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Science provides a number of key tips for college success that every student can benefit from.

Examining motivations for going to college helps in facing college challenges.

The best way to study is to test yourself on the material you are trying to learn.

Regulate your time to fit in critical needs like sleep, and monitor study habits.

Do you know someone going to college this fall? As a college professor I look forward to seeing fresh, mostly excited and energetic faces at the start of the academic year. I enjoy teaching upper class students as well, but there is something unique about interacting with students who have just started their college career. I've found that some of them are more prepared for the new rhythm of college than others are. There are a lot of great tips to share with students starting college. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the core tips in one place? Lucky you. For your reading and sharing pleasure, here is a curated list of four key suggestions, flavored and spiced with experience and research.

Hey college students,…

Your Time Is Now Under Your Complete Control

This is good news and bad news. Of the 168 hours in a week, all are yours to plan. You control your learning, your sleep, and your fun time, and self-regulation is critical for successful learning (Ryan & Deci, 2020; Zimmerman, 2002).

Identify your rabbit holes. Be conscious of what eats your time and what you need to spend more time on. Find yourself scrolling too much? Not getting enough sleep? Identify the must-dos. Sleep, time with friends, time to think, physical activity, and study, should be the top items to prioritize.

Plan everything. When you prioritize fun and work, it is more likely both will get done. Too often we only plan when we are going to study/work. Then life and its temptations get in the way. When you plan your fun, your sleep, your studying, all are more likely to get done.

Remember Why You’re There (or Clarify It)

Wanting to go to college makes coping with its challenges easier. Having your eye on the prize can drive you and help you self-regulate your time. Know what your prize is? Your motivation is another critical component of........

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