College Tips

Short Bio

Hi! I’m Aria, a junior Biochemistry major at a small, Christian university. I chose my major because I am awed at the details God has artistically placed in the world that form the chemical fabric of the earth and human body. Although I understand and respect that college isn’t for everyone, I love being in college because it allows you to challenge yourself, contribute meaningfully to your future field, learn independence, and participate in community. Here is a list of skills I recommend embracing for your college journey…

1. TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
   A. Utilize your natural sleep cycle
   I am an early bird, so I like to wake up at 6:00 or earlier and have some alone time before breakfast. Then I work hard throughout the whole day, sometimes through meals. I’m usually able to be done with school by 6pm, rarely working no later than 8:30.
   However, I know people who enjoy working at night so much better! Night owls can get a bad rap but I would argue that it takes more discipline completing hard work throughout the night instead of sleeping.
   B. Take breaks-a scientifically proven strategy!
   C. Use a planner or phone reminders to keep track of assignments if it is helpful for you
   D. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize!
   Spend more time on the harder classes and more time on the topics within each class that the professor stresses. Of course, you should learn every topic in detail, but there will always be topics that are emphasized above others, especially on tests.
2. BE CURIOUS
   A. Seek a deep understanding of course content, not merely what you need to know for the test. It will open your eyes to so much beauty. Try to trace the hand of God in each subject. Find a way to be enthusiastic about the topic-you’ll make friends with your professors and be a leader in your classes.
   B. This will help you learn to be an independent learner if you’re not already!
3. REST WHEN YOU NEED TO REST
   A. God, the Creator of our bodies, tells us that we have permission to set business aside and rest. After all, if He rested, then we certainly need rest.
   B. If you get sick or don’t feel well, don’t push yourself to your limits. You don’t do work you’re proud of at your limits-just get a note and take it easy for a few days. Also, the rest of us would rather not catch the flu.
4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR RESOURCES
   A. Tutoring, office hours, healthcare, testing accommodations, student success…
   B. Don’t be afraid to frequently email the professors. They are your resource and it is their job to answer your questions.
   C. Make friends with the adults on campus! Your professors will be amazing resources as they are responsible for providing you with brain squirrels( nrly but I appreciate them for that!). Get to know them so that they can write sincere letters of recommendations. It’s always good to have other adults, like the student success coaches and cafeteria ladies, on your side too!
5. HOW TO STUDY SOCIALLY
   A. Some people might disagree with this, and people should do what works for them. However, my opinion is that study groups of two are best. It’s hard for more than 2 people to focus on something for hours.
   B. Also, the tutors are literally paid to talk about school with you and give you tips for particular classes.
6. LEARN TO WRITE WELL ACADEMICALLY
   A. I understand that this can be a big challenge for some. However, even the science fields require solid writing skills. Learn the formula for a good argumentative essay and thesis! Videos about AP history or literature courses often share good templates. After you’re comfortable with the generic form of an argumentative essay, you can easily find other writing opportunities to experiment and get creative.
   B. Make sure your professor is on board with exactly how you use AI-it could be easy to accidentally break the rules.
   C. Familiarize yourself with Owl Purdue!!! It is a citation and formatting tool that most English courses recommend as a resource. It takes away the headache of typing out every single citation instead of just checking automatically generated citations for mistakes.
7. YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR COURSE SCHEDULE AND 4-YEAR- PLAN!
   A. Although there is usually a 4-year course plan for each major, it is merely a suggestion. You’re in charge of your own schedule. Thankfully I’ve always had advisors who understand that I like to plan my own classes and do things a little differently. By university rules, as long as your advisor doesn’t think your idea is so bad that they can’t sign off on it, your schedule is your choice!
   B. If possible, try to mix things up a little bit in a way that will make you stand out from your peers! Add a random photography class or take some things out of order if you have a good reason and if prerequisites allow!
8. TALK WITH THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU BEFORE CLASS INSTEAD OF SCROLLING ON YOUR PHONE
   A. I learned this back in dual-enrollment and it makes classes much more fun! It’s also helpful for community’s sake.
   B. I go to a small university, and chances are I’ll see most of my classmates again in other classes. Alternatively, sometimes our schedules will just overlap and we’ll end up seeing each other almost every day outside of class. This environment is more fun if you’ve actually interacted with the person before.
9. PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS AND BE WELL-ROUNDED
   A. Seek challenges and grasp interesting opportunities! That’s why you’re at college, after all!
   B. Practice interview skills. Usually schools will offer mock interviews. However, even outside of formal practice, you can go to fancy dinners or conferences that will allow you to practice interacting with people genuinely while also showing why you’d be a good fit professionally.
10. SEEK MOMENTS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND REFRESHMENT
    A. I’m blessed to go to a Christian university where they try really hard to extend many opportunities for spiritual growth to the students. Many of these opportunities are very invigorating spiritually. However, I know that God will provide moments for spiritual refreshment at least as much in a secular school, as well!
    B. A missionary at my school challenged the students to look for reasons why God has placed you at your school outside of studying and career prep, although His hand is also in those things. Ask Him what He wants you to do at your university and what He wants you to learn!
    C. One reason I love studying the details of the classes I take is that I love to see God’s inventiveness and creativity. As a student, your whole job is to study things that make you marvel at God and share them with the academic community! It is an exciting way to spend your time!