On-Campus Learning: Tips for Success

Deciding to go to college to earn your Diploma will change your life. 

College can increase your earning potential, make you more employable, and transform your career path. And while students have more learning options than ever before, studying on campus continues to offer benefits no other method has managed to match. 

When you choose to study on campus you are choosing to be part of the college community. It is an immersive experience that holistically prepares you – socially and academically – for your future career. 

Here is a helpful guide to ensure you reap the many benefits in-person learning has to offer.  

1. Attend Every Class 

It is essential to attend all of your college classes for each course. It can be easy to fall into the habit of skipping a class or two, but attending each class will help you stay up to date on course material, create a better relationship with your instructors and classmates, and add structure to your day.  

2. Participate & Stay Engaged 

Once you’re in class, it’s important to stay present. If you find it difficult to focus, try sitting close to the front to encourage yourself to participate or practice effective note-taking strategies, like paraphrasing what you hear in your own words or colour coding your notes to help you remember the information.  

Pro tip: It has been proven that writing by hand increases memory retention and understanding!  

As well, participating in discussions and asking questions keeps you engaged and better equipped to retain the material.  

3. Get To Know Your Instructors 

Getting to know each of your instructors will benefit you greatly during your academic journey. Developing good relationships with instructors involves good communication such as introducing yourself on the first day, actively listening and asking questions in class, and showing up on time. Getting to know your instructors will also help with networking opportunities once you graduate and begin your new career.  

4. Study Smarter, Not Harder 

Essential advice for college students: schedule study time and follow healthy study strategies. Spending all night cramming for a big test can affect your health and is an ineffective way to learn. Instead, create a study schedule based on your college classes and the times you are most productive. This will help you learn more efficiently. Incorporating study techniques into your routine will also help you make good use of your time. 

Methods such as retrieval practice will help you to study smarter, not harder. Retrieval practice is a technique that revolves around repeatedly recalling learned material without seeing it in front of you. Retrieval practice prioritizes active over passive learning, and allows students to strengthen their memory by attempting to recall information. Using flashcards to test comprehension, instead of re-reading a textbook, is an effective method of retrieval practice. 

Keep an eye out for our upcoming Study Tips article for more information on how to study effectively. 

5. Stay Healthy

We all know that stress can make us sick. So don’t allow deadlines or exams to hinder your health! By attending your classes and staying on top of your studies, you will avoid unnecessary stress and allow your body and mind to get the most out of your college experience. 

Ensuring you are eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and moving your body regularly will also help to keep your mind active and happy while you work toward earning your college diploma.  

6. Be Social  

Some of your most meaningful friendships and relationships might begin in college! Take an interest in your classmates; where they come from, their reason for coming to college, and what future career they would like. You might be surprised at how much you have in common! Cultivating your social life while in college is a great way to have fun and grow your support network. 

7. Use The Services Provided 

One of the best pieces of advice for college success is to take advantage of the supports and services provided by your post-secondary institution. From the campus receptionist to your academic advisor to your instructors to Career Services, your college has a multitude of resources to lean on if you have questions about your program, campus activities, or your future career. 

8. Stay Organized 

Make sure you know your schedule, you take note of your assignment deadlines and exam dates, and you carve out adequate study time every day. Staying organized is the key to academic success and has even been proven to reduce depression and stress! 

A great way to remain organized is to set out a college checklist for yourself before your first day. This way you can stay focused on your goals and avoid distractions.  

Join Us On Campus At Sundance College! 

Attending on-campus classes is a great way to grow as a person while earning your college diploma. At Sundance College, we prioritize our students’ experience by creating a welcoming and interactive environment. As a student at Sundance, you will enjoy events such as student field trips, student recognition ceremonies, and special event gatherings. You will also have access to a full range of support services, such as Career Services, which further prepares you to enter the workforce with the confidence needed to start your new profession.  

If you’ve been dreaming about a new career and that one-of-a-kind, on-campus college experience, start making changes today by connecting with an admissions advisor and enrolling in one of our Diploma programs!