5 Mistakes to Avoid in College

College can be one of the biggest adventures a person will make in his or her life, yet it can also be overwhelming. There will be plenty of opportunity for new things, which can sometimes lead to new mistakes. Even though it’s okay to make mistakes, here are some things you can avoid to keep them to a minimum.

College Mistake #1: Be Someone You’re Not

• Remember that college is about figuring yourself out. Try not to get too involved in other people’s lifestyles. Spend your time focusing on your own college success.
• Visit the school you are considering before you enroll. Make sure it has everything you need and fits your personality, career or college goals.

College Mistake #2: Be Afraid to Try New Things

• Get involved on campus. From campus life to school activities, make sure the university you’re considering will allow you to embark on new social adventures.
• Don’t limit yourself. Allow yourself the chance to learn and do more to figure out what your “thing” is.
• A big thing that isn’t always stressed enough in college is searching for internship opportunities. Internships can help you prepare for life after college and get an idea of what it is you want out of your future. Don’t limit yourself to just on-campus activities. Do some research and see what else you can be doing to build your resume and get involved in your local community.

College Mistake #3: Do Something That’s Not the Right Fit for You

• It’s okay to remove yourself from something that may not be a good fit for you.
• Keep working on something you are truly passionate about even if there is a short-term roadblock.
• It’s okay to make mistakes. Trial and error is a great way to figure out when something is or isn’t the right fit for you.

College Mistake #4: Let Someone Else Worry About Your Finances

• Utilize your financial aid wisely
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from fellow students or faculty
• College success isn’t always based off of what you can do in the classroom; it’s also about applying what you learn in the classroom, to outside of the classroom. Don’t hesitate to apply for a job on or off campus to make extra money and expand your skill set.

College Mistake #5: Slack Off Instead of Working Hard in School

• Do not be a procrastinator: The earlier the work gets done, the more time you have to relax. Procrastination in school is one of the worst things you can do. Prioritize your schedule every week to stay on top of your work and to get everything done on time.
• Enjoy campus life, but do not become a party animal.
• Take advantage of any networking or internship opportunities because college is a great place to make connections in the business world.

Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes, but the most important thing is that you learn from your mistakes so you don’t make them again. Preventing yourself from making these mistakes again will only create greater success in college for you!