As you settle into college, many of the skills you develop will come as you learn by doing.
However, you can take a few practical “common sense” steps right now to prepare for college and build your confidence before you arrive on campus.
College Communication Skills: Stay on Top of Your Email
As a college student, chances are, you’ll get dozens of emails every week, from event reminders and enrollment information to updates from professors. In fact, emails aren’t just a college thing—so making this a habit now will benefit your whole adult life. Yet, specifically in college, staying on top of your inbox will help you be organized and make sure you don’t miss important meetings, activities, events, or homework assignments.
Navigating all the communication may seem intimidating at first, but you will feel so much more in control from the start if you take charge right now. You can begin by going through your personal inbox and deleting and unsubscribing from irrelevant emails. Commit to checking your email every day to build the habit. Your life as a student will feel much less cluttered when you stay on top of communication.
How Homeschool Can Prepare Students for College
Time Management Skills: Use a Calendar to Stay Organized
Time management is vital for ordering your life as a college student. But you don’t need to wait until you’re juggling a full course load to start practicing time management! You can start right now by building a routine for yourself.
- Turn in your homework on time.
- If you have a job, be punctual for your shifts.
- Utilize a planning system or digital calendar to organize your tasks and even send you reminders. This helps you avoid forgetting anything and makes it easier to visualize when to get things done.
- Consider designating time just for studying or homework.
- Set boundaries as part of your time management strategy.
- Make space for your top priorities to provide more clarity for the rest of your schedule.
Beginning these habits now makes it easier for you to adjust to whatever life looks like in college.
How to Pick a College that Prepares for Life and Faith
Social Skills: Initiating and Maintaining Relationships in College
You will encounter hundreds of new faces in college, which provides countless opportunities for new friendships. However, for many, the process of making friends feels overwhelming and intimidating. By becoming more comfortable initiating and maintaining friendships right now, you can become more prepared for social life as a college student.
Be the person who extends an invitation and get comfortable reaching out to others. You don’t have to become close with every person you meet, but the practice of initiating meet-ups and following up with people will serve you well as you begin to make friends in college.
This vital life skill will also assist you as you engage with professors and build a network of professional relationships. Even if it takes you outside your comfort zone, your confidence and courage will cause you to stand out.
How to Prepare for Adulthood: 6 Crucial Tips
Practical Life Skills: Chores and Responsibilities Every Student Should Know
One of the best ways we can love the people around us, specifically a roommate, is by keeping our space and belongings clean. Now is an excellent time to make sure you feel confident doing certain chores on your own.
Learn how to do laundry, wash dishes, and clean a bathroom. You’ll feel more competent and reap the benefits of having a livable, clean space. It can also be helpful to know some basic car maintenance, such as checking your oil or putting air in your tires. Consider getting your tires rotated and oil changed before you leave for school so you won’t have to think about it while you’re away.
CC Plus: College Credit for Homeschoolers
Healthy Habits: Building a Strong Foundation for College Success
In college, it becomes easy to live life on autopilot. The busyness of a hectic schedule can make it challenging to eat well (not skipping meals!), sleep, and exercise. However, these habits are important for a well-rounded and effective life.
While certain seasons do require sacrifices, sometimes those sacrifices are less necessary than we think. Make an effort to know yourself–what makes you feel rested and what values you want to prioritize.
Identifying and addressing stressors is a huge asset when life gets busy and overwhelming.
You may find that spending a little time going for a walk or quietly enjoying a cup of coffee is a worthwhile investment. And don’t forget to prioritize time in God’s Word! Time spent with Him is never wasted.
Words of Wisdom for Challenge Students on Everyday Educators
Skills Learned Before College Pay Off
Developing these skills will help you feel more prepared when you begin life as a college student. Now is an excellent time to begin treating and respecting yourself like the adult you are! It’s possible to have a measure of control over your life, so take advantage of it. There’s always plenty of grace along the way as you figure things out.
If you are interested in learning more about Covenant College, a Christian liberal arts college located amidst the rolling hills of Georgia and Tennessee in Lookout Mountain, GA, visit their website covenant.edu.
Looking for more ways to prepare for college? Check out these resources:
- Your College Visit Strategy: Before, During, and After Campus
- 9 Remarkable Books Christian College Students Need to Read
- 5 Ways Homeschooled High Schoolers Can Prepare For Their Calling
Written by:
