily on autonomy. By improving your study technique, you won’t just achieve better grades. You’ll also improve the efficiency. This means that you’ll have more time for the other activities that will make college the most memorable time of your life. 
 
Once your studies are going well, external issues will feel far less problematic too. If that doesn’t give you an incentive to perfect this aspect ASAP, what will?

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#3. Generate An Income
As a student, you’re unlikely to be blessed with vast financial resources. Learning to cope with a small budget is an important factor of college life, but you shouldn’t ignore the need to earn some cash. Even if it’s only a few dollars to cover educational expenses, it will go a long way to enhancing the experience.
 
Working shouldn’t stand in the way of lectures or outside study. Nonetheless, finding a part-time job can be a great way to increase your development and understanding of the world. Ideally, you’ll be able to gain experience in your chosen field too. When this happens, your academic progress is likely to see positive impacts too.
 
Above all else, removing the financial fears allows you to concentrate on enjoying life and your studies. ​

#4. Organize Outgoings 
Financial control is a two-way street, though. Consequently, in addition to earning a little money to supplement your studies, you must think about your overheads. After all, reduced waste can make life feel far less stressful. 
 
As a student, you’ll already be used to the concept of pre-drinking and saving money on nights out. However, it’s equally vital that you make positive daily choices. From meal preps to avoiding needless expenses like buying an Uber when you could walk, those steps will aid your finances greatly. Another top trick is to buy books from past graduates at a discounted rate. 
 
Meanwhile, this is a great time to incorporate a fitness hobby into your life. Student gym memberships are often cheaper anyway. Use it on a regular basis, and you’ll be gaining fantastic value for money.   ​

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#5. Maintaining Contact
College is a wonderful time where you will meet dozens of new people, and this can make it all very exciting. However, there’s a strong probability that only a handful will remain friends after graduation. With this in mind, you should not forget about friends and relatives back home.
 
Given that we all lead busy lives, nobody expects to be in constant contact. Nonetheless, modern technology makes it very easy to stay in touch with friends. Whether it’s using social media or video conferencing doesn’t matter. Making an effort will ensure that you retain those key friendships.   
 
Besides, you’ll probably return home during the holidays. If you are in contact with people, it’ll be far easier to organize events during those periods.

#6. Learn To Grow 
Academic progress is only one part of your ongoing development. In truth, growing as a person is equally crucial during this transitional period of your life. You must not let it go undervalued. 
 
This increased independence should encourage you to learn various key skills. Furthermore, though, you must learn to connect with your health. This is especially true when considering mental health because only you will know when there is an issue. Help is available when you think there is an issue. Being vigilant is key. 
 
College is also a part of your life where you need to start putting yourself first. Helping others is a wonderful thing, but it mustn’t come at the expense of your needs. That slightly selfish approach is the only way you’ll get anywhere in the real world. Use this time to embrace it.

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#7. Enjoy A Good Social Life
Most of the above points are linked to taking responsibility and growing up. Nevertheless, college is a special time in your life that is there to be enjoyed. A good social life is a key aspect of this, and you must not overlook it.
 
Ok, so you don’t want to end up in jail. Still, doing a few foolish things is important. Meanwhile, arranging a trip for Spring Break can be incredible. Those magical memories will last a lifetime, and this is one of the things that will make college the best time of your life.
 
Ultimately, the last thing you want to do is look back on college life with regret. Find the right balance between the two key ingredients, and you’ll be sure to find a recipe for success.

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​by Iconic Chica Contributors