Jessica's Corner Hi! I'm Jessica and am currently attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale majoring in Zoology. From the year and a half I have spent living the college student life, I know first hand how hard it is at times. From my personal experience, I have compiled a few tips and guidelines that could help throughout your journey. Some of them might be a little hard to follow at first, but just try a few out and see how they effect your life as a student!

Feel free to E-mail me at jessicascorner@studentformula.com with questions, comments, or other student tidbits that you would like to see posted. Thanks and good luck!

Tips for college students

1. Get enough sleep.

Sleeping is probably the number one reason why college students don't make it to class. That leads to dropping grades. At least seven to eight hours of sleep a night is needed for sufficient rest.

Helpful sleeping tips:

-Take a power nap. A 10-15 minute nap in the mid-afternoon should leave you feeling more refreshed to finish up your day.

-Soothing music. Putting on soothing, calm music before you go to sleep at night might help you relax and release some tension, which might otherwise prevent you from sleeping.

-Early morning shower to start your day. A lot of students take their showers at night because that is the only time they have to do it. Set your alarm 20 minutes early and take your shower in the morning. It will leave you feeling refreshed and awake for your day to come.

-No pajamas to class. Every student has worn pajamas to class at some point. And what do they feel when they are sitting in class? Comfortable and sleepy. Wear regular pants and tops to classes so you won't be tempted to nod off during those long lectures.

2. Don't eat too many carbs.

Eating too much carbs leaves you feeling tired and gloomy. Try eating the bulk of your daily carbs after class.

Helpful tips to eat less carbs:

-Veggies. Try eating more vegetables than you would carbs. It will give you a boost of energy that is much needed for a day of classes.

3. Just TRY and study!

Studying for each class for just 15-20 minutes a day helps wonders. Small intervals of study time help the brain absorb info much longer.

Helpful hints to for studying:

-Get on a schedule. Make a certain time everyday study time. You will get in a habit of studying everyday after a few weeks.

4. Read the textbooks for your classes.

Many college students think, well if I go to class then I don't need to read the book. Wrong. Much of the info taught in class is just a small portion of what is in the textbook. You can count on your teacher putting material from the book on the test.

5. Do your own work!

It's very easy to do homework with a group and all turn it in with the same answers. Teachers will notice this and you can either be marked down, or some universities will even expel you for plagiarism.

6. Exercise.

Many college students' hectic schedule leaves them no time to exercise. Just a 20-minute walk three times a week does wonders for energy throughout the week.

7. Don't procrastinate.

It is very tempting to wait until the night before to write that five page paper. But don't. Instructors have a knack for knowing who waits till the last minute and who doesn't for papers. Your grade will reflect your motivation.

8. Take a breather every once in a while.

Leave some "me" time for yourself. Many students, especially freshman get very stressed and sometimes depressed over school. Don't worry all time! Light a few candles, play some music, hop in the bath, and relax!

9. Know how to do your laundry.

Many students already know how to do their laundry but a large number don't. Go ask mom or dad to show you how. It will come in handy.

10. Live in the dorm for at least one year of your college life.

Dorm life is an experience in itself. No college career can be complete with out knowing and living the dorm life. You will make new life long friends and make great memories.

11. Don't let partying take over your life.

Many students party Wednesday thru Sunday; Thus, missing half the week's classes. Drinking and partying is a huge reason why students fail or drop out of school. Excessive drinking can also lead to alcoholism, which is surprisingly common throughout campuses. Limit your party going to one or two days a week, specifically on the weekends.