Pre-College Habits

College. Gulp. That’s a big word for high schoolers, but it doesn’t have to be. The thought of leaving the comfort of high school for the new and exciting college phase can be an easier transition than you might think. As your high schooler prepares to embark on this new adventure, establishing good habits beforehand will set them on the path of success and personal growth. In this blog, we will dive into 10 essential good practices they can incorporate now and can carry over to help navigate the challenges of college life.

Sharpen Study Skills (in college they’re going to study. A lot!)

Practice makes perfect, and high school is the ideal time for your student to put their study skills to the test. When transitioning into college, your student should master the art of taking good notes, reviewing lecture material, finding a good study spot, and limiting distractions. Sounds simple, right? It may sound simple, but many college freshmen who haven’t developed these skills can become overwhelmed as they adjust to campus life, and as a result, their grades begin to suffer. Every student has a different style of learning and knowing what works best for them is important to figure out before entering college.

Learn Time Management (in college, no one makes you go to class.)

With new independence comes great responsibility! Making sure to attend class, complete and submit assignments, and show up to take exams, will all be in the hands of your student now and they must learn how to manage their time efficiently. A great way to plan out their day is to lay out their class schedule, assignments due dates, tests, and other tasks, to give them a visual guide on how and where to spend their time. 

Strengthen Reading Skills (college reading assignments can be overwhelming, so it’s essential to know how to extract information from them)

Reading regularly can enhance your student’s critical thinking and analytical abilities, which are two skills that can help smooth the transition into college-level work. Knowing how to break down and analyze the required reading will help assure your student that they understand the class material and give them the confidence to tackle every assignment. 

Stay Organized 

Getting into the habit of keeping study materials, notes, and assignments organized is critical for your student to stay on top of. Going back to managing their time wisely, using a physical or digital planner to track deadlines, appointments, and other important dates will create an efficient and more accessible schedule to maintain. 

Financial Literacy 

High school does an adequate job of preparing students for the next chapter of their academic lives, but one thing they may need to learn outside of the classroom is understanding personal financial basics. Budgeting, saving, and managing expenses are all part of being financially responsible and can prevent unnecessary stress during those college years.

Healthy Eating and Staying Active

While adjusting to college life, it’s easy to skip a workout or pick a meal that’s quick and accessible for more study time, but students should also prioritize their health with a balanced diet and incorporate regular exercise into their routine. Healthy habits will boost their energy levels and overall well-being, enabling them to focus on their studies. 

Effective Communication

Active listening and clear communication with friends, family, and teachers will prove to be invaluable skills both during and after school. Understanding the importance of these skills will help your student form meaningful relationships and learn how to effectively communicate in group settings. 

Goal Setting

Having your student set both short-term and long-term goals for their college journey will give them a clear vision and motivation to work diligently toward achieving their aspirations. Using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) format is an excellent guide for your student to break down and make their roadmap to success! 

Stress Management 

It’s no secret that college students are under a lot of stress. Students need to explore different stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, journaling, or engaging in hobbies. College can be challenging, and knowing how to manage stress will enhance their resilience. 

Seek Help and Support (it’s ok to ask for help.)

Last, but certainly not least, your student should not hesitate to ask for help when needed. Whether it’s academic assistance, emotional support, or career guidance, familiarizing themselves with their campus resources and knowing what’s available can greatly improve their college experience. 

At Tutoring Club, we do more than just provide instruction—we mentor our students, instilling these healthy habits as they advance through high school. Remember, forming good habits is a lifelong journey, and college is the perfect place to solidify these habits that will serve well beyond their academic years. Best of luck on your student’s college journey!