The college experience can be enriching and worth the investment.
There are numerous opportunities for involvement inside and outside the classroom. These opportunities can prepare your student for life after college and also provide an outlet to have a holistic college experience.
To make the most of their college experience without overloading their schedule, your student needs to plan proactively where and how to spend their time. Below are some tips to help your student make the most of their college experience (without stressing themselves out).
- Academics are priority #1. The first thing to fill your student’s schedule should be time for classes and homework. Your student is in college to complete a degree, preparing them for their next step in life. Before anything else is added to the “make the most of the college experience” list, your student needs to carve out time between classes to complete homework and prepare for the next class session. A tried-and-true rule of thumb is to plan for three hours of work per week for every one credit hour. On average, for a three-credit course, your student could expect to attend class for three hours each week and then have roughly six hours each week dedicated to homework, studying, and preparing for the next class.
- Join a student organization. Getting involved in a student organization in the first semester can provide a place of belonging for your student. They might be interested in joining an academic club, social club, athletic club, Greek letter organization, or special interest group (e.g., community service, social cause, debate). Starting with one or two student organizations will help your student connect with other students without overcommitting.
- Get active! Rest is vital to being ready for each day’s learning, and being active is also essential to overall well-being. Intramural athletics are a great way to stay active and build relationships with fellow students. Most campus facilities include a gym for working out, racquetball courts, or walking trails, among other amenities. Regardless of their ability level, there is a way to stay active on a college campus.
- Utilize student support. Student affairs professionals on each campus offer a range of support services to help your student succeed and develop holistically. From peer tutoring to the writing center to leadership development to career services to counseling and accessibility, there are staff members at each campus ready to guide your student through their college experience. If your student is unsure where to start, encourage them to visit a student union building and ask any staff member they see for the next steps.
- Have a plan. Your student will need to budget their time just like you budget your finances. They will have to “tell” their time where to go (by incorporating time management as part of their daily tasks), or else they will “spend” all their time before they know it and end up overextended and stressed.
Your student has a lot to look forward to as they begin their college journey! You can help them reach their full potential by assisting them in preparing now for how they invest their time, energy, and talents in college.
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