College Life Hacks: What to Expect and How to Thrive

Six tips for succeeding in college 

Attending college is a huge milestone in anyone’s life. As you prepare to leave home, there are lots of useful tips, tricks and college life hacks that can help you survive and thrive as a college student.  

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports a rising number of students who leave school before completing a degree. By the end of July 2022, more than 36.8 million students were reported to have some college, no credential – an increase of 2.9% from the previous year. While unavoidable circumstances can hinder a student from getting to the finish line, how to succeed in college ahead of time can give you a head start and build your confidence as you set forward in your academic pursuits.  Ready to level up? Below is a list of six hacks for college life.  

College Life Hack No. 1 

Attend information sessions at orientation. 

Orientation events are intentionally designed to ease the transition into college life for incoming students. Knowing what to expect and where to go on the first day of classes can reduce anxiety and help students feel more confident.  

Orientation is a breath of fresh air for the overthinker. Many logistical questions are answered at information sessions, laying the foundation for knowing how to succeed in college.  

You’ll learn about important topics like campus safety, dorm rules, parking and transportation options, which are vital for daily life. Other orientation sessions center around new student onboarding and help you set up your college email account, access course portals and navigate online academic resources. 

There will be plenty of chances to grab printed material you can pin to your bulletin board back in your dorm room as easy reminders. Thriving in college will be easier once you are successfully onboarded as a new student.  

In addition to information sessions, orientation will have many social events where you can connect with your peers and start building a new community.   

College Life Hack No. 2

Get to know your campus. 

With a group of friends or by yourself, take an unofficial tour of campus before classes start to familiarize yourself with key spots like the academic buildings of your classes, the dining hall and study spaces. 

Like many things in life, confidence is a key to succeeding in college. Knowing where to go on the first day of classes will increase your confidence and make you feel less intimidated.  Becoming familiar with the campus layout will also save you time and prevent you from getting lost when classes start.   

College Life Hack No. 3 

Connect with your professors.  

You’re not in high school anymore, which means you don’t have to duck and cover if you spot your professor at the grocery store or at a concert.  

No college survival guide would be complete without emphasizing that professors are a great resource. Visit professors during their office hours to ask questions, clarify coursework or just introduce yourself. Building relationships with professors can help academically and personally.  

Whether they write you a recommendation letter or notify you of opportunities in the field, your professors can become fantastic assets for your professional success. You might even find a great mentor in a professor you admire and have built relationships with.  

College Life Hack No. 4

Get involved.  

Engaging in campus activities will help you meet new people, make friends and feel a sense of belonging, which is essential for surviving college life.  

Most colleges have dozens if not hundreds of organizations, clubs and activities for students to participate in. Getting involved has numerous advantages including helping you build a social network of professional connections, broadening your horizons by exposing you the different ideas, cultures and prospectives of your peers and improving your mental health and well-being by combating loneliness. 

Organizations and clubs can boost your resume and introduce you to professional opportunities that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.  

Getting involved will allow you to grow academically, socially, and personally. Succeeding in college is best achieved when you can maximize the college experience and set yourself up for future success. 

College Life Hack No. 5 

Take advantage of free student resources. 

From improving what is taught in the classroom to ensuring you have an enjoyable student life experience to helping you with career and professional development, colleges have entire offices focused on student thriving in college. Remember to take full advantage of the many free and discounted resources on and off campus. Every campus is different, but here are some common resources for college students:  

• Library, tutoring and writing centers: College libraries are a gold mine for getting free access to information, research databases and even some textbooks. Tutoring and writing centers are available if you are needing some extra academic help.  

• Fitness center: Many colleges provide students with free access to campus fitness centers. There are usually great options for group fitness classes and even personal training offered for free or at discounted rates. 

• Software: Many software companies give college students extremely discounted rates including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud and various antivirus software. 

• Tech and Electronics: Apple, Dell and HP, Spotify and Amazon Prime are a few tech and electronics companies with student discounts. 

• Career and professional resources: Students can get career counseling, resume preparation and editing as well as access to job and internship platforms. 

• Mental health services: Many colleges have some form of student care and support office that provides short-term and long-term mental health services as well as sponsor events that promote mental health awareness throughout the year.  

College Life Hack No. 6

Develop healthy habits.

College will probably be the first time you have full control over your daily routine, including your diet, exercise, sleep schedule and study habits.  It is also one of the only times you will be able to try so many new things all at once without the fear of failure and harsh consequences, so go big!  

Whether you want to start working out or find a new hobby, you have the time, freedom and community support to achieve greatness by establishing routines that can continue long after graduation. Don’t know where to start? Use this short list as a jumping off point: 

•  Stay hydrated- Keep a refillable water bottle with you to stay energized and focused throughout the day. 

• Use a calendar- Track important dates, assignments and deadlines to stay organized. 

• Snack wisely- Stock your dorm with easy, healthy snacks for when you're too busy to hit the dining hall. 

• Learn how to budget- Track your spending to avoid going overboard on unnecessary expenses and always be on the lookout for student discounts. 

Challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone and build a community is another healthy habit to start while you are in college. The on-campus college environment is the perfect place to get plugged in and find your people. Belmont University is known for creating a helping students find belonging and make lifelong connections.   

The foray into adulthood will be filled with unexpected setbacks and vital life lessons that challenge and teach you. These college life hacks will prepare you and give you confidence as you move forward.  

Ready to tackle college all on your own? Explore Belmont University today.