Being a student can be difficult.You have to balance your schoolwork with other responsibilities, which may include work or time with friends and family.You can learn to be a responsible student with practice, and develop skills that will help you throughout your life.
Step 1: Ready to learn each day.
Similar to how your parents and other adults approach work, you should think of your role as a student.In many ways, school is a training ground for the work ethic and personal responsibilities that you'll need to develop in order to live successfully as an adult.You wouldn't last very long at a job if you were constantly unprepared, late, or calling in sick, so start taking school seriously.Come prepared and show up on time.You should have everything you need for class that day if you've done the homework and reading assignments.You can be involved in class by sitting in the front of the room.Listen, respond to questions, and ask if there's anything you're confused about.
Step 2: Good notes to take in class.
The building blocks of your study sessions are your notes.You may end up doing poorly on your exams if you don't have strong notes.Come to class with a working knowledge of the material you'll be discussing and do the reading every night.Write down the date and most recent reading assignment when you start your notes on a fresh page.You will be able to track the material as you prepare for exams.If your instructor puts something on the board, write it down.These notes are often quoted on tests.Depending on the class, you don't have to write out every word your instructor says.Write down the major points, like any important names, dates, events, relevant details, and results/implications.If you can come up with a system of abbreviations that works for you, that's great.Writing your notes in short-hand can help you take them more quickly.
Step 3: Write your notes again.
In a separate notebook, it can be helpful to rewrite the day's notes.Rewriting can help you process the information and give you a more organized set of notes to study.You can ask your teacher to clarify the next day if you find questions or inconsistencies in the days' notes.
Step 4: Every day, read your notes and readings.
It's important to review and build off of your notes from class in order to complete your reading assignments.Studies show that if you review your notes within 24 hours of class, you can improve your retention of information.Write questions in your notes.Interrogating the material will help you commit that information to memory and develop stronger critical-thinking skills.
Step 5: Take care of your time wisely.
Managing your time will make you a better student and a more productive worker.Time-management skills can help ensure that you never miss a deadline or fail to prepare for an exam, as they are highly valued by teachers and employers alike.To keep track of deadlines, appointments, and other obligations, use a calendar or planner.Don't waste time.You won't buy yourself any time, and you'll be even more stressed later on.Break your tasks down into manageable parts.It can make a big project easier to do.Work on the things you need to do in a logical order if you have a timeline for them.Decide which tasks need to be completed before the next one can be started.
Step 6: Study ahead of time for exams.
Instructors design exams differently.You will need to ask your teacher outside of class if he or she hasn't specified how the tests/exams will be arranged.That will allow you to adequately prepare for the test.Start studying early.It's a good idea to cram right before a test.The material should be understood broadly and precisely.Understand the details of each subject by starting with the general concept.You can determine which subject areas need more work by taking a test.If you have a firm grasp on the material, design a self-quiz and use flash cards to review terms/names/dates.
Step 7: If your grades fall behind, you should get help.
Whether you missed an important class, have trouble with certain concepts, or are dealing with a family emergency, there's a chance that your grades might slip at some point.It's important to get help as soon as possible.If you're dedicated to your studies, you don't have to resign yourself to bad grades.You should keep track of your grade in the course.Unless you bring them up, your instructor won't address your grades.You should have a meeting with your professor as soon as possible.If you have a compelling situation, you should explain it to your instructor.If you're struggling with an important concept, try working with a tutor.You can either find a tutor through your school or online.You can start studying two weeks in advance or as soon as you're notified.Take at least six weeks to study for finals.
Step 8: Take responsibility for what you say and do.
If you don't finish your homework or show up on time, it's your own fault.Ownership of your obligations can help you stay focused and committed to what needs to be done in the future, which is a major mark of maturity.You should give credit for any sources you use.Intellectual/creative property should not be plagiarized or stolen.Give yourself a few extra days to review the final product and make any necessary revisions, and finish your assignments on time.You should respect the ideas, beliefs, and opinions of others.Don't make excuses for your behavior and always conduct yourself in a respectful and appropriate manner.Taking responsibility involves both good and bad outcomes.
Step 9: If you can, work part time.
It can be difficult to hold down a job while you're a student.It requires a lot of time management.It's a very rewarding experience that can teach you a lot of fiscal responsibility and give you some extra spending money to have fun with your friends.If you can't work full time, having a part-time job can teach you a lot and prepare you for future responsibilities.You can find a job that will work with your school schedule.It's a good idea to let your employer know that your education is a priority.Take care of your time.You may be too tired to do homework after a long shift, so make sure you don't put it off until after work.Stay balanced.Spending time with friends is something you enjoy doing on weekends or after school.Stick to the budget that balances your expenses against your income.Budget planning help can be found online or by talking to a guidance counselor.
Step 10: A career that is both fulfilling and practical is what you should choose.
You will need to set your sights on a career after you graduate.Whether you would enjoy working a given job day after day is one of the main factors you should consider.Look into employment statistics for that job, average starting salaries, any additional training/certification you may need, and whether or not you would need to relocate in order to work there.Current information on many different careers can be found on the BLS website.It's possible to talk to professionals in the field you're considering.
Step 11: Before taking out any loans, think carefully.
You may be looking into student loans if you're planning on going to college.Loans are a great way to pay for your education, but they come with steep interest rates that can saddle you with debt for years to come.Before taking out any loans or renewing your existing loans, think about the long-term costs and look for other options that might be more financially sound.The rule of thumb for students is that any loans you need to repay should not be more than eight percent of your gross monthly income.If you're thinking about a career in that field, think about what you can expect to make in your first year of employment.You won't have to repay financial aid if you attend college.Try to get grants, scholarships, and work-study positions at your school.If you can't afford your loan repayment, consider other options.You can work a second job, try to pay off your finances in installments, or ask a trusted friend or relative to lend you the money.
Step 12: There are opportunities for networking and internship.
While you're still in school, internships are a great way to gain skills.Once you've established yourself and made connections in your desired field, internship and networking events can often lead to employment opportunities.internship to students is offered by many schoolsIf you can't find an internship in your area, there are other ways to find one.Networking events can be found by joining relevant clubs and talking to professionals in your field.
Step 13: You should eat a balanced diet.
A balanced diet is important for building strong muscles and bones, maintaining a healthy weight, and having enough energy to get through the day.A balanced meal should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy.Saturated fat, sodium, and sugar should be avoided.Girls under the age of 13 should aim for 2,000 calories a day, while boys in the same age range should be aiming for 2,200 calories.Boys in the age range of 14 to 18 should be getting around 3000 calories a day.Students age 19 and up should aim for around 2,400 calories a day for women and 3,000 calories for men.
Step 14: It's important to make exercise a priority.
It is recommended that adolescents get at least one hour of physical activity each day, with the majority of that time devoted to moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise.Many aerobic activities build muscle while working the cardiovascular system, so adolescents should also engage in muscle-strengthening exercise sessions at least three days a week.Bicycle riding, jumping rope, walking, jogging/running, and most organized sports are excellent forms of exercise for adolescents and young adults.If you're pressed for time, even just 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous walking or jogging can help relieve stress and burn calories.
Step 15: Get a good night's sleep.
Quality sleep is important for growing bodies to get.Teenagers need an average of 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.If you're chronically tired or easily fatigued, listen to your body and adjust your schedule.If you want a better night's sleep, avoid coffee in the afternoon and evening.If you're legal drinking age, try to drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether.All electronic devices should be turned off at least 30 minutes before bed.melatonin production can be disrupted by the glow of electronic screens, making it harder to sleep at night.It is possible to find something relaxing to do before bed.Exercise may wake some people up, and may be best reserved for the morning.On weekends and days off, stick to the same sleep schedule.Going to bed and waking up at the same time each night is what that means.
Step 16: Live a healthy lifestyle.
Drugs and alcohol can impair your ability to succeed in school, affect your performance at work, and possibly get you into trouble with the law.Many people end up making poor decisions while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, which can lead to dependence, addiction, and other health problems.
Step 17: Don't smoke and use other tobacco products.
Tobacco is often used to relieve stress.Tobacco use can affect your ability to sleep at night and can lead to serious health problems.Second-hand smoke can cause health problems over time.Don't smoke to protect your health.