Some say that sophomore year can be the hardest in college. There is even a term to signify that – sophomore slump. However, students can encounter difficulties in any year of college.
That’s why it is important to approach your college time consciously so that you make the best of it. In this guide, you’ll learn some tips and tricks on getting through your sophomore years with no regrets.
Update Your Time Management System
You must already have some kind of time management system in place. Yet, there is always a place for advancement.
Review the way you managed your schedule in the first year and define what works best. Maybe it is a weekly to-do list, a prioritization system, or the Pomodoro technique. Make sure you plan your schedule reasonably with rest and hobbies in mind. Also, evaluate how long common tasks take you to make a daily to-do list more realistic.
All the goals, whether they have to do with studies, work, or personal matters, should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This is what makes them into an actionable plan rather than an idea.
Use Helpful Resources
To save time and be more productive, take advantage of all available resources, from study apps to automation software on your laptop. This means all the solutions that make studying easier and faster, such as grammar-checking applications, academic search engines, or writing platforms.
Collaboration with a professional paper writings service can be a lifesaver for students. It is a sure way to get an excellent paper in the shortest time with no hustle.
Professional academic platforms offer writing, editing, and proofreading help with all types of college papers. Experienced authors can easily nail any subject or topic and provide a unique and well-crafted assignment according to your requirements. So, it is a valuable opportunity if you need someone to polish your work to excellence or want it done from scratch.
Also, students get to work with experts and learn from their expertise and guidance. Having such resources near you is a way to ensure you are ready for all college situations.
Narrow Your Focus
The freshmen year is all about exploring. But sophomore year is a great time to start narrowing down your focus and work toward your future major. This will keep your motivation high and make it easier to not miss any opportunities.
Now you are in full control of your academic standing, which is a huge responsibility. It is better to work closely with your advisor on what you are aiming for and what can be better for you in terms of classes and programs. Together you can create a plan of courses, experiences, and other activities to work toward your future major.
It is better to take fewer classes but get deeper into specific subjects.
Select Extracurriculars
It is also a good time to be more selective about your extracurricular activities. Last year, it was fine to try a bit of everything. But in the second year, students should be more conscious about how they spend their time.
The common recommendation is to concentrate on one thing and get better at it instead of trying to manage all types of clubs or activities. After all, no one can be good at everything. And if you want to truly master something, whether it is sports, music, or public speaking, you need to focus solely on this one thing.
Select something that corresponds both with your personal interests and major.
Take Advantage of Free Things
College life is pretty expensive, but it also comes with a multitude of deals and freebies. If you haven’t used them a lot before, it is time to enjoy all the perks of being a college student. And this will help save some money as well.
Here is what you can check:
- All the major tech brands have student deals from 10 to 70% of various devices, from laptops to smartwatches (Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Lenovo, Dell, etc.);
- Sites like StudetRate track various offers and deals for various types of products and services;
- Major software brands give solutions for free or with a huge discount for students. Microsoft 365 is available for free, Adobe Creative Suite is 80% off, and CAD software is for free as well;
- Amazon Prime gives 6 months of free services for students;
- All the entertaining options come with discounts. This means cinema, theater, concerts, live performances, or standup shows.
Also, there is a multitude of various perks on campus, from gyms to free tax preparation (if your college participates in VITA). This includes guest lectures, networking events, free food, and other benefits.
Start Networking
Networking is important for all spheres of life, from career to personal growth. Sophomore year is a good time to get involved in it. With good time management, you’ll be able to visit more industry-related events and have networking opportunities like seminars or conferences.
Moreover, it is crucial to start building relationships with your faculty. Try to get to know your professors more and collaborate with them. Office hours are a perfect option for that. This is helpful in building a deeper knowledge of the subject and connecting with the faculty on a personal level. This can also give some career or educational opportunities for you.
Make Time for Yourself
Besides all of that, it is important to prioritize yourself. Do not get yourself into burnout or a high level of stress. Always schedule some time to relax, do something you enjoy, and meet with friends.
Also, establish a healthy and active lifestyle with enough nutrition, regular physical exercises, and quality sleep. This is the foundation of any success.
In Summary
The sophomore year brings a lot of various opportunities to students, from narrowing their major to networking and making industry connections. It can be stressful, so it is crucial to have a strong time management system and high internal motivation. And, of course, do not forget to have fun!
Source: Glusea