This document provides tips for college students to succeed in their courses. It emphasizes reading the syllabus carefully to understand assignments and due dates. Students should arrive to class prepared and actively participate by taking notes, asking questions, and contributing to discussions. Outside of class, students need to dedicate 15-20 hours per week to studying and homework. They should start long-term projects early and visit their professor during office hours. Proper time management, self-care, and use of campus resources can help students survive exams and do well over the course of a semester.

1. The Key to Success
Workshop
How to Survive a Semester in College

2. The Syllabus
● Before every class be sure to read your
syllabus.
● Highlight all given assignments and
readings.
● Pay attention to weekly schedule as
classes may or may not take place due to
observed holidays and college breaks.
● Read your professor and school’s grading
policy carefully.
● Keep your syllabus in great condition.

3. “Class” Activities (Don’t Bystand, PARTICIPATE!)
● Arrive to class promptly with assignments
completed and questions regarding assigned
readings, projects and the lesson at hand.
● Be mindful of your classmates.
● Be proactive and take notes as the
professor is speaking or when a classmate
offers up an insightful idea.
● Volunteer by providing well-crafted and
concise ideas that add to the subject
matter at hand and overall class
discussion.
● When doing group work, take initiative by
leading and solving problems when
necessary.

4. “Personal” Activity (Hit Snooze, You Lose!)
● When not in class, be sure to make time to study and do
homework. (15-20 hours)
● If working part or full-time, be sure to plan your work
schedule according to your academic one.
● Utilize the library on campus or visit a local one within
your neighborhood.
● Start projects, speeches and paper assignments early (Two-
three weeks ahead is strongly suggested)
● Visit a professor during his or her office hours whenever
possible.

5. (cont.) “Personal” Activity (Hit Snooze, You Lose!)
● Concentrate on schoolwork by temporarily isolating
yourself from friends, television/radio, social
gatherings and social media.
● Plan occasional outings with friends and/or family
throughout the semester.
● Eat three meals, drink plenty of water and get a full
night’s rest.
● Stay physically and mentally fit by visiting the gym on
campus.

6. “Finals” (Survival of The Fittest )
● Arrive fifteen minutes to a half hour
early the day of your scheduled exam.
● In preparing for exams, speeches and
papers, be sure to stick to your core
foundation. This includes study skills,
reading, writing and research.
● Study in small and large groups alike in
order to feed off of the knowledge of your
peers
● Visit academic support services such as
the Campus Writing Center. It will provide
you with direction and help regarding the
structure and content of your
paper/speeches. (Student Learning and
Mathematics Center included)
● Review the course material given
throughout the semester. Take an
individual and unique approach that allows
you to apply and retain the information
that may appear upon an exam.