Congratulations, you are joining the ranks of millions of students who are going off to college. You are about to embark on a journey filled with excitement and challenges. While on this journey, learn the lessons of other students and do not fall prey to mistakes commonly made by them. Many times these mistakes can become obstacles in achieving the goal of obtaining a college degree.
In this post:
1. Too Much Credit/Debt
Signing up for a credit card or student loan may seem like the best way out of a situation but think twice before you agree to borrow money. Getting a credit card and running up credit card debt is not the way to pay for college expenses. Remember when you borrow money, you are agreeing to pay it back with interest. Many college students are saddled with thousands of dollars in debt when they graduate.
40 percent of 25-year-olds carry student debt. The danger of student debt is real. Paying off student loans may mean that you have to delay other things after college such as buying a car, a house, or starting a business. When dealing with debt, your goal should be to accumulate as little debt as possible. If you must apply for a student loan, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to. Make sure you know how much you will have to pay back per month. There can be good uses for credit but buying a pizza or a new wardrobe on credit is probably not the best use of your money.
2. Time Management Skills
College is a giant test of managing your time. Since you are a college student, you are now considered on your own. You don’t have parents around telling you what to do; now it’s up to you to do it. Learn how to manage your time wisely. Show up to class on time, having completed the required assignment(s). If you have trouble with time management there are many time management tools/resources online. Learning great time management skills and avoiding procrastination will not only help you during college but can help you be successful in life.
3. Not Securing Enough Financial Aid
One of the biggest reasons many people leave college is because they cannot afford to pay for it. Paying for college can be a challenge. Finding the money in form of scholarships can take a lot of work but grants and scholarships are always better than a loan. Make the financial aid office at your school your friend.
Let them know you are seeking more than just loans and that you really need their help. Sometimes you may have to get creative such as enrolling for fewer hours for a semester or two. Also, see what your school offers in the form of internships and work-study. These programs can dramatically decrease the amount of money you have to pay back after college.
4. Waiting too Long to Get Help
Resources abound on college campuses to help students succeed. Believe it, colleges really do want you to succeed. To help you be successful many colleges offer freshmen success classes, tutoring sessions, library resources, departmental help, etc. Use the resources available to you to get the GPA you want. Professors have office hours; use them. Don’t wait until the last week of a class to seek help. More importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling in a class, most likely you are not the only one.
5. Not Participating in Internships
Quick question. Which job candidate is more attractive to a potential employer? The student who worked at the local fast-food restaurant or the student who worked as an intern in his/her chosen field of study? Most employers would choose the intern which is why you should work hard to land an internship while you are in school. Work with your academic department to make sure you chose an internship that is relevant to your major and one that will give you the experience you seek.
Avoiding these pitfalls can make your college experience very rewarding and satisfying. You made it your goal to start college. Now make it your goal to finish.
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