Summer fun is in full swing, but it’s soon going to be time to hit the books! With that in mind, Harbor Genesis Christian College wants to offer students some back to school tips as a way to help them get back into the swing of things. 

For students who are brand new to college, the experience can be very different than for those who have simply taken the summer off. And for folks who are going back to school for the first time in a while, the experience of being a student all over again can be daunting. However, by getting into the right mindset, students young and old can set themselves up for success as they enter the fall semester of college. 

Top tips for students going back to school this fall

1. Use technology discounts available to students
   There are many stores offering back to school shopping discounts with obvious items, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and the like. However, many students don’t realize that they have the chance to purchase more expensive items, like laptops and tablets, at a discounted rate. For instance, Apple offers student discounts on its laptops and desktop computers. Depending on when the laptop is purchased, students may even get additional items, such as headphones, for free. It’s virtually impossible to take classes at college without a functioning computer, so investing in a good laptop is crucial. Research various options to see which discount works best.
   
   
2. Create a routine
   For students who are taking online courses for college, it’s important to make sure that a set schedule with a routine with plenty of study time is created. Going back to school does cause a change in living habits, so it’s important to make sure that dedicated time for classwork is created. This is especially the case for online students. While there are many benefits to taking online courses, leaving assignments to the last minute can be problematic. What tends to happen is that students end up turning in subpar work, which leads to lower grades that do not necessarily reflect the student’s ability. By scheduling out dedicated work time throughout the week, students find they are more likely to get assignments done without cramming.
   
   
3. Plan out your life, not just your classes
   Many students fret about school starting because they feel that they miss out on life when they are taking classes. However, it is possible to have a full school schedule and still have an active personal life. People do not need to cut back on birthdays, family outings and work if they plan out their large life events. Use a planner, but not just for academic deadlines. Students who are taking online courses can adjust their class load to fit the busy seasons of their lives. For instance, if a student is a pastor, or involved in ministry, there are times of the year that are very busy, such as Christmas-time. By acknowledging that season is busy, the student can take less classes to accommodate the heavier workload. This allows the student to continue moving forward academically without overly stressing themselves with work. Once the busy season slows back down, the student can pick up more classes again.
   
   
4. Find the ideal study spots.
   Not every student does well studying in a crowded coffee shop. While the caffeine buzz may keep the student awake, conversation and distraction may make it nearly impossible to focus. For others, stuffy libraries might be deafening with their silence. Some may find that their kitchen table after their family is asleep is the best spot for writing essays. Find the ideal study spot for your study style, and stick to what works.
   
   
5. Take the right kind of classes.
   More and more students have found that traditional college classes don’t work for them anymore, as they have to calculate drive times, wait lists, and specific class times into their routine. For many working individuals, this simply doesn’t work anymore. Students like these need more flexibility, which is why online courses may be a better choice. The classes are not just something they have to go to; it becomes an option that they can incorporate to their life. If this is something that you’re considering, you can check out the options available from the HGCC course catalog. Staff would love to share options available to you today.