Unfortunately, there seems to be a high rate of college student drop-outs. There are many reasons for this, but what it usually comes down to is that many excellent high school students are not prepared for the rigorous college life or the maturity level it takes to survive in college.
Homesickness is one major cause of leaving college. It can be a difficult thing to detach yourself from your home life and immerse yourself into your academic one. You must find a way to do it or college survival will be difficult if not impossible.
Another key reason is the lack of self-discipline many 18 and 19 year old students have. In high school we had many “helpers.” For one, our mother usually came in to make sure we were awake and breakfast was ready. She also took the time to make sure your homework was done. Also, high school teachers made it a point to initiate a conversation when you were struggling or had a bad test score. This list goes on, but in college most of that is not true, unless you are living at home, you will not be taken by the hand to help you be a successful student. This will have to be done on your own.
The following are suggestions for you to try so you do not fall into a rut leading to dropping out.
Treat School Like a Job: Starting your working career you should research your company and learn what it does. Learn a little of its culture and what part you are going to play with your position. This all also applies to college. By pre-planning your courses and other college related scheduling, you can avoid much of the uncertainty that lies those first few weeks. Hey, think of it like if you are getting paid in grades.
Register for Classes Early: You want your first choices in classes so register early. You know yourself best, so when registering, consider these questions about yourself: Are you a morning person? Do you have more energy in the morning or in the afternoon? Do you work best in long stretches? Do you work more intensely in short bursts with short breaks in between? Having a schedule ready before it is time to register will keep you from taking the “left-overs” on the day of or after.
Also, try to start with 12 to 15 units. It may make for a simpler transition from high school. If you are able to keep up with all the homework, classwork and reading, then you can increase your units the next semester.
Take Enjoyable Electives: Enjoyable does not mean “easy.” Taking classes because you think you will not have to study may curse you from the get go. Enjoyable means just that, a class in a subject that you feel that you would like to learn more about. Make your studies as fun as possible. This will help your mind relax a bit.
There are many other things you can do to help make your college experience enjoyable. Keep your mind on the prize, graduation, and strive for success. Research other ways to help combat homesickness, even if you think it will not happen to you. Also research various study habits. It will keep you a step ahead. Good luck!
