Survival Guide for College Students

Tip #1: No Procrastination!

We all at some point have had assignments we put off until the last minute, it’s completely normal! When you receive your assignments, look at the due date and take each part of the assignment step by step; work towards a goal to get the highest grade possible. It’s hard to balance coursework from more than one class. Get coursework done at school so you can have time to spend with family and friends outside of school.

Tip #2: Use the Support Services on Campus

At every college campus, there are support services for you to take advantage of with helpful people to lead you to success. We have the Kaiao Lab with up to 20 pages of free printing, disability services, academic advising, a bookstore with UH gear and textbooks, counseling department, financial aid, first year experience and much more! If you feel like you are struggling or need encouragement, you are not alone. Don’t feel bad about yourself, you can do it! Help is here for you. Asking for help, whether you are an adult or fresh out of high school, is not embarrassing or something you should feel ashamed of.

Tip #3: Join Clubs and Sports

College doesn’t last forever so every college student should be immersed into the college life experience whether you are on a small campus or large campus. At our home campus, we have a new club that started this fall 2019 semester called Hoohui, which means united in Hawaiian. We also have a music club, nerf club, dance club, strategic gaming society, Hui Ho’okipa (the hospitality and tourism club), International Club of Maui, InterVarsity Club and much more! We don’t have many sports at our campus, but we have a football league in the works. If you have any new club ideas or intramural or regular sports ideas, don’t be shy, go to the student life director at the student lounge and have a discussion.

Tip #4: Supplies!

College students don’t need as many school supplies compared to high, middle, and elementary school. Instructors typically send an email with the textbook you need to purchase before the semester starts. You can either buy from the bookstore on campus or go on amazon and order your book. For the miscellaneous items like pencils, filler paper, notebooks, and highlighters, go to Walmart or Long Drugs. If you don’t like the crowds, go early in the day or late at night for a calmer experience and to avoid lines.

Tip #5: Take a Break!

This is the most valuable advice ever! With the daily stress of school, life can be stressful and hard to balance. Make sure you take as many breaks as possible and then get back to the task you are doing. Prioritize your college coursework, but if you have an event to attend or if your friends invite you somewhere, say yes!  Especially during mid-terms and finals, enjoy any free space to focus on yourself. Breaks can help you be more energized and peaceful. As a freshman, I’ve been stressed and working hard, but in my free time I take naps, hang out with family and friends, and watch YouTube.