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Whether you decide to apply for college straight out of high school or take a little break in between, you’re bound to feel a little nervous. After all, the jump between high school and college is no doubt a big one - and you need to be prepared for whatever changes this throws your way - whether that means you move out of your parent’s house for the first time or have to develop new skills in research or academic writing.

However, despite the challenges that come alongside it, there is a lot of real value in higher education that lies outside of the grades you get or the reports you turn in. For example, at college, you can: 

• Grow at both a personal and professional level - discovering who you truly are.

• Make new friends and join a variety of clubs and societies. 

• Challenge yourself to try something new.

• Focus on studying a subject you genuinely love.

• Figure out precisely what kind of career is right for you.

• Make important professional connections. 

• Expand your worldview. 

Due to its importance, many people focus their energy on getting into college in the first place. However, it’s also important that you keep working hard once that acceptance letter has found its way to you - as you need to ensure that you are prepared for the work and journey that lies ahead, too. 

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to suitably prepare yourself for higher education! 

Get started on your reading list early. No matter what subject you choose to study at college - be that literature or business management, you’ll likely be given a length reading list ahead of time. While you will go over the materials in class and be given a date when you should complete the reading, getting started ahead of time is essential if you want to put your best foot forward. It can also help you develop your confidence in class, as you’ll have at least a base understanding of the subject.

Buying your books ahead of time also means you can look out for deals - saving yourself a great deal of money in the long run. Alternatively, you could check them out of the library ahead of time, meaning you won’t turn up on the week of the assignment to find that your peers have taken out the books.

Consider taking an AP class. Before attending college, many students may find themselves asking the question Should I take an AP exam? This is hardly surprising as not only will they look great on any application, as they demonstrate a unique level of skill and academic interest - they can sometimes help you obtain college credits before you even walk through the door. As a result, participating in an AP (advanced placement) class can help you gain an understanding of what a typical college class will be like.

Prepare for different styles of learning. In high school, you quickly get used to a certain style of learning and teaching - after all, many classes use the same format over and over again.  However, college classes often use a variety of different teaching styles and methodologies - meaning that you have to be prepared for different scenarios. For example, you will likely be taught by a variety of lectures, presentations, and smaller discussion groups (seminars). You should also prepare for the eventuality of online learning in some cases - as this continues to be the norm for teaching as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Choose your modules wisely. When it comes to obtaining your degree, you are given more academic freedom than ever before. For example, not only do you get to choose what subject you study - but you can also choose which specific topics you want to study within that course. Furthermore, many colleges encourage students to study modules in courses outside of their department to broaden their knowledge and skill set. However, it’s essential that you don’t choose a subject on the basis of it being fun or easy. Instead, think about whether or not it will present you with a challenge or help you obtain the skills you need to succeed in the future. For example, if you’re studying marketing full time, a minor in business management can help you gain the necessary skills that can help you obtain your dream job in the future. Remember, you’re going to spend a lot of money on your education, and you need to ensure this is a wise investment. Challenge yourself now to reap the rewards later. 

One way to make the decision process easier is by carefully reading the information pack for each class. Find out who is teaching the course and what their credentials are, what subjects are covered and what the reading list looks like - as this is the easiest way to gain an indication of what you should expect. You should also pay close attention to how the course is assessed so that you can ensure it aligns with your skillset. For example, if you tend to perform poorly on examinations, you may want to choose subjects where your grade is based upon a presentation or an essay instead of a sit-down exam, as this means you will likely get higher grades.

Brush up on your time management skills. Many students find that the biggest difference between higher education and any studying they have done previously is the freedom. However, while this is exciting, it also means that nobody is telling you when you should do work - and you need to motivate yourself, especially when you are working towards multiple deadlines at once. Therefore, you can suitably prepare for higher education by brushing up on your time management skills. Getting to grips with your time management early can save you a lot of stress in the long run - meaning that you won’t have to spend hours in the library on the night before your deadline. 

Introduce yourself to your tutors. If you are given the name or contact details of your professors ahead of time, then it is definitely worthwhile to reach out and introduce yourself to them. This means that you can start forming a relationship with them as early as possible- and they will be more likely to help you if you reach out in the future. Additionally, this gives you the chance to discuss your options with them and ask any questions you might have about the course or college life in general. The more advice you can take on, the better - as it will help you make more informed decisions. 

Set up the perfect study space. When it comes to studying, you need to ensure you have the perfect setup that enables you to focus on the work without any distractions. For example, if you need to concentrate for long periods of time - don’t try and work from your bed, no matter how comfy it may be. Instead, set up a desk and surround yourself with the tools you need to get the job done. This could include books, highlighters, pencils, and more.  Remember, while some people prefer to study in silence, others find it beneficial to listen to music when working - so take a little time to figure out what kind of environment allows you to thrive. If possible, turn off your phone during your allocated study hours - or at least put it on silent so that you aren't tempted to check it every few moments. 

Sign up for extracurricular activities. As mentioned previously, your degree is not the only thing you get out of attending college - and you can often develop a lot of important skills outside of your academic training - such as teamwork, leadership skills, and confidence. One way in which you can develop these transferable skills is by signing up for a range of extracurricular activities. Be sure to research ahead of time what clubs and societies operate at your college - and allocate a certain amount of time for them in your weekly schedule. If your ideal society isn’t already out there - consider launching your own - this will give you the chance to try something new and will look great on your resume. 

Find ways to destress. While managing your workload and studying is important, you should also ensure that you know exactly how you respond to stress ahead of time, as this will help you put the appropriate coping mechanisms in place. This means that you can avoid potential burnout, ensuring that you are always on top of your game.

Remember what your goals are. As mentioned before, college can be hard. There will be times when you will doubt your abilities, or feel as though the paper you are going to submit isn’t the best it could be. However, during this time, it’s important that you remember why you came to college in the first place and what your goals are. This can help you refocus your mind, putting you firmly on the path of success.