Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! How to navigate the ups and downs of college

Let’s face it: college is chaotic. From endless homework assignments, to work, to extracurriculars, pretty much everyone has a lot going on during their college years. 

It can be a stressful time, but with some planning, resourcefulness, and open-mindedness, you can manage to make your college journey a little smoother. 

Here are three key tips for making the most out of your time in college. 

Use a planner and prioritize assignments based on what’s due first. 

Don’t get caught up in a twister of assignments! When you have multiple classes on your plate, it can be challenging to keep track of all of your deadlines. 

By writing down all of your tasks, scheduling a specific time to do them, and completing your most urgent assignments first, you can help yourself keep up with your assignments and possibly even get ahead. 

Bonus tip: start assignments as early as possible; that way, you’re not scrambling to figure out what to do at the last minute. 

Take advantage of all of the resources the school has to offer you. 

Whether you need tutoring, financial aid assistance, or counseling, Elmhurst University has many resources to support its students. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any kind of support you may need — EU’s faculty is here to help you. 

Plus, these services are included in your tuition anyway, so you might as well take advantage of them! 

Also, ask your professors and parents for help when you need it. Whether you need academic help, career advice, or help with a personal problem, there are plenty of people who will be happy to help you if you reach out and ask. 

Explore your interests. 

College is a wonderful time to explore what you like to do with many clubs, electives, and events right at your fingertips. If you find yourself being drawn to a particular subject or hobby, why not give it a try? 

EU also provides numerous opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, such as internships, study-away programs, research, service-learning programs, and more. 

There is an abundance of opportunities to learn and gain experience in a number of disciplines, so follow what piques your curiosity. 

By staying organized, being resourceful, and opening yourself up to new experiences, you can achieve academic success all while discovering yourself in the process.