A bit of preparation during the summer can make college much easier. Taylor Studniski digs in.

For many students, college is a major change of pace and without the right approach, folks quickly end up overwhelmed. This could not only impact your college experience but also your career afterward. That’s why Taylor Studniski is going to share some tips for aspiring students.

“Getting accepted into college is only the first step of many,” Taylor Studniski notes. “The biggest challenges often come once you’re actually enrolled in university. The right preparation goes a long way.”

In high school, teachers often provide close guidance. However, at university, you’re often expected to study with less oversight. This can be intimidating and if you lack willpower and focus, you may not get as much out of your education as you otherwise could.

Quite simply, at college, you should be as proactive as possible. The same is true the summer before you start classes. It’s wise to consider activities that will help you focus and instill commitment and productivity.

One simple way to increase productivity is to always start your mornings on good footing. When you wake up, complete a few simple activities like making your bed or unloading the dishwasher. This is important because completing small tasks means “winning” small victories.

“I always start my mornings right,” Taylor Studniski says. “I try not to sleep in too much and also make sure I start my day by being productive. That could mean cleaning, studying, whatever. Productivity begets more productivity.”

It’s also smart to keep a schedule and put together task lists. Later, when you enter college, setting up task lists helps ensure that things don’t fall between the cracks. Good organizational skills can be just as important as intelligence when it comes to success.

Taylor Studniski Talks About Studying Ahead

College often moves at a much faster pace than your typical high school and you can’t be certain that professors will provide the guidance and help so commonly found in K-12 schools. And if you fall behind on your studying and work, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

On the other hand, if you come into college with a strong foundation of knowledge, not only may classes be less stressful but you may absorb more knowledge. You may also find that you sleep better at night and are happier overall simply because you’re not as stressed. That’s why it’s smart to spend some time during the summer studying ahead.

“It’s easy for a stumble to turn into a major problem,” Taylor Studniski points out. “And you’re most likely going to run into some issues or problems during the semester. If you study ahead, you’ll have a bit more flexibility, which could really pay off.”

Consider leading the introductory chapters for textbooks or research the basic rules and concepts of a topic before class even starts. This way, you’ll be primed for success right out of the gate.