If you’re like me, you start every semester with the same promise to yourself – “This will be my best semester ever.” In some ways, I stick to that promise. My grades will get better, or I’ll feel like I’ve learned more. There’s no perfect method to survive college. College is a game – a complex system that students must learn in order to beat the game. I could go on about how college is a game but I’ll leave that for a separate article.

I want to dedicate this article to one thing: The basic fundamental study skills and practices you must learn to make this next semester your best yet.

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Before you read on, take a second to look back on your previous semester. If this is your first, then think about high school or whatever previous learning environment you were in. Think hard about how you managed yourself during school. Was your management style efficient? Are you proud of your study skills and habits? If so please read these tips and add them to your method, if they seem like a good fit. However, if you are searching for successful, proven fundamentals to build positive study habits on, you need to make a commitment to change. Make a mental promise to yourself to do away with your old habits so you can build new ones.

Plan Ahead The Right Way

Anyone can plan ahead, right? “You have a test on the 23rd, make sure you plan ahead.” This is not what I’m trying to get at. To plan ahead the right way means taking this opportunity to think about what you want to achieve by the end of the semester and by the end of your four years. What goals do you want to accomplish? What grades do you want to receive? Are you going to need an internship anytime soon? Often, students don’t take the time to plan ahead and later find themselves making rushed decisions. Instead, sit down and make a To-Do List for the future. Things to consider include, internships, clubs or organizations, community service, work experience, scholarships, grad school, etc..

I’ll use myself as an example. As a sophomore I finally settled on my major choice and started to think about my future. I knew I needed some experience in my field before I graduated so I applied for a job working with the Athletics Department at my college (The University of Texas at Austin). I’ve worked there for two years now and the experience and references from that job will serve me well after college.

Make a Calendar for the Entire Semester

If you don’t own a planner, get one. I personally use iCal on my Macbook, but I know many successful students who will recommend a planner you can physically write in. This planner needs to include everything:

• Test dates from your syllabus
• Project deadlines
• Last day to drop a class
• School holidays
• Professor office hours
• Club and Organization Meetings and Events
• Doctor’s Appointments
• Football Home Games (not required but it helps me)
• Final Exam/Midterm dates and times
• Any other event or task that you need to be aware of

Doing this will drastically reduce your stress level. It allows you to know when your “busy” weeks will be, and to plan accordingly.

Get Organized

Organization goes a long way. Clean your room. I’m serious. Your mom told you a million times to keep your room clean and she was right. If you can keep your room, car, backpack and other personal spaces clean you will be more productive. I once had a panic attack when I couldn’t find my printer cable and my assignment was due in ten minutes. Luckily I found it under a pile of dirty clothes. If my room was clean, this wouldn’t have been an issue.

Being organized includes keeping your notes tidy. I like to type my notes, so I use a program called “Notebook” by Circus Ponies. The program organizes my notes for me so I don’t spend time “searching” for information. Weather you take written notes or typed, make sure you have all your notes in a central location for easy access come test time.

Meet your Professor or TA

Have you ever met your professors? Most often, they are genuinely nice people who want to help you succeed. During the first week of classes, make a point to visit your TA or professor to introduce yourself. Let them know your goals and they will usually give you hints on how to do well in their class.

Because of the large class sizes, professors usually don’t make an effort to get to know their students. It’s your job to make them know you. When you run into trouble half-way through the semester the professor will be much more inclined to help you if you’ve been in contact since the very beginning.

Join A Study Group

If you think you can make it through college on your own, you’re wrong. Some professors design their material to be impossible for one person to learn on their own. A great way to cheat the system is to study in groups. For an upcoming test, your group can meet and divide the material up between the members. Once you study your section, the group will meet back up and teach each other the material.

I’ve done this for multiple classes with successful results every time. If you are naturally a shy person, it might be easier for you to send an email out requesting a study buddy. Nine times out of ten there is someone in your classes thinking the same thing.

Join Organizations or Clubs

College is a time for students to branch out and meet new people. A great way to make friends and meet new people is to join an organization or club on campus. Most universities offer a wide variety of social groups for students to participate in. Search around your school’s website to find the list of registered groups. I bet you’ll find something you’re interested in.

Not only will clubs and organizations help you make friends but they help strengthen your resume once you graduate college. Employers want to see that their potential employees are well rounded with a variety of interests. It’s a good idea to be involved with some kind of organization that is associated with your major. For example, if you’re Pre Med, join a Pre Med fraternity or organization. If you’re a business major, join the business honor organization.

After being a member for a semester or two, you’ll have the opportunity to take on leadership positions. I’ve been the Fundraising Officer for my honor fraternity for two years now. You’ll learn a lot about being a leader, organization and money, and it shows employers that you know how to manage people.

Have Fun

This is the most important step. College is supposed to be the best time of your life. Make sure you allow yourself to enjoy your time in school while getting work done. Just keep one rule in mind: Finish your work first, then reward yourself with some fun.

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below.