5 New Year’s Resolutions for Students

in college life by Kathy Teel — December 30, 2010 at 1:45 pm | 3 comments

What Kind of Student Do you Want to Be?

I know it’s winter break, but school will be starting in just a couple short weeks.  The rest from the stress of finals is a desperately needed relief, and the anticipation of a new term hasn’t yet kicked in, so this is a great time to give some objective thought to what kind of student you want to be in the next school year.

Here are some New Year’s Resolutions guaranteed to make 2011 the best school year ever.

1.       In 2011, I will review my class notes once a week. Just skim them over.  You don’t have to memorize them, or even really study them, but a once a week review will keep them, and the teachers’ lectures they represent, fresh in your mind.   This will ensure that you actually learn the material (remember, classes are about learning, not passing), and that your stress level is drastically reduced come midterms and finals.

2.       In 2011, I will take advantage of non-class opportunities my campus offers. College campuses offer tons of free and no-cost activities, concerts, performances, lectures, debates, seminars, symposiums, and other chances to hear, see, learn, and experience.  I know that once you get back home or back to your dorm, it’s hard to tear yourself away from your friends or the TV, but there will be no other time in your life when you have this wealth of intellectual and cultural opportunity available to you for to nothing (or next to nothing).

3.       In 2011, I will do the assigned reading. Or, at least, more of it than before.  Obviously, nobody does all the assigned reading, but teachers design their reading assignments to complement their lectures and assignments.  And you probably paid $150 for that textbook, right?  There actually is valuable information in there—and it’s information that future employers will expect you to have.

4.       In 2011, I will ask questions. This is so important for many reasons.  The whole college process is about other people having information you’re trying to acquire.  This could mean academic subject matter—the stuff your professors teach—but it could also mean requirements for your major, the best internships, how to write a resume, or how to organize a senior thesis.  If you don’t understand something in class—ask!  If you don’t agree with something your teacher said—ask!  If you don’t understand why a certain course is required in your major—ask!  Be proactive, assertive, and take responsibility for your own learning and training.

5.       In 2011, I will communicate with my professors. Even if there are 500 people in your class, introduce yourself to the professor.  This is especially critical if you have any special circumstances or challenges, or if you need an extension on an assignment.  If the teacher knows you beforehand, you are much more likely to get a break.  Teachers tend to see classes as a group, with group needs and a group personality, and they can’t see you as an individual unless you present yourself as one.  Also see #4—ask questions.  That’s an excellent way to establish communication with your professors.

Like most New Year’s resolutions, these are things you should be doing, anyway, of course, just like we should lose weight and all those other things we resolve every year. Don’t make excuses for yourself – make a change for the better.  A new year is a second chance to do things right, to do them as we always promised ourselves we would.  That includes being a better student and getting the most from our education.

Happy New Year!

PS: Tune in tomorrow for 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Teachers!

Tags: college New Year opportunity resolutions students study