From entering high school to graduating college, it’s one of the most important times in your life. Everyone goes through it, but only the people who have lived through it can give the best advice. That’s where I come in, a 20-year-old college student who’s been through high school and living the college experience to give you all the tips for survival. 

Starting school is tough, whether it’s high school or college. You and the other 58,507 Orange County high school students recorded in 2018’s OCPS Pocket Guide have to go back to your schedule of waking up early, doing tasks you don’t really want to do, and studying. I’m tired already. Since the new school year just started, you’re probably asking yourself: How can I make this year or semester not as cruel?

Studying is such a huge part of school and one that most – if not all – of us dread. Making studying easier and a little more exciting is the key to success. Create a study schedule for the entire year or semester! The Australian Youth Center website, which offers just about any information youth would need, states that planning your study time using alarms, using wall planners, making to-do lists, and setting time limits will significantly help your study routine. 

Figure out early in the year what kind of “studier” you are. For example, I love studying alone in a place full of people because it helps me feel in the zone and focused. I discovered this in college, which made high school a little more painful than it had to be. Test whether groups or alone time works better, in a crowded coffee shop or in your room, or whether reading your textbook or watching YouTube videos about the subject helps more.

Always introduce yourself to your teacher/professor; it can help you feel more comfortable talking to them or help the instructor remember who you are. Be careful, though, because if your teacher is the type to call out random names to answer questions and he/she only remembers your name, it might make you want to hide under a table.

While the beginning of school is stressful, find ways to make it fun. Make fun plans with friends on the weekends to have something you can look forward to throughout the week. If going to see a movie on Friday night with your friends gets you through the two tests you have that week, then you are winning life. 

Designate a full day without thinking or talking about school; this tip is necessary for mental health and relaxation. I always find that if I think positively about the start of a new school year, then it feels more exciting throughout the year. Just try it before you go hating on the cliché idea. 

Figuring out what kinds of clubs your school offers would also be great to do during the start of this new year. Clubs and extracurriculars can provide a much-needed stress break from direct school talk. 

I know that people are either exercisers or very much not exercisers, but it does help with stress and anxiety. If you are already inclined to exercise, great, keep going! But if you hate it, maybe try a few at-home-exercise YouTube videos a few times a week. It’s easier to start this healthy habit earlier in the year because final exams are nowhere near. The faster and the sooner you can get your routine down the better, so plan ahead and schedule yourself to make your life easier. 

This one might be the most important, so read carefully. On the first day, your professor most likely gave you a syllabus – don’t lose it! Or don’t lose it until you put all the dates of homework, tests, and projects into your phone with a reminder a few days prior. You will never have an excuse to forget any assignment’s due date again! Thank me later. 

Of course, I’m still going through the whole college situation, and you should always listen to your parents’ advice first, but I hope this helps. And don’t forget that you have so much to offer the world! 

Have some advice or want advice on a specific topic? Email Togenerationz@gmail.com with your inquiries.