You are probably thinking that you will party a lot once you go to college. However, if you desire success, then college should be different in reality. Before you have fun, apply yourself. This article can help you get your priorities in order so that you can have a well rounded college experience.

Devote as much time as you can to studying each day. When you work as hard as possible, you’ll reap great rewards. While you may be able to be social still, college needs to be treated like a job. Doing great in your classes will ensure that you make more money and have a better job.

Speak up often in your foreign language class. Speaking up and volunteering to write on the blackboard makes it easier for you to get a good grade. Foreign language instructors are looking at how much you improve during the term. They are not comparing you to other students. Speaking up helps your instructor evaluate you positively.

Learn how to write an essay using the “5 Paragraph Essay” format. This is a simple essay format that is often taught in elementary or middle school. Although it is simple to learn, it is invaluable in college. This format will help you easily get through most essay assignments.

Make sure to pay off your credit card balance each month if you have one. If not you will incur late fees and other penalties. The best practice is to only use the credit card if there is an emergency. Although you may be tempted to use them for entertainment purposes, avoid it. Don’t let yourself become distracted by financial woes.

Listen to your parents if they have input as to what major you should decide on. They are older and wiser than you are, and you should respect their opinion, especially if they are helping pay for your college education. However, just listen. Only follow their advice if you know in your heart that is right for you. It is your degree, regardless of who pays for it.

On the day of your exam, go to the bathroom ahead of time. This may sound self-explanatory, but there are so many things to remember on test day that it’s easy to forget. When testing, you want to eliminate as many distractions as you can and your bladder can be a big distraction.

If you are hesitating to choose a major, take a few classes in different areas of study. Through these classes, you can get an idea of which one is for you. By the time you’ve chosen your major, you may have enough credits for graduating with a couple minor concentrations to have a better degree.

Sleep a full eight hours before a big exam. If you deny yourself sleep, you’ll find that you are groggy and your brain won’t process all the information you need to remember in an efficient way. Your more than likely then to fail the exam, so don’t think you are doing yourself any favors with an all-nighter!

Go to social events during orientation so that you can get to know people. Lots of people move into buildings full of strangers when they arrive at college, and this can be an isolating experience at first. The quicker you start getting to know others, the quicker you’ll be able to start fitting in.

College isn’t just party time despite what the movies portray. You can have fun, but the most important thing is to focus on the school work. The advice in this piece can pave the way to academic achievement as well as a lively, exciting lifestyle.