As a recent college graduate, there are some things I wish I would’ve known beforehand to avoid making mistakes. Many college students make mistakes which can damage their grades and ruin their finances.
This post will help prepare you for what’s to come, so you don’t make the same mistakes that so many other students in college make.
What are Common Mistakes Made by College Students?
Procrastinating, skipping class and being unorganized are some common mistakes made by college students. Oftentimes, college students take easy classes that they have no interest in, which is a big mistake. College students don’t stick to their budget which results in a pile of student debt.
In this post, I share 12 mistakes that I and other college students have made, so that you avoid them.
12 Mistakes College Students Make
Being Unorganized
Being unorganized is a mistake many college students make. Throughout high school, I was an unorganized student.
Having messy notes, not keeping track of test dates and losing assignments is something that many students struggle with.
To avoid this from happening, use a laptop or iPad to write notes, use an agenda to write important dates and keep your assignments in folders.
If you know you have trouble staying organized, you have to come up with a solution before it becomes a problem. Staying organized will play a big part in being successful throughout college.
Debating on getting a laptop for college? Check out this article: Do I Need a Laptop for College
Procrastinating
Something that I and so many other students struggle with throughout college, is procrastinating. In college, there are so many distractions and it’s really easy to procrastinate.
To avoid procrastinating, it takes discipline and limiting distractions. In college, nobody is going to tell you to study or to complete assignments. It’s up to you as a student, to take responsibility for your studies.
The best way to avoid procrastinating, is to make a schedule and to stick to it. This way you can hold yourself accountable for the work that has to get done.
A way I would stop procrastinating, would be to put my phone away and get to work. That way I wouldn’t get distracted and I would work until everything got done.
Not Prioritizing School
A big mistake many college students will make, is not prioritizing school. College takes time, you have to attend lectures, study, and complete assignments.
If your prioritize partying, drinking and smoking over your school work, chances are you won’t do well. It’s important to balance the fun side of college with your academics.
College is filled with distractions, remember that doing well in school is your priority.
Skipping Class
Skipping class is a bad habit that many students fall into. In college, nobody will notice if you attend class or not which makes it really easy to skip.
Skipping class will result in you missing a lecture, details about assignments, quiz and test dates. It’s better to attend your lectures and to be attentive during them.
If you listen in class, ask questions and do your assignments, college will be easier. It takes discipline and maturity to do well in college.
Not Communicating with Teachers
Many students, including myself, don’t communicate enough with the teacher in college. If you have a question, make sure to ask the teacher or at least another student.
If you’re shy, ask after class. It’s better to ask your question than to have unanswered questions. The teachers are there to teach and they will have no problem answering your questions.
In my first year of college, I failed a class by literally 1%. If I would have asked questions and shown I cared more about the class, I have no doubt I would have passed. I learned that lesson the hard way.
Working Too Much
Working during college is a good idea, but it’s important to find the proper balance. If you’re failing your classes because you’re working too much at the end of the day you’re wasting your time and money.
It’s important to find the right balance where you can work, focus on school, have fun and sleep. School is very time consuming, make sure not to work too much.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Not get enough sleep is a problem many students have. Whether it’s partying, hanging out with friends, studying or playing video games it’s important to sleep.
Getting a good night’s rest will make you more attentive and you will retain more information. It’s important to know when to go out and when to stay in so you can rest.
Going to school when you are tired is the worst. The day will feel much longer, you’ll feel mentally and physically exhausted and you’ll want to sleep in class.
Sometimes you can’t control it, but make sure not to sleep in class. If you know you are going to fall asleep, just don’t attend class.
If you fall asleep in class, the professor won’t appreciate it and you’re not going to learn anything anyways. It’s better to rest so you’re ready for your next lecture.
Taking Classes Because They Are Easy
Enrolling in “easy classes” his is one of the most common mistakes college students make, and I include myself here too! Taking an easy class that you are interested in is fine, but if you’re planning on taking a class just because its easy, don’t do it!
If the class is easy but boring, and you have zero interest in it, it will be hard to attend and even harder to do the assignments. I’ve made this mistake and it was awful.
It’s a lot easier to take a class you’re interested in and one where you’re actually learning. If you’re interested in the topic, it will be easy to pay attention and you will learn something.
Not Eating Throughout the Day
It’s important to eat throughout the day. Eating will make you feel more energetic, more attentive and you will retain more information.
Packing a few snacks in your backpack will make it easier to eat throughout the day. Bringing a reusable water bottle will come in handy when you get thirsty.
Wondering what to bring in your backpack? Check this out: Backpack Essentials for College
Relying on Other Students
There’s no problem with asking other students questions, but make sure you can still do the work on your own.
Many students make the mistake of having other students do their assignments for them. This becomes a problem when a test comes and they know nothing.
A friend and my girlfriend would help me with my math assignments. It was a big wake up call for me, when I had my first test and they weren’t there to do it for me.
Study on your own, ask your teacher questions and be prepared for your tests. Relying on other students will bite you in the butt later on.
Not Keeping to Your Budget
Whether you are paying for college or your parents are paying for college, everyone has a budget. Many college students make the mistake of spending money they don’t have in college.
It’s important to make responsible purchases and to follow a strict budget to make sure your spending doesn’t get out of hand.
Dropping Out the Wrong Way
Unfortunately, there are times when things get overwhelming or even when you may not want to be in your college program anymore. However, you don’t want to make the mistake of ditching all your classes mid-semester and failing miserably!
It’s not what anyone wants to think about, but don’t make the mistake of “dropping out” the wrong way. It’s important to see an academic advisor so you can take time off, the proper way.
No matter how you feel, even if you don’t think you’ll ever go to college again, it’s better to drop out the right way. Many students will just stop going to class and ruin their GPA.
In the future, It will be very hard to get back into college, and you need to keep your options open. Think about what you want to do, see an advisor and withdraw or take time off the right way.
Final Thoughts on Big Mistakes College Students Make
If you’re a new student in college, you are going to want to know what mistakes college students often make. In this post, we went over over 12 real mistakes that college students make, so that you can avoid them!
Have you made any mistakes in college? Let me know in the comments below.