Top 11 Scary Mistakes Students Make in College

AcademicAlly, LLC: October 16, 2024

In the third of our series about scary mistakes, we thought it would be helpful to explore common mistakes college co-eds make. We hope this post sheds some light on the darkness that can fall because of these transgressions!

1. Procrastinating on Assignments and Studying: you have a lot (A LOT!!) going on in college. Social opportunities, personal relationships, academic requirements and obligations, phone calls or texts to your parents….the list seems to grow longer and longer every day. Putting off your assignments will paint you into a dark, cobwebbed corner if you’re not careful. This tactic will only lead to high stress, rushed and subpar work, and lower grades. Be mindful of your due dates. Calendar your assignments and tasks, including reminders to prevent you from forgetting. Break larger tasks into smaller chunks, calendar them, and complete them as you would a daily assignment. Do not delay!!

2. Skipping Classes: you’re tired, we get it. You’ll do anything for a few extra hours of sleep, so what’s the harm in skipping a class here and there? Doing so can result in missed content which will lead to gaps in your knowledge. You put yourself at risk of falling behind in classwork and assignments, which then, yep, you guessed it, results in lower grades. Be proactive and get in the habit of healthy sleep hygiene. Go to bed at a reasonable hour, so waking up isn’t so painful. In the end, you won’t feel the need to sneak in a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning.

3. Overcommitting to Social Activities: there is so much to do and so little time in which to get it all done! This club is having an event; your friends invited you to dinner and a movie; and your significant other asked you to help her with a long-term project. Set limits for yourself and others. Be reasonable with how much time and how often you are spending time with others. Be sure to save time for yourself so you can recuperate from the week’s demands. Be deliberate with the time you allocate for your own goals and schoolwork. Tap into those time management skills we have talked about so often! Prevent yourself from getting burned out.

4. Neglecting Self-Care: if you don’t look out for Number 1, nobody else will. It’s a tough less to learn as a young college student. Ignoring your personal health and wellness in favor of academic and social obligations can lead to illness, increased stress, and compromised mental health. All of which will lead to poor academic performance. Put your needs first. Eat well. Get sleep. Drink enough water. Exercise. Talk through your concerns. Take care of yourself.

5. Not Asking for Help: don’t be too proud or scared to ask for help. Your professors are there to teach you, not just in lecture, but “behind the scenes.” Take advantage of office hours with your TA’s and professors. Invite them to lunch to discuss the material. Ask a friend or classmate for help. Join a study group. It takes a strong and very self-aware individual to ask for help, and your instructors know this. They respect students who get the help they need, and if they see you are serious about your success, they may even be inclined to bend the rules and offer you an extension.

7. Ignoring Family Relationships: everyone’s relationship with their families is different, we get it. If you enjoy your family, toss out a text every once in a while. Schedule a regular FaceTime call. Send an email. Just let your family know you are alive and well, and if you feel like it, let them know what you have been up to. Though you may be away, you are never far from their minds and hearts.

8. Choosing a Major Based on Pressure: college is a time of exploration and self-discovery. What may appeal to your friends or family may not appeal to you. Use this time to take classes that interest you. Talk with people who work, teach, or research in the fields you are curious about. Failure to engage in this process can lead to low motivation for academic success, poor academic performance, and dissatisfaction with your chosen career path. What classes do you enjoy/despise? Where are you meeting with success? What fields will enable you to reach your personal, academic, and financial goals? What areas hold promise for the most growth? You do you, people will eventually fall in line behind you and support you.

9. Engaging in Risky Behaviors: college is a great time to spread your wings and try new things. However, it is critical that you use good judgement when doing so. Participating in risky behaviors can lead to dire consequences. Be careful with whom you spend your time. Tell someone where you are going if you are going alone. Don’t trust anyone when it comes to drinking-never drink an opened beverage of any kind. Don’t bend to social pressures to participate in something you don’t feel comfortable doing.

10.  Not Networking: college is the time to talk with all kinds of people. Establish relationships and maintain them. You never know when your relationship can prove valuable in the future. Talk with people who work in the industries you are interested in pursuing professionally. Participate in internships to learn more about these fields. Find a mentor or an opportunity to shadow someone in these areas. The more information you can collect, the more informed you can be when making your decisions for the future.

11. Failing to Use Campus Resources: your college campus is rich with resources. From your academic advisor, professors, and learning support centers to the career center, library, and writing and math centers, institutions of higher education are full of helpful resources that can enhance your success and your overall experience in college. Make an appointment or stop in to learn more about the services they each provide. Don’t be shy about asking for help: that’s what they are there for!

Here’s the Thing: these mistakes can be avoidable. You just need to be proactive. Pay attention to announcements you receive by email that relate to advisory meetings, campus resources, information sessions about majors, etc. Look out for yourself and make sure you are doing all you can to keep yourself safe and healthy. Find balance between work and play. These steps will help you to avoid some haunting situations!