These are basic traits that all serious and successful students share.
Organize Your Materials
You should prepare for the semester. Buy your books early and take some time to explore their format. Gather other needed materials such as folders for each class, paper, pens, and a calendar/planner.
Practice Time Management
Time management is creating and following a schedule. This allows you to organize and prioritize your study time within the framework of school, family, work, and other responsibilities. Scheduling should be both long term and short term.
Long Term Scheduling
Read your syllabi for each class. Using a calendar, look ahead and organize all your course assignments. Note all test dates and large assignment due dates. Fill in all unusual outside obligations that take up time. For example, your child's school holiday calendar is preset, and dentist appointments are often made months ahead.
Create a Weekly Schedule
When you create your weekly calendar, include fixed commitments such as classes, work, appointments, meals, family responsibilities, and sleeping. Schedule study and homework around these fixed commitments. Learning should be a priority, but one should also allow enough time for sleep, healthy eating habits, and leisure activities. The university expects a student to spend about two hours a week in outside study to every hour spent in the classroom, but one should prioritize their assignments. As often as possible, a student should schedule study time at the same time every day. Having regular study time will help the student develop a "study habit."
Create a Daily To-Do List
Write down all the things you have to do that day and then prioritize your list. Decide when you will do each item and put your plan in action, completing the list and crossing off each item as you go. Take advantage of the "waiting time" or "dead time" we experience each day, such as at the doctor's office or waiting for kids. Carry notes and texts around with you so you might use those minutes.
Attend Class
Professors assume that the students will come to their classes and they plan the semester's work accordingly. They do not repeat lectures or give "make-up" lessons. Develop a positive relationship with your professors. Talk to your professor if an absence is unavoidable. It is your responsibility to obtain notes and assignments that you miss. You should attend all your classes, take notes, participate in class discussions, and ask questions. Often other students in the class have the same questions in mind and are grateful for the clarification. You should attempt to answer questions posed by your instructor, even if your answer is uncertain. You should be polite and respectful and pay attention to the discussions and questions of others. If you are confused about a requirement in a course or if you need help, see the instructor. All faculty members have office hours for the purpose of meeting with students in their classes.
Do Not Miss Essential Classes
It is particularly important that you attend the class before a test. The professor often discusses what might be on the test. Questions are asked that may clarify material, test format may be explained, and clues may be given about particular test questions.
Be on Time for Class
The first few minutes of class is often used to conduct "class business." Questions are answered, assignments are explained, and a quick review of the last class and a general outline of the day's class work and expectations may be given. Also, coming into the class late is a distraction for both the other students and the professor and draws "negative" attention to you. Wear a watch.
Sit Near the Front
Sitting toward the front of the classroom eliminates distractions and helps you focus on the lecture. You should consider the best location for listening, asking questions, and seeing visual aids. Be attentive in class and make eye contact with the instructor. Sitting near the front creates a good impression.
Interact and Network with Other Students
Successful students develop friendships and support groups with their classmates. You should exchange phone numbers so you can get together to study or to get missed assignments and lecture notes. Be open to learning from other students. For example, when a classmate receives an "A" paper, ask to see it. This will give you an example of what the professor is looking for and you can apply this knowledge to future assignments or tests.
Plan Time for Homework
Plan to spend at least an hour on homework for each hour you are in class. Some courses require much more homework time. Make a schedule for completing your homework and don't get behind. Keep a weekly schedule and develop a daily to-do list.
Take Responsibility for Learning and be Self-Directed
You should acknowledge your academic weaknesses and take steps to overcome them. Work hard and seek help from the available resources. This campus has a number of support services created to help students succeed. Take advantage of the computer labs, math labs, writing and reading labs, and the Study Skills. Student Support Services, Adult Student Advocacy, Counseling & Career Planning Services, and Disability Support Services all have programs designed to help you achieve college success. Step up.
Familiarize Yourself with Campus
Get to know your way around campus as much as possible. Talk to people in offices all over the university. The more places and people you know, the better your college experience will be.