College Life: Tips for Students

Now that you're in college, you probably think that you'll have the time of your life, right? Well, let's hope so. Use the tips below to make sure you can both enjoy (and survive!) college living.

Student Health
Let's face it. Your health should come first. But for many students, living on their own for the very first time in their lives, the thought of taking care of themselves isn't something they dwell on very often, and sometimes not at all. So avoid the mistake that many other college students make, and think about your body. Doing the following could help you preserve good student health throughout college:

• Eat healthy foods every day: some veggies, some fruits, some protein, some carbs, and some dairy.
• Keep variety in your diet each week, and try to avoid excessive fats and salts.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Don't smoke.
• Get six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
• Exercise or be active at least 30 minutes per day, at least five days per week.
• Drink 64 ounces of water each day.

Student Finances
Now that you are on your own, you need to be more mindful and responsible about your money. Make sure you use a bank so that you don't have a lot of cash around. Make sure you know how to balance your checkbook (and do it monthly!). Make sure you record your deposits and withdrawals when they happen to avoid cash flow problems and bad check fees. Plan for unexpected expenses, and try to keep enough money in the bank to cover at least one to two months worth of bills. If you are working, double-check your pay stub to be sure you are getting properly compensated.  Ask for an increase at work every six to eight months: you might not get an increase if you don't ever ask!  Be mindful of credit card payment deadlines and work to pay the full amount each month so that you are not carrying a balance and incurring interest fees.  Try to make good decisions with the money that you do have, so you will be able to enjoy your college years.

Student Safety
When it comes to being mindful of your safety, pay attention to the details! College campuses are full of young, inexperienced adults, and that means they can attract crime and criminals. Be alert when getting into and out of your car; try to notice whether there is anyone lurking in the parking lot. Always lock your dorm or apartment doors & windows. Always ask who is at the door before opening it. Put your valuables in a safe that is out of sight in your dorm or apartment bedroom. Do not have a lot of cash around -- use a bank. And plan to go places with friends, not alone.  It's better to be safe than sorry when dealing with student safety on college campuses.

Student Success
Though there are a lot of social events happening in your college life, be sure to focus on the academics that brought you to college in the first place. You will appreciate your college years much more if you actually learn and study and gain knowledge while attending classes. So try to do the following to ensure your student success in college:

• Go to class; attendance may not be required, but you can't learn if you don't attend lectures, labs and class meetings
• Take notes; organize them and review them before tests & exams
• Study for tests
• Form study groups to meet outside of class and discuss course topics
• Make an effort to meet with the professor during his/her office hours
• If you are struggling academically, make use of campus resources, like tutoring centers, the library, and online tools
• Talk to an academic advisor about which courses to take and which order to take them in

During your college career, focus on your health, your finances, your safety, and your grades. Remember, you need to take time to think about some of the more important parts of college living so that you can be a successful student...right up to graduation!