1. Manage Your Time 

Completing assignments and participating in class is key to a successful college career. However, the workload can become stressful and overwhelming, especially when you have other responsibilities outside of academia. My best advice to efficiently manage your workload is to create a living document that includes deadlines for all assignments, exams, and papers for the semester. Having a singular syllabus with assignments from all your courses can help you decide which task to focus on and plan how much time you need to complete specific assignments. 

2. The Academic Calendar Is Your Best Friend 

Whenever you are unsure about an approaching deadline for dropping a class, tuition refunds, campus closers, schedule swaps, or when registering for courses are set to open, you should always refer to the academic calendar. Hunter’s academic calendar is the most up-to-date and reliable resource for the current semester deadlines. Refer to it often to avoid any close calls! 

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help 

If you are ever struggling in a course, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors! They want you to succeed in their class and are usually open-minded and accommodating. Just be sure to inform professors of any issues during the semester as early as possible. Also, take advantage of office hours for further assistance with material proving to be difficult. And, especially, take advantage of the tutoring centers! 

4. Apply for an Internship 

Some majors require that you take an internship related to your field of study. Others don’t. Regardless, you should still make time for an internship related to your field of interest. Oftentimes, students entering the job market do not have the experience needed for even an entry-level position. The job market is competitive and challenging, so it’s best to have a leg up by gathering important experience now rather than later. Hunter offers many programs and resources to help get an internship. Handshake is a helpful tool to utilize. You can also schedule an appointment with a career counselor in the Career Center through Navigate to receive one-on-one assistance. CUNY also offers many internship program opportunities such as CUNY Cultural Corps, CUNY Spring Forward, and CUNY Career Launch. Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities while still attending college! 

5.  Socialize 

To avoid burning out, socialize and make some friends during your college experience! Try to attend events hosted by Student Activities ranging from fairs to game nights. Don’t be afraid to join a club here at Hunter to socialize with individuals who share similar interests. Also, reach out to students in your classes, especially in your major, as you will most likely see them again as you progress within your intended major. Academia and socialization can coexist, it just looks different for everybody, and that’s okay! Give yourself a break from time to time.